Think I need a new printer :(
#1
10-05-20, 07:47 PM
Think I need a new printer :(
Up until this year I was using our old HP Photosmart C4250 All-in-One Printer, and it worked great for the most part. The only real issue I had was with my MacBook not recognizing the USB, which just meant I could not use the copy or scan buttons, but instead had to initiate the action via the app on my computer. Not a big deal.
But several months ago, the ink cartridges needed replaced because they were low on ink, and suddenly it just will not print anymore. I have tried everything from power cycling to resetting (partial & semi-full rests) the printer to uninstalling and reinstalling it but still it does not print. It is detecting the cartridges, and sounds like its printing but just spits out blank pages without a drop of ink. Sadly, it looks like I have no choice but to replace it, and I don't exactly have extra cash for something like this.
Can anyone recommend a decent all-in-one printer, which is cheap but still decent, and the ink cartridges don't cost a small fortune?
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!
But several months ago, the ink cartridges needed replaced because they were low on ink, and suddenly it just will not print anymore. I have tried everything from power cycling to resetting (partial & semi-full rests) the printer to uninstalling and reinstalling it but still it does not print. It is detecting the cartridges, and sounds like its printing but just spits out blank pages without a drop of ink. Sadly, it looks like I have no choice but to replace it, and I don't exactly have extra cash for something like this.
Can anyone recommend a decent all-in-one printer, which is cheap but still decent, and the ink cartridges don't cost a small fortune?
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!
#2
10-05-20, 08:42 PM
Member
That is the problem with ink jet printers. It sounds like the ink has dried on the print head, (or maybe you did not remove the plastic cover prior to installing the new cartridges). If you have not used it for a long time, this can happen....sometimes even if you have used it recently, but usually after sitting for several weeks or more. If the carriage is moving back and forth and acting like it is printing, but nothing is coming out...this is possibly your problem.
You may be able to clean the head if you can get to it. Use a Q-tip dipped in Windex (actually...probably a handfull of them). If you can remove the printhead or tip it to get to it that would be even better. The printhead will be the part with the copper looking strips (probably) that is on the bottom of the part that moves back and forth....closest to the paper, usually right under the chassis that holds the ink cartridges. Sometimes the print head is actually on the ink cartridge, in which case you may have a different problem (did you remove any protective plastic or coating prior to installing the cartridges?) You'll know you are in the right spot if the Q-tips get doused with ink right away when you touch it.
Dip the Q-tip in the Windex and carefully (very gently) wipe the part with the dried ink. The Windex will almost immediately start to remove the dried ink. Use as much Windex as the Q-tip will hold until you are almost done, then go over it with a dry swab or two.IF that is what the problem is, you might be able to get it to print again...if not, sounds like you were ready to replace it anyways....no great loss, right?
The best bet is to go laser unless you use the printer often.....but they are obviously more expensive. Actually, if you use it a lot, the laser will be cheaper in the long run because you will get many more printed pages than you would with an ink jet for much less $ per page.
You may be able to clean the head if you can get to it. Use a Q-tip dipped in Windex (actually...probably a handfull of them). If you can remove the printhead or tip it to get to it that would be even better. The printhead will be the part with the copper looking strips (probably) that is on the bottom of the part that moves back and forth....closest to the paper, usually right under the chassis that holds the ink cartridges. Sometimes the print head is actually on the ink cartridge, in which case you may have a different problem (did you remove any protective plastic or coating prior to installing the cartridges?) You'll know you are in the right spot if the Q-tips get doused with ink right away when you touch it.
Dip the Q-tip in the Windex and carefully (very gently) wipe the part with the dried ink. The Windex will almost immediately start to remove the dried ink. Use as much Windex as the Q-tip will hold until you are almost done, then go over it with a dry swab or two.IF that is what the problem is, you might be able to get it to print again...if not, sounds like you were ready to replace it anyways....no great loss, right?
The best bet is to go laser unless you use the printer often.....but they are obviously more expensive. Actually, if you use it a lot, the laser will be cheaper in the long run because you will get many more printed pages than you would with an ink jet for much less $ per page.
#3
10-06-20, 01:24 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
HP has software that will help with your problem. google hp and look for support. A box will come up in there site to direct you to help.
