ENVY 5642 won't print in color

[Sparrowhawk61]

I have same issues posted by at least one other user. "ENVY 5642 e-All-in-One printer does not print in color even though color is selected.  Test page does print in color and color cartidge shows full." I followed the steps and protocols described on the link that was offered by HP technical support, but nothing made a difference. Still only prints in BW except for blue strips that show up in the test page (blue is the only color). Is the only solution to call Tech Support directly? My ability to sit and wait in a long phone queue for support is limited.

[ThinkHP_Evin]

Hi Sparrowhawk61,

I reckon that your Envy printer is printing in black & white while printing the test pages in color. It seems to be an issue with the driver settings on your PC. Try the steps below:
 

• Go to Control panel – Devices and printers.
• Right-click on Envy 5642 and select Printing preferences.
• Go to the layout / paper quality tab and look for the “Print in grayscale” / “Grayscale” or “Black & White” printing option.
• Make sure that option is unchecked, save the setting and then try printing again.

That should do the trick, but if the issue persists, then try reinstalling the drivers as suggested below:

• Unplug the USB cable from the printer and computer if present.
• Go to Control Panel - Programs - Programs and Feature – Select all the HP Envy printer entries and uninstall them.
• Restart your computer.
• Now click on ENVY5642 Driver to download and install the latest printer drivers.
• Connect the USB cable if prompted and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Hope that this can help you get over with this persistent problem you have been facing these few days instead of waiting in the queue for HP support 🙂