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HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 11

The document feeder will not feed even though it sounds like the rollers are functioning. The message states that the document feeder could not feed the sheets.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @Ernie881 

 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

 

It sounds like your HP printer's document feeder is having trouble picking up and feeding sheets, despite the rollers making noise. This can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Paper Jams or Obstructions

  • Paper Jam: Even if you don’t see a visible jam, there may still be small pieces of paper or debris inside the document feeder. Check for any stuck paper or foreign objects in the feeder tray or along the paper path.
  • Remove any visible debris: Gently pull out any stuck paper from the document feeder or inside the printer.

2. Clean the Rollers

  • Over time, dust, ink, or paper debris can build up on the rollers, causing them to slip and not pick up the paper properly. You can clean the rollers by:
    • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
    • Open the document feeder cover.
    • Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol works well).
    • Gently wipe the rollers to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Be careful not to press too hard or damage the rollers.

3. Align the Paper Correctly

  • Make sure the paper in the feeder is loaded properly. The paper should be neatly aligned and not bent.
  • Check the paper tray guides: Ensure the side guides are snug against the paper to prevent misfeeding. Paper that’s not properly aligned or is too thick/thin can cause feeding problems.

4. Check for Incorrect Paper Type or Size

  • Ensure the paper you're trying to scan is compatible with your printer's document feeder. Some printers are sensitive to the weight or thickness of the paper.
  • Double-check that the paper size setting in the printer matches the size of the paper you are using.

5. Perform a Printer Reset

  • Sometimes, resetting the printer can help clear any temporary errors. To reset:
    • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
    • Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    • Plug the printer back in and power it on.

6. Test with a Different Set of Paper

  • Try using a different batch of paper. Sometimes, the paper may be too damp or have uneven edges, which could cause the feeder to malfunction.

7. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers

  • Check for any firmware or driver updates for your HP printer, as software-related issues could also cause problems with the document feeder. Visit the HP support website for the latest updates.

8. Check for Error Messages

  • If the printer still isn't feeding documents after trying these steps, check the printer's display or control panel for more specific error codes or messages. Sometimes, the printer will give additional clues that can help troubleshoot the issue.

9. Perform a Document Feeder Calibration (if available)

  • Some HP printers have a calibration function for the document feeder. Check your printer’s maintenance settings to see if this option is available. Calibrating the feeder can help resolve paper feeding issues.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

.
Sneha_01- HP support
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