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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printer says load paper to print but paper is loaded

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1 REPLY 1
02-15-2025 05:43 AM
Hi @Printerbruin, Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
The "Load Paper" error on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 despite having paper loaded could be due to several reasons, such as paper misalignment, sensor issues, or firmware problems. Try the following troubleshooting steps:
Check the Paper Tray
- Remove the paper from the tray.
- Fan the stack of paper to prevent sheets from sticking together.
- Ensure the paper is properly aligned and not overfilled.
- Adjust the paper width guides snugly against the stack without pinching the paper.
- Reload the paper and push the tray fully into the printer.
Inspect for Paper Jams
- Open the rear access door and check for any stuck paper.
- If found, remove the paper carefully.
- Check inside the paper tray and feeder rollers for debris.
Clean the Paper Feed Rollers
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
- Open the rear access panel and locate the feed rollers.
- Clean the rollers using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
- Let them dry completely before closing the panel and reconnecting the power.
Reset the Printer
- With the printer on, unplug the power cable from the printer and wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cable back in and turn the printer on.
Update Printer Firmware
- Go to HP Support (HP Software and Driver Downloads) and check for the latest firmware update.
- Install the update and restart the printer.
Adjust Paper Settings
- On your printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Paper Setup.
- Ensure the selected paper type and size match the paper loaded in the tray.
- If using a computer, check the paper settings in the print dialog box before printing.
Try a Different Paper Type
- If the printer struggles to detect the paper, try using a different brand or type of plain paper.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted 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!
Max3Aj
HP Support
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