HP Printer Won't Print After Paper Jam

By Michael Davidson

Some printers have scanners built-in.
i Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Hewlett-Packard is an electronics and computer company that was first founded in 1939. Since that time, it has grown into one of the most financially successful and well-known brand names in computer peripherals such as printers, scanners and fax machines. HP printers are known for reliability, however, they can still suffer technical problems and physical malfunctions. Paper jams are a common printer problem that sometimes interferes with a printer's ability to continue a print job. Getting an HP printer working again after a paper jam is normally a process of elimination.

Step 1

Examine the printer to make sure there is still not paper stuck in the feed tray or the rollers. Many HP printers have a rear access panel that can be pulled off to check for paper remnants in the system. Remove all paper jams entirely before trying to reprint.

Step 2

Inspect the front of the printer to see whether any warning lights are flashing. Almost all HP printers have a system of indicators that will flash to indicate a print problem. The indicators are useful in resolving the specific problem.

Step 3

Reload paper into the paper tray. The paper may have initially jammed because the paper wasn't feeding correctly initially and this may still be an issue. Pull the paper out and fan the pages to make sure they are not sticking together or otherwise damaged.

Step 4

Turn off the printer and unplug it to reset its memory. Sometimes an HP printer will have a driver problem related to the mechanical malfunction of the paper jam and resetting its memory will get it working again.

Step 5

Restart your computer and then turn the printer back on. This will reset the computer in case a software issue is causing problems.

Step 6

Unplug the printer again and open the front carriage compartment if the printer is still not printing. Most HP printers have the print cartridges loaded from the front. Inspect the carriage for any obstructions and then push the carriage along its track with your fingers in case it got stuck during the initial jam. Close the panel and plug the printer back in. Printing should resume.

Step 7

Have your printer serviced if it is still not working since the paper jam may have damaged some printer components.

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