OfficeJet 7740 Pro Printer issues using MS Publsher (& LibreOffice Draw) in Windows 11

[Lloyd_Thrower]

I recently built a new computer and finally adopted Windows 11.  I downloaded and installed HP Software for my OfficeJet Pro 7740.  Instead of the OfficeJet Pro 7740 Printer Assistant (used in Win 10 on old computer), I now have the HP Smart application.  I use this printer to print large pages (A3) in MS Publisher.  The printer drivers do not work properly.  All box shapes and fonts are rendered very badly.  Vertical lines are vertical; however, all horizontal lines are "zigzaggy".  I tried printing an image and it came out the same way - i.e. horizontal dimension "zigzaggy".  I tried printing file using LibreOffice Draw and had the same issue.  I can print the same fonts in the same sizes in Word, Office or PowerPoint with no problem.  Suggestions????

(BTW, everything still prints fine on old Win10 computer with old drivers.  I just can't keep that one going for long)

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Lloyd_Thrower 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It seems you're experiencing printing issues with large pages (A3) using your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer in Windows 11, particularly with MS Publisher and LibreOffice Draw. Here are some steps you can take to address these issues:

Step 1: Update Printer Drivers

Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers for your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740. You can download and install the latest drivers from the HP Support website.

 

Step 2: Use the Correct Printer Settings

When printing from MS Publisher or LibreOffice Draw, ensure that you have the correct printer settings:

MS Publisher:

• Go to File > Print.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 printer from the list.
• Click on Printer Properties or Preferences.
• Ensure the paper size is set to A3 and adjust any other settings as needed.

LibreOffice Draw:

• Go to File > Print.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 printer from the list.
• Click on Properties.
• Ensure the paper size is set to A3 and adjust any other settings as needed.

 

Step 3: Firmware Update

Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer. Updating the firmware can resolve compatibility issues with newer operating systems:

1. Visit HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads.
2. Enter your printer model (HP OfficeJet Pro 7740).
3. Download any available firmware updates and follow the instructions to install them.

 

Step 4: Use HP Smart App

Since you mentioned that the HP Smart app has replaced the OfficeJet Pro 7740 Printer Assistant in Windows 11, make sure that it is properly configured:

1. Open the HP Smart app.
2. Add your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 printer if it’s not already listed.
3. Use the app’s tools to print a test page and ensure that communication between the printer and computer is working correctly.

 

Step 5: Configure Advanced Printer Settings

For better control over your print jobs, you might need to configure advanced printer settings:

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 printer and select Printer Properties.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and configure any necessary settings.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Lloyd_Thrower]

Thanks for the list of standard checks.  I had actually already done all of them. I tried one more thing just for kicks....  I set up a new Publisher file that was standard letter sized.  It printed fine.  No issues.  I only have issues printing large sizes. Unfortunately, large sizes are my requirement - and why I have this printer. 

Reviewing you list below.

1. My print drivers are fully up-to-date

2. MS Publisher settings are correct.  Should be printing on A3 paper in landscape mode.

3. My printer firm ware is up-to-date

4. I am using the HP Smart App.  I have scoured through it thoroughly and can find no settings that need changing. As long as I am printing 8.5 x 11 stuff everything works in every program.  It all falls apart on larger stuff.

Frankly, I wish I had my old HP OfficeJet 7740 Printer Assistant back.  I have it on my old, soon to be decommissioned Win 10 computer.  Everything works great on that computer. 

5.  I've checked printer settings in Control Panel. They are fine.  BTW, your navigation instructions to get to the right place are out-of-date / incompatible with Windows 11.

What's next?????

[Lloyd_Thrower]

To be clear, the recommended checks have NOT resolved my problem!

[Hawks_Eye]

@Lloyd_Thrower 

Thanks for sticking with this—your persistence is impressive, and I completely understand how frustrating it is when a printer that’s supposed to handle wide-format jobs just won’t cooperate.

Based on everything you’ve tried (and you’ve covered a lot), the issue seems tied specifically to how the printer handles A3-sized output—and you’re not alone. Others have reported similar problems with jagged or zigzag lines when printing on A3, even when everything works perfectly on letter-sized paper.

Here are a few additional steps and insights that might help move things forward:

🧪 Try the Basic Driver Instead of HP Smart

Some users have found success by switching to the Basic IT Professional Driver for the OfficeJet 7740:

• Go to the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 driver page.
• Under Driver-Product Installation Software, look for “Basic Driver – IT Professional Use Only.”
• Download and install it, then set it as your default printer.

This driver bypasses some of the Smart App’s limitations and may handle A3 rendering more accurately.

