HP 7740 will not consistently add print jobs to queue from windows 11.

[AZP122]

Hello,

I'm struggling to get documents, specifically 2-D drawings from SolidWorks to now print from our HP 7740 printer.  In the past this was not an issue for us.  We have two designers, working side by side.  Documents print just fine from one computer, however, are a struggle from the other computer.  Both computers are running Windows 11.   I've unplugged the printer, I've uninstalled HP Smart, I've removed and added back the printer.  It also has a habit, 60%+ of the time it cuts off the last 20% of the page when printing from 11 x 17 paper.  I'm disabled "allow windows to manage default printer".   I have made this printer my default printer.   I'm trying to print via Wi-Fi as my computer is 6 ft away from the printer.

Any help is greatly appreciated.  I'd rather not have to go "Officespace" on this printer.

[Garp_senchau]

@AZP122,

Thanks for reaching out to the HP Support Community! 🎉

I’m here to help you troubleshoot your issue and get things back on track. Just follow these steps below, and we’ll have you running smoothly in no time:

1. Check Printer Settings and Paper Size

• Paper Size: Double-check that both computers are using the correct paper size (11x17) in their print settings. Sometimes, the default size might revert to Letter or A4 when there’s an issue with settings.
  • In SolidWorks: When you go to print, ensure the correct paper size (11x17) is selected under “Page Setup.”
  • In Windows: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select the HP 7740 printer, and click on Manage > Printer Preferences. Make sure the paper size matches 11x17.

2. Check Printer Firmware and Driver

• Update Printer Drivers: The issue could be related to an outdated or corrupted printer driver. Go to the HP website and download the latest printer driver specifically for the HP 7740 for Windows 11. Install the latest version and see if it resolves the issue.
  • You can also go to Device Manager > Printers, right-click on your HP 7740, and click Update Driver.
• Update Printer Firmware: Sometimes the firmware on the printer itself may need an update. Check the HP website for firmware updates for the 7740 model and update accordingly.

3. Check Wi-Fi Connection

• Wi-Fi Connection Stability: Since you’re printing via Wi-Fi, it's possible that the connection between your computer and printer is unstable or slow. Try printing a test page or a large document (like the 11x17 drawing) to see if the connection drops.
  • Try Wired Connection: If possible, temporarily connect the printer to your computer via USB to see if the issue is related to the Wi-Fi connection.

[Garp_senchau]

4. Clear Print Queue

• Sometimes a corrupted print queue can cause printing issues. Follow these steps to clear it:
  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  • Right-click on the HP 7740 printer, and select See what's printing.
  • Right-click on any print jobs listed and click Cancel.
  • Restart the print spooler: Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Print Spooler in the list, right-click, and choose Restart.

5. Reinstall Printer and Reset Printer Settings

• Since you’ve already removed and re-added the printer, try a full reset of the printer’s network settings:
  • Factory Reset on Printer: On the HP 7740 printer itself, reset the network settings by going to Settings > Network Setup > Restore Network Defaults. Then reconnect the printer to the Wi-Fi network.
• Reinstall Printer: After resetting, remove the printer from the device, reboot both the computer and the printer, and then add the printer again as if it were a fresh installation.

6. Check Printer’s Print Settings for Scaling and Margins

• Go into the Print Settings in both SolidWorks and Windows before printing to ensure the print is set to scale properly for 11x17 paper.
  • In SolidWorks: Before printing, click on File > Print and ensure there is no scaling applied (i.e., set it to "Actual Size").
  • In Windows: When you print, go to the Print Setup dialog box, and check the Scaling option to ensure it's set to 100% or "No Scaling".

[Garp_senchau]

7. Test Print from Different Application

• Try printing from a different application (e.g., PDF viewer, Microsoft Word, or even Notepad) on the same computer. This will help identify if the issue is with SolidWorks specifically or the printer itself.
  • If prints fine from other apps, the problem may be with SolidWorks or its printer configuration.
  • If prints are still an issue, it's likely related to your printer setup or connection.

8. Print Using Different Print Method (Print to PDF)

• As a temporary workaround, try printing to a PDF (using a virtual PDF printer) and then open that PDF file to print it. This can sometimes bypass glitches with the physical printer itself.
  • Install a free virtual PDF printer, such as Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Print to PDF, and try printing the SolidWorks drawing to PDF. Then open the PDF and print it to the HP 7740.

I’m pretty confident this will do the trick! But hey, if you run into any bumps along the way or need a little extra help, just give me a shout! I’ve got your back. 💪

And if this reply solved your problem (or made you feel like a tech wizard 😎), please click "Accept Solution". It helps others, and I promise I’ll do a little happy dance. 🕺 Also, if you could click 'Yes' under ‘Was this reply helpful?’—that’s like giving me a virtual high-five. 🙌

Thanks again for being awesome, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 🌟

Cheers,

[Akhi_H]

Hope you're rocking an amazing day! We just wanted to check in and see if everything is sorted. If you need any more help or just want to say hi, we're here for you - just a message away! 

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Akhi_H