Printing PDF files as ascii stream

[JohnW66]

Had to install HP print and scan doctor as could print from HP Smart but other apps couldn't find the printer. All apps can now see and access the printer. HOWEVER, any pdf file now prints as an ASCII stream. The first page always says

%PDF-1.7

                   4  0 obj

                                 <<

                                     /BitsPerComponent 8

and then spews out a lot of paper with most pages either blank or with just a few characters. Now I admit it is many years since I played with PDF files, but this looks like the printer is not recognizing the pdf file. If I print from my mobile phone it all works fine. This would imply to me that the printer is fine and it is something not right on my desktop. Any suggestions?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@JohnW66 

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

Welcome to the HP Community.

Be Aware:

Do not respond to individuals who post phone numbers or email addresses.

Do not respond to individuals who ask you to provide private information in a public Post.

These people might be scammers trying to steal your information / money.

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

The results appear to be printer language.  The printer does not actually understand your PDF document and the data is always translated into something the printer can read.

The printer software might be missing or - worse - corrupted.

IF that is the case, reloading the printer software should work.

Try the "Doctor" approach - if the doctor finds an actual issue with the software it will help reload it.  This version also corrects several communication issues.

The PDF reader / print software might be in trouble.

Regardless of what else you do, also reload your PDF reader software.

At the end of this message are the instructions for the manual steps to remove / reload the printer software.  You likely won't need them but better to have than not...

Finally, instructions are included to change your port connection to TCP/IP - this helps with communication errors.  The doctor does fix some of this - the manual port change shows is more permanent -- and it's good to know how to do this, too.

Details...

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

Offline Doctor

 Use this version of the Doctor

  http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/patches/HPPSdr.exe

• Download and Save the doctor to your computer
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to the folder in which you saved the file (likely Downloads)
• Execute the doctor – Answer any prompts /  let the process complete
• Restart the computer, log in, and wait for the final steps in the Doctor to finish.
• Check for any difference.

Original Notes – Contributed by ShlomiL

Paraphrased

Connection Issues

• Print and Scan Doctor Version creates a secondary queue for printing with TCP/IP port.
• Be sure to restart your PC and allow the utility to complete the process, then check for any difference.

• Try printing and check for any change, if the same remains try printing using the newly added print queue copy (Copy1) and check for any difference.

After the Offline Doctor completes…

Verify / Adjust the “Default” printing device (Default Printer)

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

OR

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on printer > Set printer as Default

NOTES – When Selecting Default Printer 

1. Do not select the printer marked as “Scan Only / DO NOT DELETE”
2. Do not select the printer marked as “Fax”

Example Default Printer:  Set “Default” Printer = HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3 (Net)

Reference:  HP Printers - Printer is Offline (Windows) > Step 2: Manually set the default printer

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

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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

Note:  Your printer supports the "Easy Start" method.

The Basics - Standard - Reinstall Full Feature Software

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in

Next

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Easy Start Wrapper

•  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Open Category Software and Drivers > Topic: Software-Utility > Download and save the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software

OR

No Easy Start or your model / situation?

Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software (Printer Software)

• Open your printer Home Page > Support Website  
• Open Category Software and Drivers
• Download and Save the printer installation package for the “Full driver”

Notes:

• Full Feature Software might have been moved to subcategory Software-Utility
• The “full driver” installation package might be named  Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

Next

• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• Reminder:  If using Easy Start, select the Full Driver
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

Method - Create TCP IP port

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

TCP/IP can resolve odd connection, scanning, and installation problems.

Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

1. 
   1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
   2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
   3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
   4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.
   
   This video resource will show you how to do it:
   Create & Use TCP IP port
   
   Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port within the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

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

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP ENVY 5020 All-in-One Printer

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[JohnW66]

Ended up uninstalling all the printer software and the printer. Rebooted and installed HP Smart. That got the printer working but still had problems printing from Adobe, so followed your advice and uninstalled the reader DC and then installed it again. All working fine now. Many thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@JohnW66 

You are welcome, John.

Happy Printing.

Stay Safe.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"