Printer will only print squares as text

[jwdillon777]

Hello, 

So I am working in word and the documents look fine on my computer. However, when I print the document out, all of the text in the document are printed out as little squares. It is only happening in with my word docs. I have been able to print PDFs with no issue. 

Ive already downloaded an updated driver

Ive restarted my computer

Deleted the printer from the computers "printers and scanners" and added it back.

I've also restarted the printer.

Very confused as I was able to print word documents with no problem up until last night (which was the last time I was able to print a word doc without issue). Nothing was changed or downloaded between then and the time the printer stopped working.

[Tpepp888]

Hello,

I have exactly the same issue - did you resolve this ?

[thejefflangan]

The same issue is occurring with my system -- Mac to HP 477dw.  I've done everything you've done, searched and read a ton of forum comments, but no real answer.  Incredibly frustrating, huh?  If you find a solution, I'd appreciate you sharing it here.  I'll do the same.  Thanks.

[jwdillon777]

Nope, haven't found any solution. Don't understand this at all because I have been using this printer and computer for months with no problems.

So far, "HP Support" and customer service is non-existent...

[kc7zzx]

I have joined the ranks of those who can not print out documents that have certain font families.   I believe this is a new problem that started with the printer build MAHDWOPP1N001.2127A.00 dated 2021-07-01.  

Work Around: If I replace a Calibri font with a Courier font, it prints out just fine.   

I went to HP using the CHAT feature.  They had me remove my printer (entry in printer settings on my MAC) and use HP easy setup to add it back in after I powered down the printer.   I have an HP pagewide PRO 577dw.   It made no difference.

I also logged into the Apple forum (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253013946) and there are a number of people over there with the same issue starting date of Aug 2021.  Take a look. 

I think it is my HP printer that has the font problem, but I could be wrong and maybe it is a MAC that has a problem.

My printer is out of warranty, so there is not much I can do.   I hope someone else will keep pushing the issue.

[thejefflangan]

Thank you for all of the information.  It’s amazing that HP can’t diagnose and fix the problem.  However, they know that those of us out of warranty may have to shell out for a new HP printer rather than pay for a service call and the repair.  I wonder if AppleCare could help?  Of course, mine expired 30 days ago.  If anyone speaks with AppleCare, please let us know.   I suppose the temporary fix is switching to different fonts - but that only works if I’m generating the document rather than printing something from a third party.  Can’t wait to find out who is the source of this error.  

[mshawb]

Found the answer on a different forum:

This turned out to be a driver problem that could be fixed easily, if you know how.

What I needed to do was open System Preferences / Printers & Scanners, click "+" to add a printer; in the dialog window select my printer; wait for it to update; then in the "Use" list, select "Generic PostScript Printer". A new printer icon shows up in the Printers & Scanners box -- use that one as default printer. Wew!

[kwebgiu]

Same issue on Pagewide Pro 377dw and Big Sur as well as MacOS 10.15.7

[thejefflangan]

Thank you so much for the advice -- it worked flawlessly.  HP owes you big time, as do I.  Really appreciate it.

[Joakmal]

I have the same issue however mine is with Ipad and iPhone using iOS AirPrint.  Images print fine it appears to be a font issue.  I can’t fix with the listed solution because iOS doesn’t have a driver.  Anyone else having same issue with iOS devices?  Just started same as everyone else beginning of August.