Black ink prints in gray even after installing authentic HP Ink Cartirdges, especially pdf documents

[dabcat]

The black ink color appears in gray and dull, even after installing authentic cartridges. This happens when printing pdf documents. I have tried changing several settings, such as" let printer choose colors:, deselect grayscale, etc. in attempt to get black color to print. Your advice is appreciated.

[MKazi]

@dabcat

Let me take a moment to thank you for posting on the HP Support Forums. 

I understand that you have an HP Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One Printer series - C310. I understand that while printing PDF documents, the prints black content in grey. I appreciate the steps you have performed and have certainly done a good job.

To assist you better, I would like to know the following information:

• How is the print quality while printing non PDF files?
• Is the printer able to make a photocopy in black correctly? If yes then it indicates that the printer and the ink cartridges are all fine.

Meanwhile, I recommend you to perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix: 

Step one: Print the PDF as an image

1. Open the original PDF file, if necessary.

2. Click File, and then click Print, or click the Print icon (). The Print window opens.

3. Click Advanced. The Advanced Print Setup window opens.

4. Select the Print As Image checkbox, change any other settings as desired, and then click OK.

5. On the Print window, click OK again to begin printing.

• If these steps resolved the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.

• If the issue persists, see the next step.

Step two: Download the PDF again:

If the previous steps have not resolved the issue, try downloading the PDF again. The file might have downloaded incorrectly or incompletely the first time.

• If these steps resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.

Hope this information helps. Keep me posted. Cheers! 🙂

[dabcat]

Hi! I tried the print image selection, as well as reloading the PDF files. The same results of dullish, gray instead of black prevailed. My saved Word documents are only printing color images, no text. I replaced all cartridges with products from a Staples store. I even tried cleaning the adhesive off the vent of the XL black cartridge. I read some blogs that report counterfeit cartridges, but I did purchase all of them at a reputable store. All ink cartridges show maximum ink on report page. The HP photosmart all-in-one printer C310 series is from 2009. Would you suggest that it be replaced because of its age? It has been reliable up to this point. I'm inclined to purchase another black cartridge as well but the expense is another concern. Thanks again for any more advice to reach a resolution.

[MKazi]

@dabcat

Glad to have you back. I truly appreciate your efforts and patience. 

Could you tell me if the printer able to make a photocopy in black correctly? If yes then it indicates that the printer and the ink cartridges are all fine?

If the photocopy prints fine then the evidence points towards a software issue. In such a case please perform the following steps:

• Please download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor software. This is a free tool for Windows to help resolve issues with the printer drivers. 

If the issue persists post running the HP Print and Scan Doctor then let us uninstall the printer drivers from the root level and then reinstall them:

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• You may download and install the drivers from this link. 

Hope this helps. Let me know. Cheers! 🙂

[dabcat]

Hi once again!

Even with the newly installed, hopefully authentic HP black XL cartridge, my documents do not print in BLACK at all, but I think the PHOTO BLACK cartridge is doing this and only prininting is a light gray. I removed and installed new drivers, checked with the HP Scan Doctor, which reported everything was fine. My only other possible solution will be to go to orginal store, and hopefully they will take my word for the cartridge being faulty. I'm not even sure tht I can rely on Staples stores to purchase these 564 cartridges anymore. Is there a way that I could return the cartridge to HP directly or to you so that it van be verified or checked for malfunction? I would really not want to purchase a new printer if all diagnostic tests are coming out fine. Thanks again for you advice.

Dabcat

[Barachiel]

Hi @dabcat ,

Thank you for responding,

It's great to have you back 😉

It looks like you were interacting with @MKazi, but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out, 

I'm the Barachiel & I'm at your service.

If that's the case, I'd request you to contact HP's phone support team for further assistance.

HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: Open link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/ Enter Product number or select to auto detect.

Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options". 

Scroll down and click on HP contact options - click on Get a Case & phone number.They will be happy to assist you immediately.

If the unit is under warranty repair services under the manufacturer's warranty will be free of charge.

Best regards,