HP Deskjet 3900 series User's guide
Hewlett-Packard Company notices The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation of this material is prohibited without prior written permission of HewlettPackard, except as allowed under copyright laws. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 User's guide Welcome................................................................................................................3 Special features....................................................................................................4 Get started.............................................................................................................5 Printer features..............................................................................................
Two-sided printing................................................................................................36 Printer software..................................................................................................38 Printer Properties dialog box................................................................................38 What's This? help.................................................................................................38 Ink Status window................................
1 Welcome To find an answer to a question, select one of the following topics: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● User's guide Special features Get started Connect to the printer Print photos Print other documents Printing tips Printer software Maintenance Troubleshooting Supplies Specifications Environmental information 3
2 Special features Congratulations! You have purchased an HP Deskjet printer that is equipped with several exciting features: ● ● ● ● ● 4 User friendly: Easy to install and operate. Borderless printing: Print 4 x 6 inch photos to the edges of the paper by using the borderless printing feature. Ink level indicator: Know the approximate ink level of each print cartridge with the onscreen Ink Status window.
3 Get started ● ● ● ● ● Printer features Power button and light Paper tray Print cartridges Ink-backup mode Printer features The printer has several features to make printing easier and more efficient.
Chapter 3 1 USB port Power button and light Use the Power button to turn the printer on and off. It can take a few seconds for the printer to turn on after you press the Power button. 1 Power button and light The Power light flashes when the printer is processing. Caution Always use the Power button to turn the printer on and off. Using a power strip, surge protector, or a wall-mounted switch to turn the printer on and off might cause printer failure.
Unfold the paper tray Follow these steps to unfold the paper tray: 1. Raise the printer cover. 2. Lower the paper tray. 3. Fold out the tray extension. 4. Lower the printer cover.
Chapter 3 Use the paper tray Print on different sizes of media by sliding the paper guide to the right or to the left. The printer deposits printed pages on the top of the paper tray. Note The print cartridges must be installed before printing. Print cartridges Two print cartridges can be used with the printer. 1 Tri-color print cartridge 2 Black print cartridge Replace print cartridges When buying print cartridges, look for the print cartridge selection number.
1 ● ● Selection number label Printer documentation: For a list of print cartridge selection numbers, see the reference guide that came with the printer. Print Cartridge Ordering Information dialog box: For a list of print cartridge selection numbers, open the printer Toolbox, click the Estimated Ink Levels tab, and then click the Print Cartridge Information button. If a print cartridge runs out of ink, the printer can operate in ink-backup mode.
4 Connect to the printer The printer connects to the computer with a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The computer must be running Windows 98 or later to use a USB cable. For instructions about connecting the printer with a USB cable, see the setup poster that came with the printer. Note A USB cable might not be packaged with your printer.
5 Print photos The printer software offers several features that make printing digital photos easier and improve photo quality. Learn how to perform the following tasks: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Print a borderless photo. Print a photo with a border. Use HP Real Life technologies to touch up photos. Get the best combination of speed and quality by using PhotoREt. Achieve the highest printing resolution with maximum dpi. Print an Exif Print-formatted photo if you have Exif Print-enabled software.
Chapter 5 Guidelines ● Do not print borderless photos in ink-backup mode. Always have two print cartridges installed in the printer. ● Open the file in a software program and assign the photo size. Ensure that the size corresponds to the paper size on which you want to print the photo. ● For maximum fade resistance, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper. ● Verify that the photo paper that you are using is flat. For information about preventing photo paper from curling, see the photo paper storage instructions.
3. In the What do you want to do? drop-down list, click Photo Printingborderless, and then select the following options: – Print Quality: Normal or Best Note For maximum dpi quality, go to the Paper/Quality tab, and then click Maximum dpi in the Print Quality drop-down list. 4. 5. – Paper Type: An appropriate photo paper type – Paper Size: An appropriate borderless photo paper size – Orientation: Portrait or Landscape Set the HP Real Life technologies as appropriate. Click OK to print the photo.
Chapter 5 4. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print Note If your software program includes a photo printing feature, follow the instructions that are provided with the software program. Otherwise, follow these instructions. 1. 2. 3. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab.
Use HP Real Life technologies Use the HP Real Life technologies dialog box to set these options: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Automatic Red-Eye Removal: Click On to automatically remove or reduce redeye in the photo. Photo Brightening: Make washed out images more vivid. Click Automatic to allow the printer software to balance the contrast automatically. Adaptive Lighting: Enhance detail in shadows. Click Automatic to allow the printer software to balance lightness and darkness automatically.
