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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printing random letters, numbers and symbols when trying to ...

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12-11-2023 07:11 AM
Hi @Prosthetics1407,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP printer is printing random numbers, symbols, and letters instead of the expected content, it's likely that there's a communication issue or a problem with the printer drivers. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Check Printer Connection:
- Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
- If you are using a USB connection, try using a different USB port on your computer.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Make sure that you have the latest drivers for your HP printer installed on your computer.
- Visit the HP official website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model.
Restart Printer:
- Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in.
- Turn the printer back on and check if the issue persists.
Clear Print Queue:
- Open the print queue on your computer and cancel all print jobs.
- Restart the computer and try printing again.
Print a Test Page:
- Print a test page directly from the printer to check if the issue is related to the computer or the printer itself.
- Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to print a test page.
Check for Malware or Viruses:
- Run a thorough antivirus scan on your computer to ensure that it is not infected with malware or viruses that may be affecting the printing process.
Reinstall Printer Drivers:
- Uninstall the existing printer drivers from your computer.
- Download and install the latest drivers from the HP website.
Adjust Print Settings:
- Ensure that you have selected the correct paper size, orientation, and other print settings before printing.
Update Browser or Software:
- If the issue occurs when printing from the internet, make sure your web browser is up to date. Consider trying a different browser.
- If printing from a specific application, ensure that the application is updated to the latest version.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the printing issue with your HP printer.
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!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator