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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Paper Jams & Feed Issues
- Photo tray blocked

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06-07-2023 09:16 PM
Printer (HP Envy Inspire 7900e) was set up 2 days ago and working fine. All of a sudden it will not take paper anymore and I’m getting an alert saying Photo tray problem - The photo tray is blocked please adjust the tray and try again. It is also making a horrible noise along with this before the alert pops up. I am not even trying to print photos, it won’t take normal paper from the input tray.
I have done every single YouTube video possible and there are no paper jams or anything. I am so frustrated. Please help.
06-11-2023 11:31 AM
Hi @jp10251,
Welcome to the HP Support Community
I understand you are facing an Instant Ink Cartridge issue with your HP Printer. Not to worry I will help you to get a resolution to resolve the issue.
To assist better:
- Was there any recent update on the printer prior to the issue?
- Is the blue light solid on the printer?
While you respond to that, Let's perform a power drain:
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Remove the USB cable, if present.
- Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.
- Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord (This is important) and then plug back the power cord to the printer.
- Turn on the printer and wait till the warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle
Update the printer firmware
- Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your product
- Click here to know different methods of updating the printer firmware.
Make sure the photo tray is seated correctly
This error can occur if the printer trays are installed incorrectly. Make sure the printer is located on a flat surface, and then make sure the photo tray moves smoothly within the paper tray guides.
Make sure the printer is positioned on a flat surface.
Push in the output tray extender.
Pull out the input tray, but do not remove it.
Remove the output tray.
Make sure the photo tray is seated correctly, and that the photo tray guide tabs (grey) are sliding beneath the main tray guides (black) on both the left and right side of the input tray.
If they are not in the correct position, gently move the photo tray to align the tab gaps, and then gently press the tabs back into position.
The photo tray should move freely with no resistance.
Reinstall the output tray, and then make sure the edges line up with the input tray.
Try to print.
If the error persists, try printing or copying a document with the output tray removed.
Reset the product
With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
Turn the printer on. HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.
Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
07-04-2023 10:12 AM
Really? "It is also making a horrible noise along with this before the alert pops up." and you think it's a problem with Instant Ink Cartridge???? This has been an issue for several years now and all that has been offered to fix it is Make sure the photo tray is seated correctly which is never the real problem and never fixes the issue. I'm just hoping that my paper tray gear cracks before my warranty expires.
07-04-2023 10:27 AM
I've stumbled upon a "fix" that may help. Lift the printer by lifting the paper tray (fully inserted) and place a "shim" about 3/8" under the left side of the tray. Usually this works (sometimes right away, sometimes after 1 or 2 grinding errors).