Squished text at top of some documents, using HP LaserJet M1217 nfw MFP

[JBC666]

I'm getting squished text at the top of some documents (see attached). Not specific to any particular program or any particular top margin. Any ideas?

[Sunshyn2005]

Hi JBC666,

I'd be happy to help! I suggest using the HP Print and Scan Doctor first, it can resolve many printing and scanning errors, network connection or USB problems, driver issues, and port conflicts. Click here to download and run the Print and Scan Doctor > www.hp.com/go/tools

If that does not resolve the issue, post back and let me know if there are any symbols other than green check marks and what they are next to of course. The wrench is not always easy to spot as the wrench and the check mart are in the green circle. 

• If you see only green check marks ( ), the tool did not find any problems.

• If you see green wrenches ( ), the utility identified an issue and corrected it automatically.

• If you see yellow exclamation points ( ), the test failed and required user action, but the step was skipped.

• If you see a red X ( ), follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

[JBC666]

The doctor tells me my wireless printer is not connected (when it is) and identifies an alternate installation with a different name which is not listed in my printers.  When I try that one, it tells me the full installation hasn't been done, even after I did the full installation and rebooted.  So I'm not able to get to your doctor report.

BTW after the full software installation (or re-installation/repair), the problem still happens periodically.  May be happening on the first print after the printer has been at rest for a while, not sure.  May also be happening periodically when making copies.

[Sunshyn2005]

Hi JBC666,

Although the Print and Scan Doctor doesn't have a degree, it is generally very good at diagnosing a problem!

Based on the Doctors examination, I suspect the issue has something to do with the driver and how the computer is seeing the printer. Let's try the following steps;

1. Hold down the Windows Logo key () on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box, type %temp%
2. Delete all files and folders from the temp folder. Choose skip if any pop ups appear saying any of the files could not be deleted
3. Uninstall the software again - Uninstalling the Printer Software Instructions
4. When the uninstall has completed restart the computer
5. Follow these steps to reset the registry settings and options for Windows Installer.
    

   • Hold down the Windows Logo key on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box
   • In the Open box, type msiexec /unregister, and then click OK.
   • Hold down the Windows Logo key on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box
   • In the Open box, type msiexec /regserver, and then click OK
      *Note: there is a space between the c and the /
     
     If you have any difficulty with this step, please use this link to perform it another way. Restarting Windows Installer
6. Run Disk cleanup from Accessories\ System Tool < How to Delete files using Disk Cleanup
7. Download and install the latest version of Adobe flash player http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html
8. Restart the computer
9. Now you can download and install the software from here > HP LaserJet Pro M1217nfw Multifunction Printer Drivers

Please let me know the outcome of these efforts.

What do you call a doctor that fixes websites? A URLologist 
- Source

[JBC666]

Hi - given that the Doctor didn't work on my computer, I don't know how you're drawing the above conclusion.  Two different computers, one a PC and one a Mac, with different drivers, are experiencing the same intermittent issue.  It seems more likely that the printer is faulty, but of course the problem didn't come up until 3 months after the warranty expired, so the more logical conclusion is that this is cleverly planned obsolescence, and that pursuing complex registry-editing solutions is pointless and will be followed by buying another printer (hopefully not an HP).  It makes me upset that we buy these complex pieces of electronics made out of un-replaceable raw materials, and end up junking them after warranty period + 1 day.  Does HP ever feel a sense of corporate shame and consider changing its policy to actually repair the products it makes, so that we can stop using up earth's precious resources at such an absurd rate?  Remember when things were made to last, and corporations felt proud of that, rather than following the Henry Ford model of making things that break down, so new ones will have to be bought?

[Sunshyn2005]

Hi JBC666

You had never mentioned before that it was happening when you print from a Mac as well. When you ran the Print and Scan Doctor you said it did not see your network printer, but it identifies an alternate installation with a different name which is not listed in my printers. From that last statement, I thought there was a problem with the driver and the way it was being seen by the computer. Although I don't need to defend my efforts, I felt you should know that I wasn't simply throwing out nonsense. I am just trying to help.

Since the issue is occurring when you print from a Mac as well, it could very well be the hardware. And after re-reading your posts, I now see that this is happening periodically when you copy.  It sounds like it could be a hardware issue.

Do you have the printer connected directly to a wall outlet or into a surge protector/ power bar? If the printer is not connected to a wall outlet it may not be getting enough power; Issues when Connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply/Power Strip/Surge Protector

Also, please use the following link to ensure you have the newest firmware; HP LaserJet Firmware Update Utility

If it turns out the issue is hardware related, you might consider calling HP. They have a recycling program. HP could offer you a discount on a newer model as part of a trade in trade up and recycle the current printer to save it from going to some landfill.