Ghost printing

[JL1985]

User gets random print jobs like the following throughout the day.  I have tried different drivers and I have done a factory reset on the printer and the issue is still happening.

POST /ipp/print HTTP/l-. 1
Connection: Keep-A1ive
Content-T)4)e: appl- i cat. ion/ ipp
User-Agent: Windows Internet. Print Provider
Content-Length: 571
Host: localhost
@OG0 at.tributes * charset.tut f - SHttribut.es -nat.uraI - fanguagegenBprinter -uri I ipp : / / 1o

[Raqeeb26]

Hi @JL1985 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.

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

You are dealing with two distinct printing issues on your HP Color LaserJet M553, both of which require separate solutions: a Network/Software Error (the garbage prints) and a Print Quality Error (ghost images).

Since you've done a factory reset and tried drivers, we need to focus on hardware communication and consumables.

1. Fix the Network Error: Stop the Random POST /ipp/print Jobs

The random pages printing with network protocol headers (POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1) is the printer misinterpreting network data as a print job. This is almost always caused by using a flawed port type (like WSD or the faulty IPP protocol).

Solution A: Change the Printer Port (Mandatory Step)

1. Get the Printer's IP Address: Find the current IP Address on the M553's control panel (Network/Configuration menu).

2. Create a Standard TCP/IP Port:

   • On the Windows 10 PC, go to Control Panel --> Devices and Printers.

   • Right-click the M553 icon --> Printer Properties (not "Properties").

   • Go to the Ports tab.

   • Click Add Port... --> select Standard TCP/IP Port --> New Port...

   • Enter the printer's IP Address and complete the wizard.

   • Ensure the checkbox is ticked next to the new Standard TCP/IP Port you just created.

   • Click Apply and OK.

Solution B: Update the Printer's Firmware (Highly Recommended)

Even if the port fix works, outdated firmware often harbors bugs related to network protocols (like IPP/WSD) that can cause this specific issue.

Here is the link below :

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-color-laserjet-enterprise-m553-series/7087331

2. Fix the Print Quality Error: Eliminate Ghost Images

If the random jobs stop, but the faint, repeated "ghost images" remain, the issue is hardware-related—specifically, a fault with a consumable component.

A. Identify the Failing Component

• Measure the distance between the leading edge of the ghost image and the leading edge of the original image.

• For the M553, a distance of approximately 3.7 cm (1.5 inches) points to a fault in the Toner Cartridge (the imaging drum inside the cartridge).

• A larger, fixed distance (check the service manual, but typically approx approx 7.5 cm/3.0 in) points to the Fuser Unit.

B. Toner Cartridge Check (Most Common Cause)

If the ghost distance matches the toner cartridge circumference:

• Toner Quality: If you are using third-party/refilled toner, the image drum coating may be worn or defective. Try replacing one or all cartridges with genuine HP toner to rule this out.

• Toner Age: Even genuine cartridges wear out. Check the toner level/status to ensure the imaging drum life hasn't been exceeded.

C. Paper Type Adjustment (Fuser Check)

If the fuser is running too cool, it leaves residual toner that ghosts on the next rotation.

1. In your Windows Printing Preferences for the M553.

2. Go to the Paper/Quality or Advanced settings.

3. Temporarily change the Paper Type setting from "Plain" to "Heavyweight" or "Cardstock."

4. Print a test page.

5. If the ghosting disappears, it confirms the fuser temperature was too low for your media. You may need to replace the fuser unit (maintenance kit) if changing the setting does not fully resolve the issue.

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.