Chapter 5 Exif Print Exif Print (Exchangeable Image File Format 2.2) is an international digital imaging standard that simplifies digital photography and enhances printed photos. When a photo is taken with an Exif Print-enabled digital camera, Exif Print captures information such as exposure time, type of flash, and color saturation, and stores it in the image file. The HP Deskjet printer software then uses this information to automatically perform image-specific enhancements to create outstanding photos.
Note For higher-quality photos, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper and set the print quality to Best or maximum dpi.
6 Print other documents E-mail Letters Documents Brochures Greeting cards Postcards Transparencies Labels Index cards Booklets Posters Iron-on transfers Envelopes Printing tips: Minimize your cost and effort while maximizing the quality of your printouts with printing tips. Printer software: Learn about the printer software. E-mail To print an e-mail, use the Printing Shortcuts tab. Guidelines Do not exceed the paper tray capacity: 80 sheets of plain paper. Prepare to print 1.
3. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. 3. In the What do you want to do? drop-down list, click General Everyday Printing or Fast/Economical Printing, and then specify the following print settings: – Paper Type: Plain paper – Paper Size: An appropriate paper size 4. Click OK. Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear in the Printer Properties dialog box.
Chapter 6 Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. 3. In the What do you want to do? drop-down list, click Presentation Printing, and then specify the following print settings: – Paper Type: Plain paper – Paper Size: An appropriate paper size 4. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear in the Printer Properties dialog box.
Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear in the Printer Properties dialog box. Envelopes To print envelopes, use the Paper/Quality tab. You can print a single envelope or multiple envelopes. Guidelines ● Avoid using envelopes that have the following features: – Clasps or windows – Thick, irregular, or curled edges – Shiny or embossed coatings – Wrinkles, tears, or other damage ● Align the envelope edges before inserting them in the paper tray.
Chapter 6 Guidelines Do not exceed the paper tray capacity: 30 sheets of brochure paper. Prepare to print 1. Slide the paper guide to the left. 2. Place the paper with the side to be printed on facing down in the tray, and then push it into the printer until it stops. The paper will extend over the edge of the tray. 3. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. 3.
2. 3. Fan the edges of the greeting cards to separate them, and then align the edges. Place the greeting cards, with the side to be printed on facing down, in the paper tray. Push the cards into the printer until they stop. 4. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print Note If your software program includes a greeting card printing feature, follow the instructions that are provided with the software program. Otherwise, follow the instructions below. 1. 2. 3.
Chapter 6 3. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then specify the following print settings: – Size is: An appropriate card size. – Type is: Click More, and then select an appropriate card type. – Print Quality: Normal or Best. 3. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear in the Printer Properties dialog box.
Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. 3. In the What do you want to do? drop-down list, click Presentation Printing, and then specify the following print settings: – Paper Type: An appropriate transparency film – Paper Size: An appropriate paper size 4. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear on the Printer Properties dialog box.
Chapter 6 Print Note If your software program includes a label printing feature, follow the instructions that are provided with the software program. Otherwise, follow the instructions below. 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. In the What do you want to do? drop-down list, click General Everyday Printing, and then specify the following print settings: – Paper Type: Plain paper – Paper Size: An appropriate paper size Click OK.
Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear on the Printer Properties dialog box. Booklets Booklet printing automatically arranges and resizes the pages of a document so that when the document is folded into a booklet, the page order is correct. For example, when a four-page booklet is printed on both sides of the paper, the pages are reordered and printed like this: Guidelines Do not exceed the paper tray capacity: 80 sheets of paper. Prepare to print 1.
Chapter 6 4. 5. 6. In the Booklet layout is drop-down list, click one of the following binding options: – Right edge binding – Left edge binding Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. When prompted, reload the printed pages in the paper tray as shown below. 7. Click Continue to finish printing the booklet. Use the What's This? help to learn about the features that appear in the Printer Properties dialog box.
3. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print 1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. 2. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then specify the following print settings: – Size is: An appropriate paper size – Type is: Plain paper 3. Click the Finishing tab, and then specify the following print settings: – Pages Per Sheet and Posters: Poster 2 x 2, Poster 3 x 3, Poster 4 x 4, or Poster 5 x 5 – Orientation: Portrait or Landscape 4.
