When printing, my text has a shadow!

[Haylea]

Every time I print something out, a document, an email etc the text has a
shadow. Its like the printer is out of line, (if there is such a thing) but
ive no idea how to re-align it.

Any ideas?

Hx

 

[Malke]

Every time I print something out, a document, an email etc the text has a
shadow. Its like the printer is out of line, (if there is such a thing)
but ive no idea how to re-align it.

Printer make/model? Using the latest printer drivers from the printer
mftr.'s website? Did the printing ever work correctly? If yes, what changed
between the time things worked and the time they didn't?


Malke

 

[Haylea]

Its a HP Deskjet 6980. The only different thing is I changed the colour
cartridge yesterday and i didnt notice it printing differently then (although
may have, my observational skills aren't brilliant!)

Does this help?

 

[Tom Ferguson]

As a PS to Malke's suggestions...

There is a possibility that the print head nozzles need adjusting/cleaning
or that the print head or associated components are damaged. Some printer
drivers have a setting for this use. Highlight the printer in the list and
check "Properties" and similar settings. Also, it would be worth checking
the maker's web site for a FAQ or help documentation of such features.

 

[Malke]

Its a HP Deskjet 6980. The only different thing is I changed the colour
cartridge yesterday and i didnt notice it printing differently then
(although may have, my observational skills aren't brilliant!)

Does this help?

And as a PPS to Tom's excellent suggestions, usually when you install a new
ink cartridge you need to run the alignment utility. Some of the HPs do
this themselves and others don't. Look in your HP Toolbox or the like for
the alignment utility and run it.

Malke

 

[huwyngr]

Its a HP Deskjet 6980. The only different thing is I changed the colour 
cartridge yesterday

Definitely run the alignment setting procedure.

However p 118 of the manual says that alignement is automatic after a
cartridge change:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00591373.pdf

Align the print cartridges

The printer automatically aligns the print cartridges after a new print
cartridge is installed.

You can also align the print cartridges at other times to ensure optimal
print quality.
To align print cartridges:
1. Load Letter or A4 plain, white paper in the In tray.
2. Open the printer Toolbox.
3. Click Align the Print Cartridges.
4. Click Align, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

But elsewhere I did find the warning that things can go wrong if you have
the printer powered OFF when you change a cartridge. It says the printer
will not release the cartridge but if you do get it out then ....

If you don't know how find out how to make the two kinds of test print:

-- one involves the PC and is usually a Test Print button in the
properties of the Printer icon in the Printer folder

-- while the other is independent of the PC and involves a combination of
buttons or turning on the printer while pressing a button or buttons

These are great help in troubleshooting so it's a good time to locate
them.

Assuming you are running VISTA since this is a VISTA newsgroup, check that
you have the fully featured software for it from the HP website including
the update to stop unexpected uninstallation. Again, it's good to know
where those things are.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2093&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en
&product=467982&lang=en