deskjet 3050a making terrible noise and printing weird lines

[patrice108]

my printer was working fine for a few years, and suddenly it printed an entire document that just looked like it was off the track or something - all broken up lines.  looks kind of like what TV shows think DNA markers look like.  it's also making a terrible sound - it sounds like something is literally not on the right track, but I can't figure out how to fix it.  I'm on a mac, so I can't do the print and scan doctor.

[KrazyToad]

@patrice108

I suggest you start with a printer reset

- Turn on the printer.
- Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
- Disconnect the USB cable from the rear of the printer. If your printer has a network or wireless connection, leave it connected.
- Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and from the wall outlet or power strip.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
NOTE: HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to a wall outlet.
- Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
- Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
- The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
- Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.
- Reinsert the ink cartridges, and then close the ink cartridge access door.
- If you receive a prompt to print a calibration page, do so.

 
Next check for printer Firmware updates. Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02919168

If the issue persists follow the instructions in Step 3 from this Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02130018 to clean the paper rollers

Keep me posted 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[patrice108 · Accepted solution]

Thank you!  I had done the first 2 items you mentioned.  When I saw the instructions on how to clean the paper rollers etc, I found a solution of my own - I just bought a new printer.  Just wasn't worth all that work.  I appreciate your help!!

-patrice

[KrazyToad]

@patrice108

Thanks for keeping us posted

Do visit our HP Support Community and drop us a message anytime you need help

Thank you 😊