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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- I cannot print Color Photos to Photo Paper

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
10-20-2019 07:11 AM
Hello,
I cannot print color photos on a photo paper.
I set up photo paper and color printing but it automatically sets it to plain paper and monochrome.
The warning is : Paper type was changed from HP photo paper because of a conflict with another printer setting.
OS : Windows 10 64 bit
Printer : HP ENVY 4525 All in one
Thanks
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
10-31-2019 05:21 PM
It sounds like it just has to be a driver error, right? Might be the printer software is having issues.
You could try uninstalling the printer software and starting over with a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software. I don't know if that will help, but it might and reinstalling the software is one of the "recommended" fixes when stuff that should work is not doing its job.
Your printer software:
HP ENVY 4520 series Full Feature Software and Drivers
General Procedure here - note that video help is available, too. Information later in this message...
Remove Printer and Reload Printer Software
Hints:
- Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that are relevant to your situation.
- For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart(s)
- Procedure includes optional “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra "clean" sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.
- In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are installed and current.
Printer Software – Preparation
Find, Download, and Save your printer software on your computer.
Open Support Home
Enter the name of your device (full model name)
Open category Software and Drivers (wording may vary slightly)
Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.
Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software
Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.
Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >
Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >
Search or Scroll down
Uninstall the printer software
After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in
If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **
Check / Verify: If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.
Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager
Expand category Printers
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Expand category Imaging Devices
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Restart the computer and log in
** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **
Check / Verify: If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers
Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list
Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)
Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers
Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu
Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device
Restart the computer and log in
** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **
Check / Verify: Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy. If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.
Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp
OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%
Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)
Restart the computer and log in
Installation - Printer Software
NOTES
- If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.
- Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).
- Some (newer) printer models provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, Easy Start will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software \
- Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available. Full Feature Software might be described as the "Full Driver" software.
HP Documents
HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers
HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)
HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware
Standard - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the folder in which you saved the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup (likely Downloads)
- Double-tap on the installation package to start the installation of the software
NOTES
- If you use the EasyStart method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option is presented.
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
** Optional - Video help **
NOTE: Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)
Open the printer Software and Drivers page >
Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >
Find and view the relevant video
AND / OR
** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **
Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more
Open the printer Website Support Homepage >
Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >
Find and view the relevant video
AND / OR
HP Collection of “how-to” videos
- Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search.
For example,
Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers
- Select your Video
** Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **
If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility. Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.
Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility
Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"
Select Windows 7
Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu
Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator
Firmware
Consider installing the printer Firmware
READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware
If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in
Reminder: Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
** Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **
The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan). Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues
How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle:
Create TCP IP port
1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.
This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port
Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.
Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!
Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.
10-20-2019 12:43 PM
If you have not done so, be sure to tell the printer control panel about the photo paper in the printer.
Set the Printing Preferences to include compatible Paper Size, Media (kind of paper), Source (Tray).
Check / Adjust / Retain the Paper at the Printer Panel
Open Printer Tray,
If you have not yet done so, add desired paper type
Close Tray
IF applicable for your printer:
On the printer control panel, Click Modify (wording varies), set the paper size and type, Click OK
NOTE: If the size of the Paper Size is not in the Drop-down list, Select Custom
Reference
User Guide > Chapter 2, Page 8
Set the Preferences - Windows
- The following assumes the Full Feature Software has been installed.
- Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”
- Select and adjust settings in each category for the Media (kind of paper), source (tray), and paper size.
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Set as Default
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences >
Tab Printing Shortcuts > Click / Highlight preferred shortcut > Click Apply > Click OK to exit
If the printer software supports the feature, change the settings as desired, then use “Save as” to create a Custom Shortcut.
OR
Windows key + S (search for) Printers and Scanners
Left-Click on (your) Printer > Manage >
Printing Preferences
Select a shortcut and / or set “preferred settings” for paper, source (tray), other settings
Optional (if / as available): Save As > enter a name for your custom shortcut
Click OK to save the preferences
References
Read...
