I get an error message "Paper tray is empty", but there is plenty of paper, and it will copy OK

[dave144]

I've used this printer for a year, not much.  Trying to print, I get error message "paper tray is empty".  There is plenty of paper, and I've removed and reloaded it.  The printer will copy documents OK, so the paper does feed without problem.  It printed a diagnostic page OK.  I tried unplugging / restarting twice; no help.  

[MKazi]

@dave144

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Support Forums. I came across your post and would like to assist.

I understand that you have an HP OfficeJet 5741 e-All-in-One Printer and it does not pick paper while printing. A message appears saying "paper tray is empty". You were successfully able to make a photocopy and print a diagnostic page. Fabulous analysis. Spectacular diagnosis of the issue before posting. Kudos to you for that.

The evidence points towards a software/driver issue. Did you select the correct paper type and size from the print settings of the application you're trying to print from?

Meanwhile, please download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor software. This is a free tool for Windows to help resolve issues with the printer drivers. 

Now, you may try to print and check. If the printer continues to not pick the paper then let us uninstall the printer drivers from the root level and then reinstall them. The following steps will help:

• 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.

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Let me know the outcome. All the best! 🙂