Printer thinks there is a paper jam, then says it was shut down improperly, then says to contact HP.

[JAK39]

Had a power outage. Now the printer thinks there is a paper jam, when I clear that message, it tells me it was shut down improperly and to turn it off and back on. After I do that, it starts to try maintenance, then tells me to contact HP.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @JAK39,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like your printer is having a tough time recovering from the power outage. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issues:

1. Power Cycle the Printer

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Turn the printer back on and see if it resets the error messages.

2. Check for Paper Jams Again

• Even if you’ve checked before, do a thorough inspection of the printer for any small bits of paper or debris that might be causing the jam error.
• Open all access panels and remove any paper from the input and output trays.

3. Run Printer Maintenance

• If the printer starts up and allows you to access the menu, run any available maintenance tasks (like cleaning or aligning print heads).

4. Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

• If possible, navigate to the settings menu on the printer and look for an option to reset to factory defaults. Note that this will clear any custom settings.

5. Check for Firmware Updates

• If the printer is operational, check for any firmware updates using the HP Smart app or the HP website.

6. Clear Internal Memory

• Some printers have a way to clear internal memory or jobs. If your printer allows it, try to cancel all print jobs.

7. Let It Rest

• Sometimes, letting the printer sit unplugged for a longer period (a few hours) can help reset internal systems.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support