#4
10-06-20, 03:09 AM
Group Moderator
Long ago I used to have an ink jet printer for home use. I eventually grew tired of clogged ink cartridges and I wasted so much ink using the software to purge/clean the cartridge. I broke down and bought an inexpensive laser printer. The printer was more expensive but it's really nice having something that always works, even after sitting unused for months.
#5
10-06-20, 03:15 AM
I'd also recommend a laser printer. My ink cartridges in my ink jet printers always dried up long before they were even half empty. I now have a black only laser printer/scanner. I don't remember how many yrs ago I bought it but it's still printing on the original ink cartridge. I often go a month or three between printings.
#6
10-06-20, 03:29 AM
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#7
10-06-20, 01:43 PM
That is the problem with ink jet printers. It sounds like the ink has dried on the print head, (or maybe you did not remove the plastic cover prior to installing the new cartridges). If you have not used it for a long time, this can happen....sometimes even if you have used it recently, but usually after sitting for several weeks or more. If the carriage is moving back and forth and acting like it is printing, but nothing is coming out...this is possibly your problem.
You may be able to clean the head if you can get to it. Use a Q-tip dipped in Windex (actually...probably a handfull of them). If you can remove the printhead or tip it to get to it that would be even better. The printhead will be the part with the copper looking strips (probably) that is on the bottom of the part that moves back and forth....closest to the paper, usually right under the chassis that holds the ink cartridges. Sometimes the print head is actually on the ink cartridge, in which case you may have a different problem (did you remove any protective plastic or coating prior to installing the cartridges?) You'll know you are in the right spot if the Q-tips get doused with ink right away when you touch it.
Dip the Q-tip in the Windex and carefully (very gently) wipe the part with the dried ink. The Windex will almost immediately start to remove the dried ink. Use as much Windex as the Q-tip will hold until you are almost done, then go over it with a dry swab or two.IF that is what the problem is, you might be able to get it to print again...if not, sounds like you were ready to replace it anyways....no great loss, right?
The best bet is to go laser unless you use the printer often.....but they are obviously more expensive. Actually, if you use it a lot, the laser will be cheaper in the long run because you will get many more printed pages than you would with an ink jet for much less $ per page.
You may be able to clean the head if you can get to it. Use a Q-tip dipped in Windex (actually...probably a handfull of them). If you can remove the printhead or tip it to get to it that would be even better. The printhead will be the part with the copper looking strips (probably) that is on the bottom of the part that moves back and forth....closest to the paper, usually right under the chassis that holds the ink cartridges. Sometimes the print head is actually on the ink cartridge, in which case you may have a different problem (did you remove any protective plastic or coating prior to installing the cartridges?) You'll know you are in the right spot if the Q-tips get doused with ink right away when you touch it.
Dip the Q-tip in the Windex and carefully (very gently) wipe the part with the dried ink. The Windex will almost immediately start to remove the dried ink. Use as much Windex as the Q-tip will hold until you are almost done, then go over it with a dry swab or two.IF that is what the problem is, you might be able to get it to print again...if not, sounds like you were ready to replace it anyways....no great loss, right?
The best bet is to go laser unless you use the printer often.....but they are obviously more expensive. Actually, if you use it a lot, the laser will be cheaper in the long run because you will get many more printed pages than you would with an ink jet for much less $ per page.
I did use it quite often, not for anything important but I still hate being without it
HP has software that will help with your problem. google hp and look for support. A box will come up in there site to direct you to help.
Long ago I used to have an ink jet printer for home use. I eventually grew tired of clogged ink cartridges and I wasted so much ink using the software to purge/clean the cartridge. I broke down and bought an inexpensive laser printer. The printer was more expensive but it's really nice having something that always works, even after sitting unused for months.
I'd also recommend a laser printer. My ink cartridges in my ink jet printers always dried up long before they were even half empty. I now have a black only laser printer/scanner. I don't remember how many yrs ago I bought it but it's still printing on the original ink cartridge. I often go a month or three between printings.
Printers of Sharp products are nice. HP Multi colour printers are also nice
Any other recommendations out there?
#8
10-06-20, 03:46 PM
Now is not the time to buy a printer with the prices getting as bad as lumber. You might try taking a old towel and laying one layer of it across the print nozzles then take a vacuum hose and put it briefly over the print nozzles to suck some ink through them. Do it carefully and watch the towel for ink saturation, you don't need a lot of ink to come out just enough to see if all the colors come out. Done this many times when all the other remedies produced no results.
