Deskjet F4580 won't align new cartridge

[JayTee56]

My Deskjet F4580 has worked fine for several years. Changed the black cartridge this week (HP 300XL) since when I have been unable to align the cartridge. I get this error message "Computer is unable to establish two-way communication with the device." 

The printer test page prints fine, but pdfs and word docs show a misalignment of the black versus the coloured heads, so they are fuzzy and out of focus.

I have restarted both pc & printer (at different & the same time), unplugged printer and USB  cable; and subsequently changed the cable. I have uninstalled the s/w & reinstalled the full version from 123.hp; I have tried connecting by WiFi (successfully connected, but no maintenance tasks allowed) and started all over again with a full uninstall & clean reinstall.

I tried using HP Smart and HP Solution Center, at different times.

I have run out of ideas. What's suggested please?

Nothing I have done has enabled me to align the print heads.

[Betty0610]

@JayTee56

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Try the steps from here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-deskjet-f4500-all-in-one-printer-series/3944755/model/394475...

Try a firmware update: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02919168

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Accept as solution" button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[JayTee56]

Hi Betty0610. Thanks for the suggestions, appreciate someone taking the time to help.

I have tried both without success. 

• Control panel (printers with menus): No control panel on the F4580.
• HP Smart app: Message asking me to use the full-featured app. (Reinstalled Solution Center yesterday - revisited today, same problem, no maintenance tasks possible).
• HP Printer Assistant (Windows): (HP Support Assistant?) - ran through the range of suggestions I'd previously tried (listed on previous message).
• Firmware update: There is no firmware update available.

I also tried HP Print and Scan Doctor - which gave me the option of printing a different test sheet. From this, I could see that the black print head was out of alignment with the grey and colours. Clicking the 'align printheads' option didn't seem to have any effect (no feedback nor indication of activity).

I still get the "Computer is unable to establish two-way communication with the device." response however I try to undertake printer maintenance.

Any other thoughts please?

[Betty0610]

If you insert your old ink back, do you still get the error message?

[JayTee56]

Hi, thanks again.

I tried removing/replacing old cartridge. I didn't even get the option of aligning 'as if new'.

I cleared down all the software/drivers and all references to the printer on my pc, then started as if from new. Same problem.

I then replaced the cartridge with a brand new 300XL black. This time, the alignment sheet printed (& was then scanned).

However, the problem persists. The test page prints fine, a 'real' page e.g. a PDF page, prints with black & grey offset, therefore looking fuzzy. The error message "Computer is unable to establish two-way communication with the device." still prevents me from adjusting the alignment - nor do I see ink levels in the solution center.

I've run out of ideas!

[Betty0610]

Let's try a reset on this Printer.

I have sent you a private message, for more details that cannot be shared in a public post.

Please do check your inbox on the forums page for the private message.

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

[JayTee56]

Thanks @Betty0610. Appreciate you continuing to investigate. I've replied to the PM directly.
Jaytee56