HP DeskJet 2540 Print Job looks no different when choosing color vs ALL BLACK

[printer_s___]

I'm trying to print the published code from my MATLAB project, and the printer is not converting the color text to black when I select ALL BLACK under the grayscale options. The black text prints fine, but none of the syntactically formatted text is printing, despite the fact that the printer should be converting it to black and not attempting to print the colored text. 

As a side note, the color cartridge is not low, but this shouldn't matter in the first place because I don't want to print in color.

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @printer_s___, Welcome to HP forums.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out. Let me ask you a few questions in order to assist you better.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Have you tried checking with a different ink cartridge?

Are you using HP genuine ink cartridges?

Have you tried printing from a different application?

Let's continue with the troubleshooting steps now.

Check the ink levels on the printer replace the low, empty or faulty ink cartridges on the printer.

Check the print settings for your print job in Windows.

1. In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.

   The Print window opens.

2. Open the Properties dialog box.

   Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.

3. Depending on your print job, you might consider modifying the following settings:

   • Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.

   • Print Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.

   • Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.

   • Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.

4. After selecting the print settings, click OK to apply the settings, and then click Print.

Also, try updating the printer firmware and check if it helps.

Update the printer firmware using this link. Click Here

If you are able to make a colour copy from the printer, try uninstalling the printer software from the root level on the PC and install the full feature printer software.

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. 

Update the full feature printer software using this link. Click Here

Refer this article to further troubleshoot print quality issues with your printer. Click Here

Let me know if this helps!

Have a beautiful day ahead! 🙂

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