Chapter 6 3. Slide the paper guide firmly against the edge of the paper. Print Note If your software program includes an iron-on transfer printing feature, follow the instructions that are provided with the software program. Otherwise, follow the instructions below. 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then specify the following print settings: – Size is: An appropriate paper size. – Type is: Plain paper. – Print quality: Normal or Best.
7 Printing tips Save time ● ● ● ● Use the Printing Shortcuts tab. Set printer default settings for options that you often use. Create print task quick sets for documents that you often print. Set the order that the pages print. Save money ● ● ● Use Fast/economical printing. Print multiple pages on a single sheet of paper. Use HP Everyday Photo Paper to save money and ink when printing photos. Enhance the quality of printouts ● ● ● ● Preview the document before printing it.
Chapter 7 General everyday printing Use General everyday printing to print documents quickly. ● ● Documents E-mail Presentation printing Use Presentation printing to print high-quality documents, including: ● ● ● Letters Brochures Transparencies Set default settings for the printer The printer uses the default settings for all documents printed unless you open the Printer Properties dialog box and specify other settings.
Select a print quality Follow these steps to select a print quality: 1. 2. 3. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. Click one of the following options in the Print quality drop-down list: – FastDraft: Prints at the fastest printing speed while using the least amount of ink. – Fast Normal: Prints more quickly than Normal mode and at a higher print quality than FastDraft. – Normal: Provides the best balance between print quality and speed.
Chapter 7 4. 5. 6. If you want a border to appear around each page image that is printed on the sheet of paper, select the Print Page Borders check box. In the Page Order Is drop-down list, click a layout for each sheet of paper. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. Print preview Use the print preview function to view a printout on your computer before printing a document.
Select a specific paper type Follow these steps to select a specific paper type: 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Printing Shortcuts tab. In the Paper type drop-down list, click an appropriate paper type. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. Print task quick sets Use print task quick sets to print with or save print settings that you use often.
Chapter 7 Delete a print task quick set Follow these steps to delete a print task quick set: 1. 2. 3. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. A Print Task Quick Sets drop-down list appears at the top of most tabs. Go to Print Task Quick Sets on any tab where it appears. In the drop-down list, click the print task that you want to delete and then click Delete. Note Some print task quick sets cannot be deleted.
Book binding Tablet binding Note Book binding is the most common type of binding. Book binding Follow these steps to print a two-sided document with a book binding: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Open the Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Finishing tab. Select the Print On Both Sides (Manually) check box. Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK. The printer prints the odd-numbered pages first.
8 Printer software ● ● ● ● Use the Printer Properties dialog box to select printing options. Use the What This? help to learn more about specific print settings. View the Ink Status window for the approximate ink level of each print cartridge. Download printer software updates for the latest features and improvements. Printer Properties dialog box The printer is controlled by software that is installed on your computer.
Note This feature might not be available in your operating environment. Print cartridge information and ordering For print cartridge information and to link to HP's Web site for ordering print cartridges, click the Print Cartridge Information button. Displaying the Ink Status window If you do not want the Ink Status window to appear when you print, select the Do not show this again check box in the lower-left corner of the window.
9 Maintenance ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Install print cartridges Align the print cartridges Automatically clean print cartridges Print a test page View estimated ink levels Maintain the printer body Remove ink from your skin and clothing Manually clean print cartridges Maintain print cartridges Printer Toolbox Install print cartridges When you need to replace print cartridges, make sure you have the correct print cartridges for your printer, and then install them in the print cartridge cradle.
Note This feature might not be available in your operating environment. Ink-backup mode The printer can operate with only one print cartridge installed. For more information, see Ink-backup mode. Installation instructions Follow these steps to install a print cartridge: 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the Power button to turn on the printer. Open the printer cover. The cradle moves to the center of the printer. Push down on the print cartridge and slide it out of the print cartridge cradle. 1 Press the Power button.
Chapter 9 1 Ink nozzles 2 Copper contacts 5. Slide the print cartridge firmly into the cradle at a slight upward angle until you feel resistance. 6. Push the cartridge into the cradle. You hear a snap when the print cartridge is correctly positioned. Close the printer cover. Align the print cartridges for optimum print quality. 7. 8. For information about storing print cartridges, see Maintain print cartridges. For information about recycling empty print cartridges, see Print cartridge recovery.
