Officejet Pro 8600 can't print when duplexer is removed

[Z-man1]

Hi, printer is fine when duplexer is installed (not trying to print two sided). I'm trying to relocate the printer in a smaller cabinet so I remove the duplexer from the back of the printer. When I print something, the paper comes out thru the back (where the duplexer was) and I get an error that the printer is out of paper. Thanks in advance.

[sandytechy20]

@Z-man1

Welcome to HP support community.

1. Click on start.
2. Go to Control panel – Devices and printers.
3. Right-click on LaserJet and select “Printing preferences”.
4. Under the Paper/Quality or Layout tab, uncheck/unselect the 2-sided / duplex printing option.
5. Apply and save the settings. Now try to print.
6. Close the access door at the back.

Also, you can check detailed steps here: Click here

Let me know how it goes.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Z-man1]

Sandytechy20, thanks, but this did not help. I actually have two windows 10 machines talking to this printer and none of the panels look exactly as you described, but nevertheless I did find entries that said two sided printing is off.  Also, what is your step 6 referring to, there is no access door at the back just a wide opening with all sorts of gears where the duplexer slides into. There's no 'door' to close.

[Z-man1]

Attached is a picture of the back of the 8600 with the dupleer removed. Ther's nothing to close that I can see and nothing in the printer setup documentation.

[sandytechy20]

@Z-man1

When you received the printer, was the duplexer installed with the printer or did you had to install it?

[Z-man1]

I got the printer second hand from someone who inherited it. But in reading the paperwork  that came with the printer, the instructions show how to install it, So since it came new, (I have his original receipt) , I'd have to conclude that it had to be installed. I just watched an unbox video on youtube and it too shows the the need to insert the duplexor installed.  If what you're driving at that it is somehow physically damaged, that there was a cover, I highly doubt that. What I am wondering though, is it possible that the machine was not designed to be able to function without a duplexor inserted ?  But if that would be the case, I would expect a message indicating the duplexor is absent. I'm perplexed.

[sandytechy20 · Accepted solution]

@Z-man1

Yes, the duplexer has to be installed to use the printer.

If you do not want to use the duplexer, you can talk to HP support and check if you can get a cover for that.

They might have multiple options to help you with this.

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/

2) Click on "Continue as guest".

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Click on "Show Options".

Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Z-man1]

OK, Thanks will do. (it would be nice if they didn't call it an accesory!  or put out a proper error message. 🙂

[sandytechy20]

@Z-man1

HP support should help you in getting the cover for your printer.

Cheers.