Printer won't print/message says "recommends colorlok paper

[squawbonds]

Printer stops and an error message reads "load paper in tray. Recommend colorlok paper "

[Irwin6]

Hi @squawbonds,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

I see that you are facing an issue with your printer that shows an error.

To understand the issue and help you, please share the details listed below:

- Exact model number/product number(SKU number) of your HP Product (Click here for information on how to find the model number/product number).

- Error messages or Blinking lights (if any) on the unit.

- May I know which application you are using to print?

- When was the last time your printer was working fine?

- Were there any changes made to your printer recently?

- May I know which devices are you using to print eg: Windows PC, Mac, or Smartphone (Android or iPhone)?

Note: Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support

[ernnnt]

Every HP "solution" that I've seen on the web has been completely unhelpful and doesn't work:

1. Uninstalling/reinstalling software & drivers

2. Running Windows printer troubleshooter

3. Running HP Print & Scan Doctor

4. Hard reset of the printer itself

The ONLY thing that has worked for me (I'm an IT tech) is determining where the printer is plugged into power. If it's plugged into a power strip, surge protector or, worst of all, a UPS, plug the printer directly into a wall outlet.

This has resolved a number of unexplained, perplexing printer issues. HP printers, especially LaserJet printers, appear to have very specific power needs that are detrimentally affected by power strips, surge protectors and UPSes.

Not sure why this isn't the FIRST troubleshooting step to be recommended by HP...

[Repairatrooper]

@ernnnt if people read the setup guide it is one of the first things mentioned. People chose to ignore it, including many IT techs I have met because of a lack of proper number of power plugs at desired location or people simply do not read. I agree, fixes many problems. In this case it is likely a paper mismatch error where the printer driver default paper type is set for colorlok, but the printer is set for plain or any type.

[ernnnt]

No, the paper type was never set as Colorlok or anything other than "plain paper." 

However, in the printer properties, the paper designation kept switching to "unspecified" and all attempts to change it to something else, even plain paper, failed - the designation kept reverting to "unspecified".

After plugging directly into the wall, the "unspecified" designation automatically changed to "plain paper".

As for the setup guide stipulating a wall plug for power, today's printers lack a lot of printed material. Why not a hang-tag on the plug itself - "Do not plug into anything other than a wall outlet!".

Lastly, even HP tech support and support forums don't mention this.