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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Paper Jams & Feed Issues
- my desk jet 4200e printer is feeding the paper down wonky in...

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03-24-2025 04:23 AM
My printer is feeding paper down into the printer wonky and this is then causing a paper jam E4 error. I have been through all the steps to restart the printer, clear any blockages, there were none, and cleaned the rollers. It is still feeding it down on one side and then jamming. paper comes out crumpled
03-27-2025 06:57 AM
@kate1691, Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP DeskJet 4220e is pulling paper in unevenly and causing an E4 (paper jam) error, despite clearing blockages and cleaning the rollers, the issue likely stems from roller misalignment, worn rollers, or obstructions in the paper path. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps:
Check the Paper Stack & Tray
>Use high-quality paper that is not too thin, curled, or damp.
>Fan the paper before loading to prevent sheets from sticking.
>Align the paper properly in the tray, making sure it sits flush and does not exceed the paper guide lines.
>Adjust the paper guides so they lightly touch the paper but do not bend it.
Inspect the Rollers Again
>Open the printer and carefully check the rollers inside. If any roller appears worn out, slick, or loose, it may need replacement.
>If possible, manually rotate the rollers with a lint-free cloth and some distilled water to check for irregular movement.
>If the rollers feel loose or misaligned, they may need adjustment by an HP service technician.
Check for Hidden Debris or Paper Dust
>Even if you don’t see any paper pieces, sometimes tiny bits of torn paper or dust get stuck inside.
>Use a flashlight to carefully check deep inside the printer for debris.
>Blow compressed air gently inside to remove dust buildup.
Perform a Printer Reset
>Unplug the printer while it is turned on.
>Wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
>Turn the printer back on and check if it feeds paper correctly.
Try a Different Paper Type
>Try using a different brand or thickness of paper to see if the issue persists.
Perform a Printer Hardware Diagnostic
>Print Quality Diagnostic Page or Paper Feed Test from the HP Smart App or the printer control panel. Running this test can help determine if the rollers are at fault.
You may refer to this document - HP DeskJet Printers - E4 (Paper jam) error | HP® Support
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Max3Aj
HP Support