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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Deskjet 2800 rolls paper out, but print head doesn't move

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06-10-2025 12:52 AM
I'm trying to print some documents, but the printer will just spit out the correct number of sheets in quick succession without actually moving the print head to print the documents.
Printer is hardly used, ink cartridges are brand new and have no blockages.
Printer is directly plugged into my PC, so it's not a wifi issue.
I tried troubleshooting on the HP app and it doesn't detect any issues.
However, when I try to print a test sheet, the printer will print half of the page and then stop in the middle of the page, forcing me to carefully pull the page the rest of the way out and only half of the intended print is complete.
Tried restarting the Printer, unplugging for five minutes from both ends, etc. No changes.
06-11-2025 07:07 AM
Hi @VvSabervV,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the printhead of your printer!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
Try these steps:
1. Check Connections
- Ensure the printer is securely connected to your PC via USB.
- Try connecting the printer to a different USB port on your PC.
2. Restart Printer and Computer
- Turn off your printer and disconnect the power cord.
- Close all print jobs and restart your computer.
- Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.
3. Check Printer Settings
- Ensure the printer is set as the default printer.
- Go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers."
- Right-click on your HP Deskjet 2800 and select "Set as Default Printer."
4. Perform Printhead Cleaning
- Open the HP printer software on your PC.
- Go to the “Tools” or “Maintenance” section using the printer software and find the option to clean the printhead.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the printhead cleaning.
5. Check Ink Levels
- Confirm that the ink cartridges are correctly installed.
- Ensure the cartridges have sufficient ink and are not expired.
6. Reinstall Print Driver
- Go to the HP website and download the latest drivers for your HP Deskjet 2800.
- Uninstall the current printer driver on your computer.
- Install the new driver and restart your computer.
7. Check for Paper Jams
- Open the printer and inspect for any paper jams or foreign objects that might obstruct the printhead movement.
8. Reset the Printer
- With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
- Wait for about 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the printer and turn it on.
I hope this helps.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee