Issue

Pages of garbled text print from the HP printer. The text might be gibberish, nonsense, or look garbled or scrambled. The text might include a partial page or a full page of random or unrecognizable letters and numbers.

Image of scrambled text

Try the following solutions in the order presented to resolve the issue. When one of the solutions resolves the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.

Solution one: Cancel the print job and select the correct printer

Follow these steps to cancel the print job, and then select the correct printer.

Solution two: Print an alternate file in the same program

Follow these steps to print a different file in the program where the issue first occurred.

1. Open another file in the program where the issue occurs. Use any other file that opens in the same program, or create a new file for this step.

   NOTE:

   For example, if printing from Microsoft Word, close the file you were trying to print, and then open another file. If another Microsoft Word file is unavailable, create a new document, and then type some text to test.

2. Try printing the alternate file.
   • If the alternate file prints successfully , do not continue troubleshooting. The original file might be causing the issue. Recreate the original file, or contact the manufacturer of the program for help.
   • If the alternate file also exhibits the garbled text issue , continue to the next solution.

Solution three: Print from another program

Follow these steps to print from a program other than the program where the issue occurs.

1. Open any program other than the program where the issue occurs.

   NOTE:

   For example, if you used an image viewing program when the issue occurred, try opening a word processing program such as Microsoft Word.

2. Open a file in the new program, or create a new file for this step.
3. Print the file.
   • If the document in the alternate program prints successfully , do not continue troubleshooting. The program where the issue occurs might be the cause. Print from another program, or contact the manufacturer of the program for help.
   • If the document in the alternate program also exhibits the garbled text issue , continue to the next solution.

Solution four: Check the USB connection

Follow these steps to inspect the USB cable that connects the printer to the computer.

1. Disconnect the USB cable from the rear of the printer, and then disconnect the USB cable from the computer.
   Figure 2: Disconnect the USB cable from the printer

   Illustration of disconnecting the USB cable.
2. Inspect both ends of the USB cable for obvious damage. If either end shows damage, replace the cable.

   NOTE:

   If no damage is obvious, the cable might still have damaged wires inside. Try using a different USB cable.

3. Reconnect the USB cable to the printer and to the computer, and then make sure the connection is secure. Push each end all the way into the port.
4. Try printing again.

Solution five: Connect the printer directly to the computer

External hard drives, switches, security keys and other devices can cause communication issues when connected to USB hubs with the printer. Follow these steps to connect the printer directly to the computer.

Solution six: Perform a power reset

Follow these steps to perform a power reset on your printer.

1. Press the Power button ( ) to turn on the product.
2. With the product turned on , disconnect the power cord from the rear of the product.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Wait at least 15 seconds.
5. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the product.
7. If the product does not turn on by itself, press the Power button ( ) to turn it on.

• If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
• If the issue persists , continue to the next solution.

Solution seven: Check for updated drivers

Your printer might have available driver updates that resolve the issue. Follow these steps to check for driver updates.

1. Click the link, HP Software and Drivers .
2. Click Drivers & Software .
3. If prompted, type your printer name or number, and then click Search .
4. From the displayed list, click your printer.
5. If prompted, click Software & Drivers .
6. Under Select your operating system, then click 'Next' , click the Down Arrow ( ), and then click your operating system.
7. Click Next .
8. Click the plus sign ( ) next to Update , and then review the list of updates.

   NOTE:

   If there are no online updates available to resolve Garbled text, skip to the next solution.

9. Click on your printer.
10. Click View Directions ( ), and then read the installation instructions.
11. Click Download .
12. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the software.

If you have completed all of the solutions listed above and are still experiencing a problem, continue to the next solution to Service the printer .

Solution eight: Service the printer