HP 990Cxi - print misaligned with reference to paper edge

[Geoff Wild]

My HP DeskJet 990Cxi no longer prints with correct reference to the paper
edge. For example, a vertical line drawn in a graphics program half way
across a 210mm wide A4 sheet of paper used to print in the centre of the
page - 105mm from left and right edges. It now prints 102mm from the left
edge.

Comparing newly printed Word documents with the same documents printed some
time ago also shows this 3mm-left shift. Critically, labels printed in
'Labels Unlimited' also have this shift, enough to result in some text
straddling the label boundary. The same files print correctly on two other
computer/DeskJet 990Cxi systems.

I've tried setting the printer back to factory defaults, have changed paper
size to Letter then back to A4, and have tried changing most other setting
too (more in hope than expectation), but cannot get it to print with correct
reference to the paper edge.

I therefore suspect the problem is with the printer rather than with the
software. I've only ever had one paper jam, which was some months ago, and I
managed to clear it with ease. It is possible, I suppose, that I disturbed
something in the printer whilst clearing this jam, but have not noticed the
effect until now.

I've looked at HP's support site, and in Google groups, but cannot find
reference to this particular problem.

If anyone can throw some light on this matter it would be most appreciated.

Geoff

 

[Hecate]

I've looked at HP's support site, and in Google groups, but cannot find
reference to this particular problem.

If anyone can throw some light on this matter it would be most appreciated.

If it's nothing you're doing, then it sounds like the laser has become
misaligned. The 990Cxi uses a laser scan (if you look when it's taking
in the paper you'll see a blue light) to set the paper orientation.
What you describe makes it seem like something has gone wrong with the
calibration. I suggest you ask for technical assistance from HP, but
it may be that it would be cheaper to get a new one. (I use a 990Cxi
as my general printer and I've never had a jam or any trouble in the 2
years I've had it.).

 

[tomcas]

If it's nothing you're doing, then it sounds like the laser has become
misaligned. The 990Cxi uses a laser scan (if you look when it's taking
in the paper you'll see a blue light) to set the paper orientation.
What you describe makes it seem like something has gone wrong with the
calibration. I suggest you ask for technical assistance from HP, but
it may be that it would be cheaper to get a new one. (I use a 990Cxi
as my general printer and I've never had a jam or any trouble in the 2
years I've had it.).

--

Hecate
(e-mail address removed)
veni, vidi, reliqui

If that is the case, maybe he can simply run "Calibrate the Device" from
the Tool Box.

 

[Geoff Wild]

Thank you for your responses, calibrating the printer fixed it.

I had printed a test page and a diagnostic page, but looking at the
'Calibrate the Printer' icon I had assumed this did no more than align the
ink cartridges with each other, and so did not try that option. I must learn
to be more thorough.
Thanks again,
Geoff