OOfficejet 6960 has yellow vertical bands scattered in what should be only green areas

[Tombar1]

I'm trying to print out a file that should have largish boxes that are basically green with white print and logos, but I always get varying degrees of thick yellow banding in the green. Ink seems to be OK and I've run Clean Printhead several times and also align printhead. The test prints don't look too bad, but the cleaning etc has no effect on the bands on what I'm actually trying to print. Any ideas?

[Kumar0307]

@Tombar1, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Which application are you trying to print from?

Have you tried printing different document like PDF, Word or pages from a browser and check if the issue persists?

If the test page prints fine and if you have performed all the troubleshooting steps from this document, and if the issue occurs while printing all types of document from your PC, try reinstalling the HP Full-featured drivers.

Clean uninstallation of Pre-installed HP drivers

1.  In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 
2.  Select your HP Printer 
3.  Select Uninstall 
4.  In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 
5.  In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 
6.  Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 
7.  Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”) 
8.  Click on the “Drivers” tab 
9.  Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 
10.  Select Ok 
11.  Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 
12.  Close Devices and Printers, restart the computer.

Click here to download the HP Full-featured driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Let me know how this goes.

If you feel my post solved your issue, please click “Accept as Solution”, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Tombar1]

The one I mentioned was a PDF file. I've now snipped a photo from Facebook and it prints with a big pink rectangle on the front of someone wearing what shouds only be a blue jacket.

I've wasted years (probably literally if you add all the wasted time up) uninstalling and installing the drivers for my last Officejet  and this one, and there is always major problems when you get to the end of it all. For instance, both Officejets were/are forever refusing to print, though still supposedly connected to the Wifi, unless you turn them off and turn them on again!! A HP technician took up most of a morning  going through installation using the USB set up first, then converting to wifi and it worked for a couple of days, then went back to it rubbish refusing to print. I got rid of my last Officejet because of this and stupidly bought another and it does exactly the same. So I'm not too keen to go through it all again (but I will)

[Tombar1]

Hi Kumaro,

I've done the uninstall and install and it's just the same. I've also checked the vents again and  cleaned the  printheads another 3 times - the print doesn't look bad on the Test page, but shows mainly white in the last 2 sections of the blue on the Print Quality Diagnostic Page Test pattern 2. The bottom of the blue cartridge looks a bit fuzzy comapred to the others - should I give it a wipe with something?

[Tombar1]

I've changed the blue cartridge for a new one and it still gives the large white smear across most of the blue section onTest Pattern 2

[Kumar0307]

@Tombar1

Try making a photocopy of a color document and check if the issue persists. Like Photographs/pictures.

This could be an issue with the printhead of the printer as you have already used multiple ink cartridges and still face the same issue.

Keep me posted for further assistance.

[Tombar1]

Did you just mean make a copy? I've copied a printed photo with lots of green and it doesn't look much different from the original.

[Kumar0307]

@Tombar1

Thank you for the response. If the printer is able to make a copy fine and the Print Quality of the standalone copy is satisfactory, try checking the print settings on your PC.

Refer to this document to know the print settings. Also, try to print in Best/Normal mode and check the print quality.

Alternatively, install HP Smart on your PC and try to print using HP Smart app to check if this is an issue caused by the drivers.

Click here to know more and download the app.

Keep me posted.

[Tombar1]

Hi Kumar,

Not sure what print quality of the standalone copy means.

Have tried Best mode (was on Normal), but no difference.

I can understand why green would be yellow if blue wasn't working, but not why blue would be pink (see file) and why it is  only certain areas . Why would it not happen with print Test Page in Printer Maintenance, but does with Print Quality Report?

An unrelated question in Settings- is there no way of turnign off Auto-off? I don't want the printer turning itself off.

[Kumar0307]

@Tombar1

That's Unfortunate. These issues may occur if the printhead of the printer has gone bad. I suggest you to Contact HP Support team for Service Options:

1) Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true

2) Select your product type below.

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Select the appropriate option based on your preference.

6) Fill the web-form and proceed further.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!