Why is my HP printer is pringing blank pages?

Question

I have an HP Officejet 4500 printer. It copies fine, but it will not print from the computer nor from Word. I call a technician, but since my warranty is out, he wants to charge a lots of money, and I just don't have it. I have ink, I have ran a test page and I have cleaned my cartridges.  When I run a test from my CD, It shows that my USB port is not connecting from my computer to my printer. My computer is in good condition and I am the only user.  I have tried changing USB port, but it still does not work. Please tell me what to do.

Tom and Anna Marie · Accepted Answer

Since your printer works when you copy, you know it works as a printer and has ink.
If you can print a test page, your printer is obviously connected and the USB connection seems fine.
If your 4500 is not selected as the default printer, your software will not find it when you try to print.

Is your printer shown installed and check marked as the default printer in Control Panel/Devices and Printers?

My printer sometimes gets de-selected as the default and I have to change it back.

You say the HP test says the USB cable is not plugged in so start there. Plug and unplug it with sound turned up and listen for the "USB device connection sound".
If you hear it then you that your computer is sensing the printer.
If you do not hear it, try a different cable.
IYou may need to de-install and re-install the printer.
When you see that  your printer is shown installed in Control Panel/Devices and Printers

? · Answer

Try reinstalling the printer.  Disconnect it and use your "printers and devices' folder to remove any versions of that printer that display.  Then go online and find the driver download from HP, download and wait to attach the printer when prompted.  Hopefully that will work for you.

Anonymous · Answer

Check the drivers. Reinstall the printer from the CD.

Why is my HP printer is pringing blank pages?

3 Answers