Printer Problem

[Sparky]

My HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-One printer has started to print (when straightforward copying) entirely in Black........and I mean the whole page is solid black ink (how expensive is that :o)

I have tried everything I can think of;
turn off and restart
disconnect/reconnect
shut down/restart PC
printed Test Sheet (strangely did this perfectly twice :-/)
took it back to shop but not interested as 3 weeks over 1 year guarrantee.
HP online also say out of Warrantee.
HP offered online help at a cost
HP offered reconditioned replacement at about £112 when it only cost £59.99 originally
cannot find non-HP help online (that do not charge) as had expected a forum for this sort of thing - maybe didn't look well enough ?
Completely un-installed/re-installed program from disc to PC
Updated PC software from HP Online (huge download that took over an hour)

The most significant moment was that when disconnected from PC as a stand alone copier it was the same.

Just tried a print from Scanned Document held on PC and I stopped it soon after starting (tell tale sound of 'continuous' printing) to find that this time it was doing solid colour printing (in the Buff colour of the old League Booklet) but that I could see at the edge that it was firstly printing the correct document but then obliterating that with continuous 'blanket' colour :-/

I assume it is a hardware problem within the printer and should throw it away but hope that maybe someone can offer a solution ?

When you say 'straightforward copying', are you sure ? As sometimes a background may have been set on a page without you realising - which might cause that effect.

It seems strange that it prints the Test Page okay, that is encouraging because it is then unlikely the cartridges are leaking, misplaced or the wrong way round.

I have an HP F2280 and think it the best thing since sliced bread, having thrown away two Epson printers.

[Q]

Dec 17, 2009 22:43:48 GMT tommo III said:

I have an HP F2280 and think it the best thing since sliced bread, having thrown away two Epson printers.

Just shows how different people like different things...
I wouldn't have a HP if you gave it to me, one of the most expensive to run with the poorest print resolution.

I've used Epson now for years, yes they have built in obsolescence but when you can buy them so cheap, and the cartridges (not originals but excellent) can be bought ... 5 sets of 4 cartridges for £18.99 and the quality is superb, I wouldn't have another maker.

Graham... agree with Tommo, check for unseen backgrounds, check your printer settings and make sure that print backgrounds isn't checked.

[Sparky]

Still no joy :(

Checked every setting in the 'new look' HP program (after update yesterday) and cannot find a setting for background anywhere, but did try 'factory' setting which made no difference. But could still print test page OK :-/

There are no options on the 'machine' itself, so I just need to remember to open the window before I throw it out ??? ???

The updated program wouldn't recognise the printer being connected whilst being able to display the ink levels ::) although all right after restart. The ink costs and economy have been appalling and my previous Epsom printer lasted for many years without a problem. If I wasn't a senior moderator there would have been a few choice words about HP from me, and the other mods would have enjoyed editing my posts ;D ;D ;D

[iang]

I too have had problems with my HP deskjet HP2100 have uninstalled & reinstalled 3 times on my new computer which I did not want to do.
Have downloaded updated programme from website, Printer toolbox does not work but had a error messgae "cue status error" checking.
so now can't see ink levels, but now at least it scans again.

Try typing into Google I bet you will have several people that have had same problem.
HP help is useless.

[Sparky]

Hi Ian
I tried to find help through Google but no joy, and I was surprised at that...

Dec 17, 2009 21:56:44 GMT Sparky said:

Cannot find non-HP help online (that do not charge) as had expected a forum for this sort of thing - maybe didn't look well enough ?

did find some 'bad' comments from other disgruntled owners though :-/