Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Help! Printer not printing text.
10/27/06 | self

Posted on 10/27/2006 9:49:26 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn

I'm using Windows XP and have an HP Deskjet 3930 printer. The text won't print. Also, some graphics won't print either.

I refilled the black ink cartridge two days ago but don't know if that's the problem or not. I doubt it, but had the same problem on a Lexmark after refilling the black cartridge and ended up throwing the whole thing in the trash and buying the current HP printer.

Here's some examples of what's happening - Google maps will print the map but not the directions. Even copying the text directions to Word, it still won't print the text. Changing the text to another color in Word still doesn't do the trick.

No text documents in Word will print no matter what color.

I've tried to print web pages with text and pictures/graphics and none of the text will print and only some of the praphics.

Also, links will only print the underline and nothing else.

Any ideas how to fix this problem?


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: printer
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-27 next last
Thanks in advance.
1 posted on 10/27/2006 9:49:27 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

You might try going to hp.com to make sure you have the latest printer driver.


2 posted on 10/27/2006 9:52:19 AM PDT by Hegemony Cricket (Expect a lot of democrat poll-smoking between now and 11/7)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn
Change print text to another color, if it prints text than problem is your black ink cartridge ink or head.
3 posted on 10/27/2006 9:54:46 AM PDT by HuntsvilleTxVeteran ("Remember the Alamo, Goliad and WACO, It is Time for a new San Jacinto")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

Try buying an Epson next time...


4 posted on 10/27/2006 9:59:18 AM PDT by johnny7 (“And what's Fonzie like? Come on Yolanda... what's Fonzie like?!”)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

Print a test page (Start > Printers and Faxes ... right-click your printer icon, select Properties ... click the Print Test Page button).

If the problem is your black cartridge, it'll be obvious on the test page.


5 posted on 10/27/2006 10:01:06 AM PDT by newgeezer (Just my opinion, of course. Your mileage may vary.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

Was it printing OK before you refilled the ink? If so, the ink cartridge is probably bad.


6 posted on 10/27/2006 10:01:23 AM PDT by ken in texas (come fold with us.... team #36120)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

Sounds like a print driver issue or another software-related issue if your old printer did it too... Do you have a friend with a computer? Try plugging the printer into a friend's computer and see if you have the same problems...


7 posted on 10/27/2006 10:01:55 AM PDT by Kaylee Frye
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn
Some HP print cartridges have chips inside of them that disable the print function after the ink runs out. Using an aftermarket refill kit won't reset the chip. See this MSNBC story.

Bite the bullet, buy a new cartridge, and see if the printing returns. If so, then that was the problem.

There are aftermarket places which will refill your cartridges and "reset" the chip. There's a place here in our local Mall with a pink pig as a logo, but I can't remember the name. I just buy cartridges at Sam's Club.

8 posted on 10/27/2006 10:08:32 AM PDT by Yo-Yo (USAF, TAC, 12th AF, 366 TFW, 366 MG, 366 CRS, Mtn Home AFB, 1978-81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Hegemony Cricket
You might try going to hp.com to make sure you have the latest printer driver.

That did nothing but shut down the whole computer and now that I've got it back up it says both color and black ink cartridges are empty.

9 posted on 10/27/2006 10:08:35 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: HuntsvilleTxVeteran
Change print text to another color, if it prints text than problem is your black ink cartridge ink or head.

No, I've tried that and it still doesn't print text no matter what the color.

10 posted on 10/27/2006 10:09:16 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

How many times has the cartridge been refilled? Has it ever run dry, or almost dry?
I refill 5 times, by then the cartridge is not going to be reliable. The ink serves as a cooling agent, if it gets too low the feed mechanism will overheat. You can also get an airlock, that will usually correct itself if the cartridge sits for several hours.
More than likely you need to start with new cartridges, and keep track of how many times you refill.
The best ink, and the best prices I've found,come from Stratitec.
www.easyinkjetrefill.com


11 posted on 10/27/2006 10:12:42 AM PDT by SWAMPSNIPER (MAY I DIE ON MY FEET IN MY SWAMP, BUAIDH NO BAS)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

MY Dad had problems with his HP printer. The solution was to buy a different brand...at the suggestion of HP. Anymore, they are landfill at best.


12 posted on 10/27/2006 10:14:35 AM PDT by Military family member (GO Colts!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: newgeezer

Yesterday, we were having the same problem however the test page printed perfectly. Today is a new story. The test page now just printed the 4 color Windows flag thing and nothing else. Strange thing is the Windows flag was not on yesterday's test page.


13 posted on 10/27/2006 10:16:37 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: ken in texas
Was it printing OK before you refilled the ink? If so, the ink cartridge is probably bad.

Yes, it was printing fine. I didn't refill it for a week or two if that matters.

14 posted on 10/27/2006 10:17:34 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn

Did you pull the little plastic tab out of the new cartridge before you seated it?


15 posted on 10/27/2006 10:18:01 AM PDT by NittanyLion
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Yo-Yo
Some HP print cartridges have chips inside of them that disable the print function after the ink runs out.

I think we have a winner. I had bought a new cartridge and it didn't even last a week. I thought it was just bad and refilled the old one with ink. If this is true then both were EXPIRED. If that's the case, I'll get kicked off if I posted what I'm thinking about HP right now.

16 posted on 10/27/2006 10:22:09 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: SWAMPSNIPER
How many times has the cartridge been refilled?

This is it's first refill. I've never had any luck with any brand over 2 refills.

17 posted on 10/27/2006 10:23:17 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: NittanyLion
Did you pull the little plastic tab out of the new cartridge before you seated it?

Yes.

18 posted on 10/27/2006 10:23:54 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: SWAMPSNIPER
What band of printer do you have?
19 posted on 10/27/2006 10:25:02 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn
"HP Deskjet 3930 printer" lotsa luck keeping ink in that thing, my HP printer goes through ink like a thirsty elephant!
20 posted on 10/27/2006 10:41:26 AM PDT by US Navy guy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-27 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson