First sentence fine. 2nd sentence only prints half , meaning prints top half of the sentence.

[Lisa_2208]

I have a HP Envy 5055 series 

 

 

[Garp_senchau]

@Lisa_2208, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Run a “Clean Printhead” operation 2-3 times:

On your printer’s screen:
Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead.

Wait for each cleaning cycle to finish and then print a diagnostic page again.

Repeat up to 3 times if needed.

Check ink levels:

Even if levels look okay in software, physically check the cartridges. Sometimes cartridges show full but are dried or defective.

Gently shake them.

Do a Printhead Alignment:

Go to Setup > Tools > Align Printer.

This is important after cleaning to recalibrate the lines and ensure text isn’t skipping or overlapping.

Check the paper type & settings:

Make sure you’re using plain, bright white paper and not photo or recycled paper for diagnostics.

In printer settings on your computer, verify that “Plain Paper” and best or normal quality are selected.

Manually clean the cartridge contacts (if the issue persists):

Turn off the printer.

Remove cartridges.

Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and where it meets the printer.

Let it dry and reinstall it.

Reference: HP DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet 5000, 5200 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality is...

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[Shylittleturtle]

This did not help and when I did the step where I cleaned it with alcohol it actually made it worse. Now let me tell you this. My printer sat in its box for like 3 years with the ink in it. I was surprised that the ink was still good and printing but could that be the problem? I wouldn’t think so since some of the stuff printed out perfectly. 

[Shylittleturtle]

This is Lisa_2204 btw

[zoey7886]

@Lisa_2208, Thanks for the update — and I hear you. It can be frustrating when it seems like it’s halfway working, then gets worse.

You mentioned the printer sat boxed for 3 years with ink inside — that’s likely the key. Over time, even sealed ink can thicken or dry inside the nozzles, causing uneven or faded prints (like the top half missing you described). When you cleaned it with alcohol and it worsened, that suggests the ink clogs might’ve shifted or spread.

Here’s what I’d try next:

Replace the cartridges — even if some ink comes out, they’re probably too dried internally for consistent flow.

After installing new ones, run the clean printhead and alignment tools again to give the printer a fresh start.

You’ve done great troubleshooting so far. If you need help choosing replacement ink or want to check if the printer is still in warranty, just let me know.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,