Drivers

[DeDe-65]

When printing checks on my HP507 only the MICR lines moves. Could this be a driver issue?

[Raqeeb26]

Hi @DeDe-65 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.

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

Basically, @DeDe-65  when printing checks, especially the MICR line (the special characters at the bottom), the problem is almost never a standard hardware failure. The issue you're seeing—where only the MICR line prints, or it "moves" (meaning it prints in the wrong position)—points directly to a communication breakdown between your check printing software, the printer driver, and the MICR font itself.

Lets go step by step to fix this issue:

Cause 1: Printer Alignment in Your Check Software (Most Likely Fix)

If by "moves" you mean the MICR line is printing, but it's in the wrong location (too high, too low, or not aligned with the check boxes), this is an alignment calibration issue within your check printing software.¹

The driver is sending the data, but the software's layout is incorrect.

Solution: Re-run the Printer Alignment Setup in your software.

• If you use QuickBooks:

  1. Go to File --> Printer Setup.

  2. In the "Form Name" dropdown, select Check/PayCheck.

  3. Click the Align button.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to print a sample grid. You will then enter the numbers on the grid to nudge the MICR line (and other fields) horizontally and vertically until it lines up perfectly with your check stock.

• If you use other software (e.g., VersaCheck): Look for a "Printer Settings," "Print Alignment," or "Calibrate" option within the software's preferences.

Cause 2: Wrong Printer Driver (The "MICR Font" Issue)

If by "only the MICR line" you mean the rest of the check (payee, amount, etc.) is blank, this is a classic font or driver problem.

MICR printing requires a special MICR font. Standard HP drivers (like PCL or PostScript) do not have this font. Your check printing software sends a command to the printer: "Switch to MICR font." The printer obeys, prints the MICR line, but then fails to switch back to a normal font (like Arial or Times New Roman) to print the rest of the check.

Solutions (Try in this order):

1. Use a TROY Driver: The HP M507 is a standard office printer. For secure check printing, it is almost always modified by a company called TROY Group.If your printer is a TROY model (it may have a TROY logo), you must use the specific TROY driver from the TROY Group website, not the standard HP driver.

2. Use the "Generic / Text Only" Driver: This is a common workaround. It strips out all complex formatting commands and sends plain text, which can force the check software to control the layout properly.

   • In Windows, go to Add a printer.

   • Select "The printer that I want isn't listed."

   • Choose "Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings."

   • Select your printer's port (e.g., IP_192.168.1.100).

   • For the driver, select Generic as the Manufacturer, and then Generic / Text Only as the Printer.

   • Give it a new name (like "M507 Check Printer") and try printing from your software again.

Cause 3: Missing MICR Font on the Printer

For high-volume check printing, many TROY-modified printers store the MICR font on a special USB drive or DIMM module plugged directly into the printer. If the printer loses power or is reset, it can sometimes "lose" this font, leading to the exact problem you describe.

Solution: Reload the Font / Power Cycle

1. Hard Reset: Turn the printer off. Unplug it from the wall for 60 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on. This forces it to reload all fonts from its internal memory or any installed modules.

2. Check for Font Module: Check the USB port on the printer (often near the control panel or back) for a small USB drive. Ensure it is securely seated. If this module was removed, the printer cannot print MICR.

3. Reload Font: If you have a font utility from your check software or TROY, you may need to re-download the font to the printer.

Please , do let me know if you need any other assistance, will be happy to assist you 🙂
I hope you have a good day ahead,
And Feel free to ask any other queries as well.