Chapter 8

Common poor quality printout problems

Check the ink cartridges

Make sure the correct ink cartridges are installed and the ink cartridges are not low on ink. For more information, see Manage the device and Work with ink cartridges.

HP cannot guarantee the quality of non-HP ink cartridges.

Check the paper quality

The paper might be too moist or too rough. Make sure the media meets HP specifications, and try to print again. For more information, see Understand specifications for supported media.

Check the type of media loaded in the device

Make sure the tray supports the type of media you have loaded. For more information, see Understand specifications for supported media.

Check the device location and length of USB cable

High electromagnetic fields (such as those generated by USB cables) can sometimes cause slight distortions to printouts. Move the device away from the source of the electromagnetic fields. Also, it is recommended that you use a USB cable that is less than 3 meters (9.8 feet) long to minimize the effects of these electromagnetic fields.

Align the ink cartridges

Align the ink cartridges. For more information, see Align the ink cartridges.

Clean the ink cartridge

The ink cartridges may need to be cleaned. For more information, see, Clean the ink cartridges.

Meaningless characters print

If an interruption occurs to a job that is printing, the device might not recognize the rest of the job.

Cancel the print job and wait for the device to return to the ready state. If the device does not return to the ready state, cancel all jobs and wait again. When the device is ready, resend the job. If prompted by the computer to retry the job, click Cancel.

Check the cable connections

If the device and computer are connected with a USB cable, the problem may be due to a poor cable connection.

Make sure the cable connections at both ends are secure. If the problem persists, turn off the device, disconnect the cable from the device, turn on the device without connecting the cable, and delete any remaining jobs from the print spooler. When the Power light is on and not flashing, reconnect the cable.

118 Maintain and troubleshoot

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HP J4580, J4500 manual Common poor quality printout problems, Meaningless characters print, Check the paper quality

J4500, J4580 specifications

The HP J4580 and J4500 series printers are versatile all-in-one devices that cater to both home and small office environments. Designed to deliver high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, these models combine functionality with ease of use.

The HP J4580 model stands out with its compact design, making it an ideal choice for users with limited space. One of its main features is the ability to print in color and black-and-white at speeds up to 28 pages per minute (ppm). Additionally, the J4580 boasts a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, ensuring that both text and images look sharp and vibrant.

The J4500 model, while similar in design, introduces enhanced features suitable for slightly larger workloads. It offers a slightly higher performance, handling printing tasks with even greater efficiency. The J4500 can also print at impressive speeds, providing users with fast output without sacrificing quality.

Both models come equipped with advanced scanner technology, featuring a flatbed scanner that allows for high-resolution scanning to digital formats. The J4580 and J4500 are capable of scanning documents up to 1200 dpi, making it easy to capture intricate details from photos and pages. Moreover, users can copy documents quickly with a one-touch button that simplifies the copying process.

One of the standout characteristics is the built-in fax functionality. The fax modem included in both models can transmit documents at speeds of up to 33.6 kbps, ensuring that important information is sent swiftly. Additionally, they feature a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) for quicker faxing and scanning of multi-page documents.

Connectivity options are also essential for modern office needs, and both the J4580 and J4500 support USB and Ethernet connections, allowing users to print and share documents seamlessly over a network. Furthermore, wireless connectivity options enable quick access from mobile devices.

Overall, the HP J4580 and J4500 series printers provide comprehensive solutions for daily printing, scanning, copying, and faxing tasks. With their combination of speed, quality, and multifunction capabilities, these all-in-one printers are reliable assets for enhancing productivity in any workspace.