My printer doesn't print anything

[SharmaineJane]

Hello HP users!

I'm having a problem with my printer after reformatting my PC.

Drivers and softwares are already installed. But the time i tried to print it doesn't work.

It's printing..you can see that it is normally printing but when you look at the paper used, nothing on it. Meaning it doesn't printing anything.

What happened to my printer? Please Help. Your reply will be  much apprecited. Thank you!!

[JeanJAB]

Hello Sharmaine Jane,

It sounds like your printer is going through the motions of printing - but nothing is coming out on the page? 

I would focus on the printer first to see if it can do a self-test.

Follow these steps to print a test page.

1. Load letter, A4, or legal unused plain white paper into the input tray.
2. Press and hold the Start Copy Black button () and the Start Copy Color button () until the printer makes some noise.
3. Release both buttons. The test page prints.

If you see the printer "going through the motions" but nothing prints again - you will know you have a problem with your ink cartridges that has nothing to do with drivers or SW. 

I dont' know what may have happened but I would start w/ seeing if you can get the printer to work stand alone before going further.

Good luck and let me know what happens on the self-test page!
Jean

[Jakaz]

My HP Photosmart 3180 is doing the same thing. I have run a test and still nothing. I have new ink cartridges and still nothing. Are the nozzles clogged? I'm using name brand ink cartridges not generic ink.

[JeanJAB]

Hello Jakaz,

I'm concerned when you say you have run the test and still nothing prints.  Have you verified the tape from the cartridges was removed? 

I would recommend following the steps listed in this document.  http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Photosmart-C3100-All-in-One-Printer-series/1146511/model/1146...

If you continue to get nothing printed on the alignment page - either the printer is broken or the cartridges are defective. 

If it is possible to return the ink cartridges for new ones I would recommend that as a first step.   

Jean

[Jakaz]

Thanks Jean. I didn't know about testing in that way. It didn't work. The printer "went through the motions", the test ran and the paper went though and no ink on the paper. 

The black is half full and the color is full. They're HP ink cartridges.

Should I clean the cartridges .. and spray nozzles? i know how to clean the cartridges but not the nozzles.. i don't even know how to find them.

Joe

[Jakaz]

Yes there is no tape on the cartridges. I took them out to make sure. Then ran another test holding down the black and color start copy buttons. Still no ink on paper. Black is half full and color is full. What now? I do have a new black cartridge but hate to waste the half full black that's in the printer now but If you think that would help I can replace the black now... and if you think I need to replace the full color cartiridge I'll have to go buy one.

One note. This problem occurred a couple months ago and I got frustrated and stop using this printer and used another one. It has run out of ink so I'm trying this one again.

Thanks Jean.

Joe

[JeanJAB]

Hi Joe,

I've found a document that describes how to do a cartridge cleaning for your printer.  http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-3180-fax/1146511/model/1146512/document/c01588745

Sometimes cartridge cleaning can get nozzles flowing again. 

If your printer has been sitting for some time there could be a problem with the ink cartridge capping station where the cartridges go when the printer is turned off.  There may be ink in the cartridge but it cannot flow past the dried out nozzles. 

This document was written for another printer but it does describe how to clean the cartridge nozzles. 

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-3180-fax/1146511/model/1146512/document/c01641815

If you are about to throw the cartridges away, you might try it. 

After doing these two things - I'd go ahead and try the extra cartridge you have on hand.  If you are getting nothing - still - I think the printer needs to be replaced. 

Best of luck! 

Jean

[SharmaineJane]

Hi Jean, thank you so much for the reply. But my printer still didn't work.
As i pressed the buttons, it proceeds printing but nothing prints on the paper.

Also, the scan button doesn't work. if you try to scan, the power button is just stays blinking and not scanning. What do you think the problem of my printer? Please do help. Thank you so much!!!

[JeanJAB]

Hi Sharmaine Jane,

Sorry for the delay in my reply - I have been on vacation.

I'm concerned about the fact that still nothing is printing even on the stand alone self-test and through the cartridge cleanings.  I would try using the spare cartridge that you have and running the self-test again.

If that does not work - I believe the printer needs to be replaced. 

If your printer is under warranty you should call HP Technical Phone support to set up a replacement unit. 

If this printer is older - it may be time to look into buying a new one.

I'm so sorry for your difficulties. 

Jean

[Ruby13day]

My computer sends the signal to my printer and the zeen tablet appears in the notification printing but the paper never loads up ??? It's just making sounds ??? But never prints. What's going on ?