Headers and footers just started printing weird characters instead of my info that was set up and wo

[THR-Denver]

Without warning or any issue with printer, it started printing random characters in the Headers and Footers rather than the info I have had set up for years. 

And do not believe I have ever had this problem with topic.  Only use HP printers for 35 years (at least).

Now can't find how to reset the content in my Hdrs/Ftrs.  Search engine has NOT FOUND ANY REFERENCE IN HELP EITHER!!!

Do I need to buy some other printer now?  If HP cannot provide answers to such simple questions -- what do I do?  I currently have 3 HP printers working in my office and just THE NEWEST ONE has this problem. 

[Nal_NR]

Hi @THR-Denver,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Do not worry, I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are facing issues with print quality.

Step 1: Cancel the print job

Cancel the print job before performing a printer reset.

In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

Under Hardware and Sound, click View devices and printers.

Double-click the printer icon, and then double-click See What's Printing.

The print queue opens.

Click the print job you want to cancel, and then click Document.

Click Cancel, and then click Yes to confirm the selection.

NOTE:

If the lights on the printer continue to blink after you cancel the print job, the computer is still sending the job to the printer. Either delete the job from the print queue or wait until the computer finishes sending information. The printer returns to its ready state.

Continue to the next step.

Step 2: Reset the printer

Resetting the printer can often resolve printing issues.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

Unplug the power cord from the power source.

Wait 60 seconds.

Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

NOTE:

HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor to automatically identify and resolve the issue.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Print from another program

Print from a software application other than the one where the issue occurs to make sure the issue is not related to specific software.

Open any software application other than the software where the issue occurs. For example, if you used image viewing software when the issue occurred, try opening a word processing software application such as Microsoft Word.

Open a file in the new software, or create a new file for this step.

Print the file.

If the document in the alternate software prints successfully, do not continue troubleshooting. The software where the issue occurs might be the cause. Continue to print from different software, or contact the software manufacturer for help.

If the document in the alternate software also exhibits the garbled text issue, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Connect the printer directly to the computer

If your printer is connected to your computer over a network or through a USB hub, connect the printer directly to the computer with a USB cable.

If your printer is connected to a wireless network, turn off the wireless signal.

Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.

Restart the printer by turning the power off, and then back on.

Connect the USB cable directly from the printer to the computer.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Service the printer

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
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!

[Nal_NR]

Hi @THR-Denver,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Do not worry, I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are facing issues with print quality.

Step 1: Cancel the print job

Cancel the print job before performing a printer reset.

In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

Under Hardware and Sound, click View devices and printers.

Double-click the printer icon, and then double-click See What's Printing.

The print queue opens.

Click the print job you want to cancel, and then click Document.

Click Cancel, and then click Yes to confirm the selection.

NOTE:

If the lights on the printer continue to blink after you cancel the print job, the computer is still sending the job to the printer. Either delete the job from the print queue or wait until the computer finishes sending information. The printer returns to its ready state.

Continue to the next step.

Step 2: Reset the printer

Resetting the printer can often resolve printing issues.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

Unplug the power cord from the power source.

Wait 60 seconds.

Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

NOTE:

HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor to automatically identify and resolve the issue.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Print from another program

Print from a software application other than the one where the issue occurs to make sure the issue is not related to specific software.

Open any software application other than the software where the issue occurs. For example, if you used image viewing software when the issue occurred, try opening a word processing software application such as Microsoft Word.

Open a file in the new software, or create a new file for this step.

Print the file.

If the document in the alternate software prints successfully, do not continue troubleshooting. The software where the issue occurs might be the cause. Continue to print from different software, or contact the software manufacturer for help.

If the document in the alternate software also exhibits the garbled text issue, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Connect the printer directly to the computer

If your printer is connected to your computer over a network or through a USB hub, connect the printer directly to the computer with a USB cable.

If your printer is connected to a wireless network, turn off the wireless signal.

Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.

Restart the printer by turning the power off, and then back on.

Connect the USB cable directly from the printer to the computer.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Service the printer

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
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!