Note This feature might not be available in your operating environment. Automatically clean print cartridges If your printed pages are missing lines or dots, or if they contain ink streaks, the print cartridges might be low on ink or might need to be cleaned. If the print cartridges are not low on ink, follow these steps to clean the print cartridges automatically: 1. 2. 3. Open the printer Toolbox. Click Clean the Print Cartridges. Click Clean, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
Chapter 9 Maintain the printer body Because the printer ejects ink onto the paper in a fine mist, ink smudges will eventually appear on the printer case and adjacent surfaces. To remove smudges, stains, or dried ink from the exterior of the printer, use a soft cloth moistened with water. When cleaning the printer, keep these tips in mind: ● ● ● Do not clean the interior of the printer. Keep all fluids away from the interior. Do not use household cleaners or detergent.
Caution Do not leave the print cartridges outside the printer for more than 30 minutes. Cleaning instructions 1. Lightly moisten a cotton swab with distilled water and squeeze any excess water from the swab. 2. Wipe the face and edges of the first print cartridge with the cotton swab. Caution Do not wipe the nozzle plate. Touching the ink nozzles will result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections. 3. 4. 5.
Chapter 9 6. 7. 8. 9. 1 Print cartridge cradle 2 Print cartridge cradle walls Insert the print cartridges in the printer, and then close the printer cover. Connect the power cord to the back of the printer. Print a test page. Repeat the cleaning procedure if ink streaks continue to appear on printed pages.
Note This feature might not be available in your operating environment.
10 Troubleshooting ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Printer does not print Paper jam Paper problems Printer is stalled Print cartridge problems Photos do not print correctly Print quality is poor Document is misprinted Problems with borderless documents Error messages Power light is flashing Document prints slowly If you continue to have problems Printer does not print Verify the following Verify the following conditions if the printer is not printing: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● The printer is connected to the power source
Check the print queue The printer will not print if a print job is stalled in the print queue. To resolve a print job that is stalled in the queue, complete the following steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. For Windows 2000, click Start, click Settings, and then click Printers. For Windows XP, click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes. Double-click the name of the HP Deskjet printer. Click the Printer menu, and then click Pause Printing. Click the Printer menu again, and then click Cancel all documents.
Chapter 10 6. If the paper jam cannot be removed from the back of the printer, raise the printer cover, remove the paper jam from the front of the printer, and then lower the cover. Caution Remove the paper jam carefully as it is possible to damage the printer when removing paper from the front. 7. 8. 9. Reload paper in the paper tray. Turn on the printer. Reprint the document. Note If paper jams occur frequently, try using a heavier paper. See the reference guide for paper weight specifications.
Paper weight The printer might print on multiple sheets of paper at once if the paper is under the recommended paper weight. Use paper that is within the recommended specifications. For paper weight specifications, see the reference guide that came with the printer. Paper might be loaded improperly The printer might print on multiple sheets of paper at once if the paper is loaded too far toward the back of the printer or if the paper guide is not positioned firmly against the paper.
Chapter 10 3. 4. 5. 6. 1 Warranty date 2 Selection number Check the list of print cartridges that can be used in the printer. a. Open the printer Toolbox. b. Click the Estimated Ink Levels tab. c. Click the Print Cartridge Information button and view the list of print cartridge selection numbers. The reference guide that came with the printer also shows the print cartridge selection numbers. Check the warranty date on the print cartridge.
"Printing in ink-backup mode" message When the printer detects that only one print cartridge is installed, ink-backup mode is initiated. This printing mode lets you print with a single print cartridge, but it slows the printer and affects the quality of printouts. If you receive the ink-backup mode message and two print cartridges are installed in the printer, verify that the plastic tape has been removed from each print cartridge.
Chapter 10 Print quality is poor Streaks and missing lines If your printed pages are missing lines or dots or if streaks appear, the print cartridges might be low on ink or might need to be cleaned. Print is faded ● Verify that neither of the print cartridges is low on ink. If a print cartridge is low on ink, consider replacing the print cartridge. For the correct part numbers, see the reference guide that came with the printer. ● Verify that a black print cartridge is installed.
Document is misprinted Text and images are misaligned If the text and images on your printouts are misaligned, then align the print cartridges. Document is printed off-center or at an angle 1. Verify that only one type of paper is placed in the paper tray, and that the paper has been placed in the tray correctly. 2. