Coupons printed with instant ink won't scan

[NenaB]

I use my printer mainly to print coupons and prior to starting the inistant ink program, stores had no problem scanning the coupons I printed. However, that all changed when I installed the new instant ink cartridges and started printing. Every store I visited to redeem the coupons either rejected them or had to manually key in the coupons. This is extremely frustrating because it defeats the purpose of buying this new printer in the first place. Please advise! I really hope it's a simple fix.

[Photoray002]

Hello Nena,

I have never heard of such a thing.

I assume you're talking about barcodes that are not scanning, correct?

One time I had an issue such as this with store bought inks. It ended up that the prints had a slight drop shadow on the barcodes, rendering them unreadable.

Are you sure there is nothing funky with the printed barcode that would cause the failure?

The Ink itself in an HP Instant cartridge is no different that store bought ink. The difference is the chip in the cartridge.

[NenaB]

Hi Photoray002,

Thanks for responding. Yes, correct - the bar codes aren't scannable at every store I visit. One employee said it's the ink. The printed coupons appear normal, but I could be wrong. Let's say I have a "drop shadow" behind the barcodes as you did at one time. How did you correct that problem?

[Photoray002 · Accepted solution]

It was a long time ago when it happened. I couldnt find the exact culprit.

I ended up having to reload Windows due to another issue and when doing so, it fixed the drop shadow.

Are you printing directly from a browser like Internet Explorer? If so, you could reset the browser or try a different browser like Chrome or Firefox to test with.

Other than that, I am not sure what is happening. You could always contact HP Instant Ink Support if you feel you have faulty in cartriges. Sign in to your instant ink account to access the contact info, or use this link...

Contact HP Customer Support for HP Instant Ink

[NenaB]

Thanks for the dialouge Photoray002. I'll contact HP Instant Ink today.

[Photoray002]

Hey, this is just a thought:

Go to your settings of the printer and make sure the resolution is set to high or best quality.

Make sure the printer is not down sizing the image too small as the bars on the barcode are considered a font.

If your printer will allow ( and it should) try printing in Black ink Only to see if there is a change. Usually, printers will use the colored ink to print in black rather than just the black cartridge only.

Good luck and do come back and let us know about the solution if you find one.

[NenaB]

Good ideas, Photoray002! I've give them a try. I also called HP Instant ink today and will give them an update next week.  Will let you know then as well. Thanks, again!