cannot print in colour - only in black

[Midget-4]

All of a sudden my printer will not print in colour.  Have checked cartridges & replaced the black.  Have run HP Pritn & Scan Doctor which said had found and corrected print issues - printed page - cleaned heads. Re-printed test page - still prints in black only.

Have done the following

In "settings" have tried "removing" printer and then "adding" back

Have uninstalled software and downloaded current software

Weird thing is that the printer will COPY in colour.

HELP have run out of options

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Midget-4, Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues, with help from the community!

Don't worry I'll try to help you out. Let me ask you a few questions in order to assist you better.

Have you tried printing from a different application? Does the issue persist?

Does the issue persist when you make a colour copy from the printer?

Have you tried checking with a different ink cartridge?

Let's continue with the troubleshooting steps now.

Replace low, empty or faulty ink cartridges on the printer.

Please try few steps recommended below.

Check the print settings for your print job in Windows 10, 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista.

1. In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.

   The Print window opens.

2. Open the Properties dialog box.

   Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.

3. Depending on your print job, you might consider modifying the following settings:

   • Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.

   • Print Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.

   • Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.

   • Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.

4. After selecting the print settings, click OK to apply the settings, and then click Print.

Clean the ink cartridges

Use the printer control panel to clean the ink cartridges, and then evaluate the results.

NOTE: 

To avoid issues that require cleaning, always turn the printer off with the Power button.

1. Load plain paper into the input tray.

2. On the printer control panel, swipe the display to the left, and then touch Setup.

3. Touch Tools, and then touch Clean Cartridges.

4. The printer performs the automated cleaning process and then prints a Print Quality Diagnostic page.

   • If the print quality is acceptable, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the print quality is unacceptable, touch OK for a Second-level Cleaning when prompted to continue the next level of cleaning.

     NOTE: 

     If the ink cartridge nozzles are badly clogged, it might require another cleaning cycle. If so, wait 30 minutes before you perform both levels of cleaning again.

Try to print.

If you are able to make a colour copy from the printer try to uninstall the printer software from root level on the PC and reinstall the full feature printer software and check if it helps. (Windows Only)

In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.

Select your HP printer.

Select Uninstall.

In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.

In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”

Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.

Type printui.exe /s and click OK.

Click on Drivers tab.

Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click remove at the bottom.

Select OK.

Update the full feature printer software using this link. Click Here

Refer this article to further troubleshoot print quality issues with the printer. Click Here

Let me know if this helps!

Have a great day ahead! 🙂

Please click “Accept as 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!

[Midget-4]

Thank you Mr Robot for your helpful reply.

I have not carried out our instructions as I contacted HP support direct - realised my printer was still under guarantee.  Spoke to a helpful technician.  He said sounded like software had become corrupt  He took over my computer and sorted it out.  Now have lovely colour again.  Re-installing software put back the option to choose to print in colour or black - which was misssing under the heading "options"

thank you again for taking the time to reply

[A4Apollo]

@Midget-4,

I'm glad to know after reinstalling the drivers your issue got resolved.

Even I had suggested the same steps in my post. If you have any issues in the future, you can use this post as a reference.

Take Care! 🙂

Please click “Accept as 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!