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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- my printer will only print one line of garbled text at the t...

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05-13-2024 10:14 AM
Hi @KK81454,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like there could be several potential issues causing your HP printer to print only one line of garbled text at the top of each page. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try.
- Check Ink or Toner Levels: Low ink or toner levels can cause poor print quality. Check the ink or toner levels on your printer and replace any cartridges that are low.
- Run Printer Diagnostic Tests: Many HP printers have built-in diagnostic tests that can help identify and resolve printing issues. Check your printer's user manual or HP's website for instructions on how to run these tests.
- Clean Print Heads: Over time, print heads can become clogged with dried ink or toner, which can result in poor print quality. Most printers have a utility or option to clean the print heads. Refer to your printer's user manual for instructions on how to do this.
- Check Printer Settings: Make sure that the printer settings, such as print quality and paper type, are configured correctly for the type of document you're trying to print. Incorrect settings can result in garbled or incomplete printing.
- Update Printer Drivers: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause printing problems. Visit HP's website to download and install the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Restart Printer and Computer: Sometimes, simply restarting both your printer and computer can resolve printing issues by resetting any temporary glitches.
- Inspect Paper Tray and Feed Mechanism: Ensure that the paper tray is loaded correctly and that the paper is not jammed or misaligned. Additionally, check for any obstructions in the paper feed mechanism that may be causing the printer to malfunction.
- Try Printing from a Different Device: If possible, try printing the same document from a different device to determine if the issue is with the printer or the original device you were printing from.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue with your HP printer's garbled printing.
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