HP ENVY 4500 Displays Purply-Mauve Tinted Test Patterns Without Text
HP ENVY 4500 Displays Purply-Mauve Tinted Test Patterns Without Text
I'm here because the HP Smart App has really been a Dumb App.
Printer color and black ink levels are fine. Communication with PC is fine.
HOWEVER, it does not print properly.
Test print sheet reveals only purply/mauve colors in the rectangular shapes. Text "imprint" is faintly seen, but no actual ink on paper. Alignment sheet also in purply ink. Solid shapes appear "striped."
Tried to update the firmware, but the app won't allow; printer listed, but I can not click the box, and the "update" button is greyed/inactive.
Thanks as always, for your help!
The black is HP, but the color looks like another brand. I removed the color and attempted to print with black only inserted, but I received an error about no ink.
What you mention indicates both ink cartridges have blocked the ink nozzles. In this setup, the miniature ink jets that release ink onto the paper are integrated into the cartridges themselves. (Other printer models have these nozzles permanently built in, while the cartridges hold just the ink.) Therefore, when you swap out the cartridges, you receive fresh, unclogged nozzles that function properly. The easiest approach is to swap both cartridges.
If you attempt to repair them, try this method. Take out both cartridges and lay each one on a damp piece of Kleenex, ensuring the ink jets are submerged in the moisture. Let them sit for a few hours so the water penetrates and loosens the blockages. Once done, remove each from the damp tissue and gently brush the ink jet surface until it appears clear. If successful, you should notice a thin line of ink on the clean tissue (three colored lines from the color cartridges). Afterward, dry each cartridge thoroughly and verify that the contact strips remain clean. Reinsert them into your printer and test again.