5x7 printing unreliable

[khr3]

when printing 5X7s on photo paper, often the paper jams, or when printed part of the photo is missing or cut off at one end, or comes out blank with streaks of ink on the photo paper.  all other sizes work fine.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @khr3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding printer!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

As your HP Smart Tank 6001 All-in-One is having trouble printing 5x7" photos (jamming, missing parts, streaks, or blank prints), here are some possible causes and solutions:

1. Use the Correct Paper Settings

Make sure 5x7" photo paper is selected in both printer settings and the software you're printing from (HP Smart, Photoshop, etc.).

On Windows:

1. Open Printer Properties > Paper/Quality tab.
2. Select 5x7" size and photo paper type.

On macOS:

1. Open Print Settings > Paper Size > 5x7".
2. Select Photo Paper under Media Type.

2. Load Paper Correctly

• Use HP photo paper for best results.
• Place the glossy side facing down in the tray.
• Do not overload the tray—insert only 5-10 sheets at a time.
• Align the paper guides snugly (but not too tight).

3. Clean the Rollers (Fixes Jamming & Blank Prints)

If paper jams frequently or prints come out blank or with streaks, the rollers might be dirty:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Open the paper input tray and locate the rollers.
3. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to wipe the rollers.
4. Let them dry completely before turning the printer back on.

4. Align and Clean the Printhead

Since other sizes work fine, the 5x7 size might require re-aligning:

• Open HP Smart App > Go to Printer Maintenance > Align Printhead.
• If issues persist, run a Printhead Cleaning from the same menu.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

5. Update Firmware & Drivers

• Go to HP Support (link) and check for firmware updates.
• Install the latest drivers from HP’s website.

6. Try a Different Photo Paper

• Some thicker or glossy papers may cause jams or feed issues.
• Try a different brand or a lighter-weight photo paper.

7. Reset the Printer (Last Resort)

If nothing works, reset the printer:

1. Turn off and unplug the printer for 2 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and hold the Power + Cancel button for 10 sec.
3. Set up the printer again and try printing.

If the issue persists, let me know what's happening after these steps! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[khr3]

thank you, kuroi.  this has not solved the problem.  i have staples photo paper, which is 80 lb.  i'll attempt a lighter paper.  in addition it seems the rollers have become misaligned, as 7X10 cards  are printing slightly askew.  i have opened the hp smart app but can find no setting to align the rollers as suggested in the manual.  clicking on the "settings" doesn't seem to lead anywhere.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @khr3,

Thank you for the response.

1. Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page

Print and review a Print Quality Diagnostic page to resolve and identify print quality issues.

• Hold the Copy Color and Resume buttons at the same time for three seconds on the printer.
• Review the test patterns on the page, checking for missing colors, fading, and white lines.

2. Align the Printheads

Use the HP Smart app to align the printhead.

• Load plain white paper into the tray.
• Open the HP Smart app, click the image of your printer, and navigate to Tools > Print Quality Tools, then select Align Printheads.

3. Replace the Printhead

If cleaning and alignment do not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the printhead.

• Order a replacement printhead from the HP Parts Store.
• Follow the provided instructions carefully to replace the printhead.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to service or replace the printer.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,