HP (Huge Piece OF ____)

Brainchild · 12-31-2001, 12:40 PM

I have a brand new HP printer 610cl, new ink cartridges, and latest drivers from HP, but when I turn on the printer, it moves the bar with the ink and then both lights flash alternately, I have replaced the cable, and cartridges, but still no go. It did work a couple of times, and did a real good job, but would not print in color from a webpage.Now nothing. It won't even run the diagnostics from the printer setup, any ideas?

Bob The Great · 12-31-2001, 12:46 PM

(ready ourself for dumb answer) maybe it's bad. (Ok dumb answer done, but I think that may be the prob). Have you called HP about it? They are usually good about their printers.

msterzer · 12-31-2001, 01:01 PM

I have a couple HP printers. If its a fairly new model and is USB, they are a little tough to get running. With mine I had to follow HP installation instructions from their site exactly. Installing the software first, shut down, plug in the printer and reboot. After that they have worked flawlessly. Before that, nothing but a pain.
If its old enough for Windows to have drivers, it should be no problem. Did you buy a new cord with it? No bent pins on the plugs, etc? If you've been through all this then I vote bad printer also. Parallel port or USB is turned on in BIOS?

daveleau · 12-31-2001, 01:04 PM

That is not the most current model. I believe it is last year's version of their entry-level printer.

I went to HP to troubleshoot the item, but their site is messed up. I am not sure what that is b/c it is a generic printer malfunction problem. I would take it back and get another one. Don't let it get you down. All hardware can come out of the box and not work properly. HPs have a track record for being the most durable printer on the market, by far.

http://www.hp.com/cgi-bin/cposupport...ile=b pa00614

Brainchild · 12-31-2001, 05:38 PM

yes this is last years printer, it came in a package deal from wally world, but has never been hooked up until I hooked it up. It was still in the box. I did get a new cord, and new drivers from the HP website. I did manage to get it to print a couple of times but now nothing. Probably bad printer

Sixpac_XP · 12-31-2001, 05:50 PM

Do you/have you tried this printer on another computer with a USB port and a differnet OS?

I have had the same problem with a brand new Epson C60 USB printer on one computer.. tried it on another and it worked perfectly.

I found out that the USB port on the first computer didn't work properly but a gamepad did work on it. Go figure. I replaced the motherboard and then the printer worked fine.

Just a shot in the dark though.

(I don't like HP printers and HP support sucks IMO)

sixpac

Richard Cranium · 12-31-2001, 05:58 PM

HP's are my favorite brand of printer, however I hate to be the bearer of bad news,, the 610 is know as a super INK HOG. You can buy a new printer for about the same price as a set of cartridges.

Bite the bullet and go to the nearest Sam's Club, If you have one, and get the HP895cse. They are cheap on ink and only $100 right now. I've been selling them for $150 for a year now and NO complaints..

You are using a parallel or USB Cable ?

Try this, boot to SAFE mode by pressing F8 on boot up.

Remove the printer drivers in SAFE mode.

Re-Boot and run DEFRAGMENT.

Re-Boot and press F8 again to get to SAFE mode and install the drivers there.

I posted a copy of some mfg's website that suggested this when having driver problems.

Doing it in SAFE mode allows all the background programs that run in "Normal" mode to be disabled so you get a clean un-install and a clean re-install of the drivers.

BTW, the 610 is NOT a photo printer, it is an OK text printer though, if you insist on keeping it, get a kit and learn how to fill the cartridges.. wear rubber gloves and do it over the sink, EVERY time.. I KNOW

DrVette

msterzer · 12-31-2001, 06:04 PM

I think HP printers are top notch. Sometimes a little difficult to set up if they are a new model. But once setup properly they are bullet proof. They print beautifully. Whether B/W or color, inkjet or laser, they are hard to beat. The great thing about them is they can be rebuilt and work like new. Most cheap printers work for a while and then have to be junked. Cost of ink or toner cartridges per page printed is always good with HP. Maybe we need a vote for best printer.

Sixpac_XP · 12-31-2001, 06:08 PM

I do think we need a poll for the best printer too!

I will start it up.

6pac.

Richard Cranium · 12-31-2001, 06:10 PM

OK, HP's site says you have either a bad installation on the ink jet cartridge or a bad Parallel cable(IEEE-1284)

(Upper light) Blinking and
(lower light) Blinking

An error condition exists.
Press Power to turn off the printer. At the computer, cancel any documents awaiting printing. It may also be necessary to reboot the computer. This will restore both the printer and the computer to a ready state. Press Power again to turn on the printer.

Check for the print carriage assembly stalling on the right side of the printer. Make sure the print cartridge is properly installed in the carriage assembly. The print cartridge may be loose causing the print cartridge to stall.

Unplug printer from any pass through devices (switch box, scanner). Connect printer directly to outlet/computer. If printer lights stop blinking, there may be a problem with the pass through device.

Try another parallel printer cable (IEEE-1284).

If error continues, contact HP technical support.

http://www.hp.com/cposupport/persona.../bph06076.html