🖨 Adjust Print Quality and Paper Settings

In your print dialog:

• Set Paper Size to A3 and Paper Type to “HP Matte Presentation Paper” or “Other Inkjet Paper.”
• Set Print Quality to “Best” or “Maximum DPI.”
• Disable any scaling or fit-to-page options.

This can help reduce distortion caused by driver misinterpretation of large-format layout data.

🛠 Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

1. Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer.
2. Enter the printer’s IP address into your browser to open the EWS.
3. Check under Settings > Paper Handling or Advanced for any overrides or default paper mismatches.

🧼 Clean and Align Printheads Again (Yes, Even If You Did It)

Some users have reported that multiple alignment cycles—especially after switching drivers—can help recalibrate for A3 output.

You’ve done everything right so far—let’s see if this driver swap and a few tweaks can finally get your wide-format prints looking the way they should.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Lloyd_Thrower 

Apologies for jumping in unannounced.

This is a one time jump in and jump out.

We do not normally interfere with any agent answers or threads.

Keep in mind that all of the following is provided "Best Intention - FYI"

OK -

• (Re)check that Tray and Paper - See the example that shows how to use EWS to view / modify Paper Size / Type.
• The full driver printer software is available for Windows 11 and this printer.
• IMPORTANT >> After you have verified / modified Tray and Paper and installed the printer software, (re)check Printer Properties to ensure the HP driver is selected as opposed to the Microsoft / IPP drivers.
• HP Smart is designed to print PDF and Photos / Images.   Like other apps and software, HP Smart depends on Tray and Paper settings to support the job setup for Paper Size / Type choices.  HP Smart might print your Publisher document if that document is Exported to PDF format. 
• Microsoft Publisher and other Microsoft documents can print to the printer using the full driver printer software as a foundation.   LIbreOffice is likewise supported by the full driver.

Details / Examples

=====================================

Load Media 

Remove and then again load your supported paper into the printer's intake Tray.

Not sure which paper is supported? 

Scroll down and check the Media Specifications 

Reference 

 User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 7740

Large paper -- Starting on Page 16

=====================================

Printer - EWS - Tray and Paper

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Reminder:  If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – the default number is generally located on the back or inside the printer.

EWS – Tray and Paper Management

Original EWS

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model and EWS version Dependent:  Advanced section

Click Apply to save changes

EWS_9025_Preferences_Tray_and_Paper_Management_All_13

=====================================

Printer Software 

If you have not yet done so, (re)install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver generally adds at one, possibly least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and/or HP Scan.

NOTES:  

HP Scan is not installed if the printer does not support Scan.

The Printer Assistant is not installed if the type of full driver software does not support it.

 If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, Fax software is installed to support the setup and use of the Fax driver.

No Sign-in required to use full driver printer software.

Reinstalling?

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features. 

  Reference:  Uninstall HP printer software and drivers / HP Smart

• If your printer software includes a separate "Help" segment in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.
• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Webpage - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

In general, the web pack should load -

Download package > Save > Right-Click on the installation Package > Run as Administrator

If / When asked, opt for the Full Driver / Full Software to be installed.

Using USB?  (Re)Connect when instructed to do so.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= 

Shortcuts on the Desktop

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one or more shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

• Printer Assistant – Where still supported as part of the full driver printer software
• HP Scan – Shortcut on Desktop named for the printer model

OR

• HP Scan Assistant – For those printers that no longer provide the Printer Assistant
• HP Scan - Shortcut named for itself

AND / OR

• When installed, HP Universal Scan software adds a separate self-named “HP Scan” shortcut
• NOTE >> If you install the full driver printer software, installing HP Universal Scan as a standalone software from category Software & Drivers is not necessary.  The system will allow you to install both.

Printer Assistant shortcut > Print, Scan & Fax > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Or

HP Scan Assistant shortcut > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Desktop Shortcuts

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_9

Example - Programs and Features - Installed Printer Software

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_20

=====================================

Printer Properties

Windows - Printer Properties - Driver Selection

Microsoft / IPP Class drivers do not provide full access to the printer features.

Install the Full Feature Software for the printer and then check Printer Properties

 Check that Printer Properties are correctly selecting the HP Driver.

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer >

Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Top section

Driver:  Check that the HP driver is selected as opposed to the Microsoft / IPP class driver

General Example - Printer Properties > Tab Advanced - Driver = HP / Reprint settings

Printer_Properties_Reprint_6

=====================================

Job Configuration

I have exactly one Microsoft Publishers example -- and it shows none of what you are doing.

The example does illustrate the main print menu where you can click and find the "Printer Properties" --

Keep in mind that these are the print dialogs and are NOT the Printer Properties described in the previous example.

Rabbits_and_Chickens_Publisher_Envelope_10_2

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series  

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