-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Setting up new printer. Error re clear jam

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
05-30-2025 02:57 AM
@Edset, Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand you're setting up a new HP printer and encountering an error message stating:
"Printer carriage cannot move. Open carriage access door. Clear any paper jam or obstruction. Select OK."
Even though no paper has been drawn in and nothing is visibly jammed, this issue can sometimes be caused by packaging materials or a misaligned carriage. Let’s walk through the steps to resolve this:
Turn Off and Unplug the Printer
- Press the Power button to turn off the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds to allow the printer to reset.
Check for Packing Materials
- Open the carriage access door (usually the top lid).
- Carefully inspect the inside for:
- Orange plastic clips
- Blue tape
- Cardboard inserts
- Any other packaging material
- Remove all visible packing materials.
Even small pieces of tape or foam can block the carriage movement.
Manually Move the Carriage
- With the printer still unplugged, gently try to move the carriage (ink cartridge holder) side to side.
- It should move freely. If it’s stuck, look again for any obstructions or debris.
Check Paper Path
- Open the rear access door or duplexer (if your model has one).
- Look for any jammed paper or foreign objects.
- Remove anything found carefully.
Plug In and Restart
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
- Wait for the printer to initialize.
- If prompted, press OK on the control panel.
You may check this link - HP Printer setup using Wi-Fi or wired network or USB cable | HP® Support
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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping!
Max3Aj
HP Support