HP Printers - How to Print Photos (Windows)
and
HP Printers - Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows)
Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer
Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)
Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more
HP ENVY 4525 All-in-One Printer
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.
Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!
Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.
10-20-2019 02:18 PM
Thanks for detailed explanation. Unfortunately it did not solved my problem.
First in the settings suggested there is no HP Photo Paper to select. So I still have the photo paper changed warning. But the more problematic thing is I made in the options Color but than it automaticallay changes to monochrome.
That is really annoying, I am not an expert in computers but I am good to find solutions to most porblems. Before buying this new HP computer I did not have any problems. I paid a lot of money and I lost the ability to print color photos. I hope HP finds solution this problem.
10-20-2019 02:50 PM - edited 10-20-2019 03:00 PM
You are welcome.
I would guess the printer should have a paper size / type setting in the control panel after you change the paper in the paper tray. I cannot explain what you are (not) seeing.
Photo paper is supported in the weights and sizes shown in the Specifications > Paper Handling >
Paper tray capacities
Support photo paper
Printer Specifications for HP DeskJet 4530, 4670, ENVY 4510, 4520, OfficeJet 4650 Printers
It is possible that if you have other than 4x6 inch paper in the little photo tray, that the printer cannot see it.
- If the photo paper is other than 4x6 inches, remove the regular paper and load the "other sized" photo paper in the main tray.
- Next, Check the printer control panel and see if you can find a match for the paper size, else select "custom".
and...
Do check the community to see what others have said about the subject; it is certainly possible I have missed something.
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.
Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!
Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.
10-31-2019 04:28 PM
Thanks and sorry for late respond. I had Windows 7 computer I was able to print to photo paper. When I upgraded to a Windiws 10 computer this problem started. I think I should use my old laptop for photo printing.
10-31-2019 05:21 PM
It sounds like it just has to be a driver error, right? Might be the printer software is having issues.
You could try uninstalling the printer software and starting over with a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software. I don't know if that will help, but it might and reinstalling the software is one of the "recommended" fixes when stuff that should work is not doing its job.
Your printer software:
HP ENVY 4520 series Full Feature Software and Drivers
General Procedure here - note that video help is available, too. Information later in this message...
Remove Printer and Reload Printer Software
Hints:
- Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that are relevant to your situation.
- For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart(s)
- Procedure includes optional “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra "clean" sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.
- In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are installed and current.
Printer Software – Preparation
Find, Download, and Save your printer software on your computer.
Open Support Home
Enter the name of your device (full model name)
Open category Software and Drivers (wording may vary slightly)
Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.
Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software
Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.
Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >
Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >
Search or Scroll down
Uninstall the printer software
After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in
If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **
Check / Verify: If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.
Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager
Expand category Printers
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Expand category Imaging Devices
If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,
Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall
Restart the computer and log in
** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **
Check / Verify: If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers
Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list
Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)
Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers
Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu
Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device
Restart the computer and log in
** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **
Check / Verify: Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy. If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.
Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp
OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%
Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)
Restart the computer and log in
Installation - Printer Software
NOTES
- If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.
- Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).
- Some (newer) printer models provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, Easy Start will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software \
- Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available. Full Feature Software might be described as the "Full Driver" software.
HP Documents
HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers
HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)
HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware
Standard - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the folder in which you saved the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup (likely Downloads)
- Double-tap on the installation package to start the installation of the software
NOTES
- If you use the EasyStart method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option is presented.
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
** Optional - Video help **
NOTE: Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)
Open the printer Software and Drivers page >
Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >
Find and view the relevant video
AND / OR
** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **
Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more
Open the printer Website Support Homepage >
Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >
Find and view the relevant video
AND / OR
HP Collection of “how-to” videos
- Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search.
For example,
Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers
- Select your Video
** Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **
If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility. Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.
Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility
Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"
Select Windows 7
Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu
Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator
Firmware
Consider installing the printer Firmware
READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware
If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in
Reminder: Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
** Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **
The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan). Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues
How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle:
Create TCP IP port
1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.
This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port
Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.
Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!
Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.