HP Photosmart C4780 Won't let me Clean Printheads

[DahliaD13]

I've already contacted HP support and they won't help me since my warranty has expired, instead they tried to sell me a new printer. Yeah, right.. This one was free, I don't think so. Nevertheless, my problem started about two weeks ago. I noticed my lighter colors (i.e. purple, green..etc) were streaking horizontally and I didn't quite understand why. I went ahead and went into HP Utility and tried to "clean printheads" and it told me that it cannot complete this process and to contact HP support. Instead, I replaced both color and black ink cartridges and tried printing again, still, to no avail. I tried the "clean printhead" option after doing so, and yet again, it told me the process could not be completed and to contact HP support.

Seeing how the HP support conversation went so peachy, I figured to get into a forum to ask for some help. This printer came free with my Macbook and I'm sure many people have this printer as well. Maybe someone can help? I would greatly appreciate it. I rely on this printer very frequently to print clear images for my crafting. It prints very clear pictures and I was really satisified with it despite its spurratic glitch tantrums. I would greatly appreciate any advice or help I can get, otherwise, I guess I'm just going to get a new one :smileysad:.

Thank you kindly,

Tina

[PrintDoc]

How is the printer connected?  If wireless, what router?  What version of OS X?

[DahliaD13]

Thanks for your reply. I have Mac OS X 10.6.8 version and the printer is connected with a USB cord that came with the printer.

Thanks-

[PrintDoc · Accepted solution]

OK, I am going to assume you have the wrong HP software installed since the CD that came with the printer was not intended for 10.6.

Let's uninstall the software using the 'scrubber' option:

Go to Applications/Hewlett Packard/ click on HP Uninstaller
Click on Continue
Highlight your device on the left pane
Press and hold Control + Alt + Cmd keys on the keyboard simultaneously while you click on Uninstall <<<< This IS the Scrubber Option, there is no button labeled "Scrubber"
There will be a pop up that asks if you are sure you want to uninstall ALL hp software. (At this point, if you continue, any HP printers you have installed will need to be reinstalled)
Click Continue and let it finish

Restart your Mac

Download and install this: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL907

Now reset the printing system:

- Sys Prefs, Print & Fax
- Right (control) click in the rectangle listing your printers and select Reset Printing System.
WARNING - this will delete ALL of your printers!

Finally, download and install the latest software for your printer from here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=mp-70896-3&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...

[DahliaD13]

So I did all of that, and now the HP Utility is not letting me maintain my device. It doesn't show me anything even after I selected a device to view. I even made another Queue for it and still won't show me anything.

[DahliaD13]

However, I just printed out some things and there is no more smudging. So you did help tremendously, thank you. Is there a way for me to fix this other problem? Or does the Mac system now support the HP Utility Maintenance?

[PrintDoc]

Your Mac should support the utility/maintenance.  I am not sure why it would not.

[1611755]

I had the same error as this.  Thanks to the HP Expert for this information re-loading new drivers and the links to the sites. This worked perfectly for me - all working now. Very happy!

[megpanda]

I was having the same problem, so I followed your instructions.  I was unable to do the 'scrubbing' portion, so I looked up how to complete uninstall software on a mac.  I did this and then followed the rest of the instructions.  I am able to print to the printer and the software is on my computer.  Now, however, no options appear when I am in HP utility to do anything with the printer, including cleaning the print heads.  It's still printing incorrect colors.

Help!!!!

Thanks!

[PrintDoc]

Open System Preferences > Print & Scan.  Click on your printer, then Options & Supplies > Utilities > Open Printer Utility.