"The photo tray is blocked", but it actually isn't.

[brettmsaks]

I am getting the same error message as hundreds of others:  "The photo tray is blocked.  Please adjust the tray and try again."

I have tried every suggested solution.  I have removed the printer from my system and re-installed.  I have cleaned the spooler.  I have taken the input tray, the photo tray, and the output tray out.  Nothing worked.

This appears to be a very common software issue.

I keep reading the same suggestions in this forum, but no other solution.  I paid $219,99 for this printer just 20 months ago.  Will HP stand by this product or not?

[Irfan_06]

Hi @brettmsaks,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

I see that you are facing an issue with your Printer.

Follow the below steps to fix this issue.

Restart the printer

1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

2. Wait 60 seconds.

3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

4. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.

Make sure that the input tray is completely closed

1. Grasp the handle on the input tray, and then pull the tray toward you to open it.

   Figure : Pull out the input tray

2. Close the input tray by pushing it into the printer until it locks into place.

   Figure : Push in the input tray

Check for obstructions that prevent the input tray from closing

1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer.

2. Grasp the handle on the input tray, and then pull the tray toward you to open it.

   Figure : Pull to open the paper tray

3. Remove any loose sheets of paper from the input tray or any paper that blocks the photo tray.

4. Remove the output tray, and then set it aside.

   Figure : Remove the output tray

5. Turn the printer onto its right side so you can access its underside.

6. Check the gap where the input tray was. Remove any loose paper or other obstructions in the gap. If any paper is jammed inside the gap, grasp the paper with both hands, and then pull the paper slowly but firmly toward you to remove it. Gently remove any jammed paper and bits of torn paper.

   Figure : Turn the printer onto its right side, and then remove any obstructions

      CAUTION:

   Remove paper from the gap as carefully as possible. If any torn pieces of paper remain inside the printer, a paper jam is likely to occur, which could damage the print mechanism.

7. Turn the printer back over to its normal position, and then reinsert the input tray, pushing it into the printer until it locks into place.

   Figure : Push in the paper tray

      NOTE:

   The tray clicks into place when it is completely closed, and the printer makes noise.

8. Grasp the output tray by the sides, and then replace the output tray onto the input tray.

9. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.

10. Wait until the printer finishes warming up, and then check the control panel to see if the error message has cleared.

 Make sure the photo tray is seated correctly

1. Make sure the printer is positioned on a flat surface.

2. Push in the output tray extender.

3. Pull out the input tray, but do not remove it.

4. Remove the output tray.

5. 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.

6. Reinstall the output tray, and then make sure the edges line up with the input tray.

7. Try to print.

Here is the HP document for your reference:- Click here

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!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support