Copy function results in only part of the page being scanned

[Scotty9500]

My father isn't a tech wizard, so he's asking me to help him solve a problem he's having with the OfficeJet 3830. He mainly uses it as a fax, and as a copy machine. While I've hooked up the printer to connect wirelessly with his computer (it's a WOW! computer for senior citizens, I believe it runs on Linux), he almost never uses the printer in this way.

After successfully using the copy function for about a month, he's experiencing a problem. He puts a letter-sized page on the scanner, lining it up with the appropriate corner of the glass. The original page is full of information from top to bottom, so we'd expect to see the same thing on the copy. What results is only about 1/3rd of the contents of the original actually showing up on the copy. The size of the image is NOT reduced, which is fine... (in fact, I don't believe this machine gives you the option to modify the size of the subject being scanned). Only a section of the original page that's closest to the front-right corner shows up on the copy. In fact, I tried copying with nothing on the glass top, with the cover opened wide. What should result is a full page of dark ink (I know, wasteful, tisk tisk!). What we got was only the part of the page corresponding with the front-right corner of the scan surface actually being printed. 

It's almost as if the rest of the scanner is dead, and it's only reading the one small section of the page. I've looked through all of the settings, and I can't find anything about this. To TROUBLESHOOT, I cleaned the cartridges twice, and ran the realignment. The quality of print has improved, but nothing has changed with the copy function!  What to do?

Thank you!

[Betty0610]

 @Scotty9500

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

Reset the printer to calibrate the scanner mechanism, and then check the power source to confirm the printer is getting enough power to operate the copier.

1. Press the Power button to turn on the printer, if it is not already on.

2. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

3. Disconnect the power cord from the power source, and then wait 30 seconds.

4. If you previously connected the power cord to a power strip or multi-plug outlet adapter, reconnect the cord directly to a wall outlet to ensure the printer is getting enough power.

5. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer, and then turn on the printer.

6. If you have an HP DeskJet 3700 series printer, calibrate the scanner after resetting the printer.

7. Load the original document or photo, then start a copy job.

   • If the issue persists, connect the printer power cord to a different wall outlet to determine if the original outlet is causing the issue.

   • If the issue persists with a different wall outlet

Perform a visual test of the scanner bar and light for mechanical issues.

Remove any original documents or photos from the scanner glass.

Lift the scanner lid slightly, and then press the Copy button or icon.

If the scanner light does not move or illuminate, the scanner mechanism requires servicing. 

If the issue persists, please perform the remaining steps from this document: https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-officejet-3830-all-in-one-printer-series/7172321/document/c0...

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!