OfficeJet 3830-Unable to print envelopes

[Lkkfinn]

I’m having the problem. I changed the paper size to a 5x7 since they don’t have the A7 size envelope. I feed the paper in and then the sensor doesn’t detect the envelope. What is the workaround or why isn’t it working?

[FrustratedJo]

I have tried every trick I can think of and I've given up on this printer ever printing an envelope or any size paper besides 8.5X11. I've tried formatting at the software level AND directly on the printer screen. NOTHING works. This is a major flaw in HP and I'm looking into just buying a different printer.... which will NOT be HP. Very disappointing since I've been an HP supporter for so many years, for both personal and professional use. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Lkkfinn

Paper Size 5x7 is a different thing from Envelope 5x7 -- The printer supports the "paper" media type in this size but it cannot "see" an envelope in this size.

It has to do with the manner in which the software is written and the rules about "this type of media" goes with "this size".  This restriction is not a flaw -- printers require specific instructions; they are not (yet) smart enough to guess, sense, "drive themselves".

You need an "envelope" of the size you need / want.

The following might work (if the setup is supported on your Operating System)...

Preparation

If you have not done so already,

Install the Full Feature Software and the Firmware for your printer and Operating System version.

Reminders: 

• Software is installed first > then Restart the computer and log in,
• Next, Consider installing Firmware > then Restart the computer and log in
• Follow any instructions you find on the firmware "Details" page

Create Custom Envelope Form

Printer How-to > Print > Instructions & Settings includes 

Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Example - Form setup (Windows)

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Left-Click on your Printer one time to highlight >

Left-Click Print Server properties (at the top of the window in the ribbon)

Hint:

When you create your Custom Form for your envelope, select a supported "Envelope" from the list to create your new Envelope.

For Windows, at least:  After you create your new Envelope form, Restart the computer and log in

Depending on the software you are using to create / submit the envelope AND assuming the Custom Form setup is actually supported, find and select your new form from the list of Media.

Reference

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers / Software, Videos, Advisories, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, more

HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer series

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[FrustratedJo]

I'll try these steps over the weekend however, I did try and trick the printer by saying I had a 5X7 "paper" because that was about the size of my Christmas envelopes. It still didn't work. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@FrustratedJo

Well, regardless of what I said, you can certainly try and trick the printer.

The only problem, if there is one: 

• The "trick" setup is not actually "legitimate", that is, the Media on which you are printing is not actually a 5x7 paper / photo paper. 
• The printer MIGHT reject the pseudo setup at any time and decide, "Nope, not doing this.  Jam!"

Does that mean the printer breaks?  No -- it just goes back to printers not being very smart about things they don't understand.

Good Luck to both of you.

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