Hewlett Packard Deskjet 810C Printer Troubleshooting Guide

By Christopher Capelle

  • Overview

    The Hewlett Packard DeskJet 810c is a no-nonsense, color inkjet printer. Its back-to-basics design, void of all bells and whistles, makes it an appealing choice to the user who wants functionality, not flash. However, like all other inkjet printers, things can and do go wrong with the 810, with problems that include a non-responsive printer, poor print quality as well as documents piling up in the print queue.
    The HP 810c printer.

    • Step 1

      Check the obvious. If nothing is printing, reload the paper in the printer. Make sure that the USB cable connecting the printer and the computer is connected at both ends. If you've enabled print sharing, make sure the host computer isn't frozen. Replace the USB cable, to confirm that a defective cable isn't the problem.
      Check the USB cable.

    • Step 2

      Open the print queue to make sure that the printer isn't paused. Sometimes unpausing it clears the log jam. Clear all print jobs in the queue and try printing again.
      Jobs piling up in the print queue.

    • Step 3

      Delete the printer from the computer in the Printer settings, and reinstall the print drivers. A corrupt drive can impede the printing process. If you don't have the CD, download the latest drivers from the HP website (see Resources).
      The drivers come on CD-ROM.

    • Step 4

      Look for a paper jam or any foreign object in the printer. Check that the ink cartridges are properly seated.

    • Step 5

      Clean inside the printer. Remove the ink cartridges, using a cotton swab that is damp with rubbing alcohol. Use a can of compressed air to remove any dust balls, bits of paper or foreign objects from inside the printer.

    • Step 6

      Open the HP Print Utility to check the ink level, clean the heads and check the connection.

    • Step 7

      Replace the ink cartridges if the printout is streaky or choppy.
      Use only authentic HP branded ink carts.
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Tip: Use the printer at least once a week to prevent the ink from drying out.
    • Tip: Avoid third-party ink cartridges.
    • Warning:
    • Be careful when dealing with ink carts, as a broken or leaky cart is extremely messy.

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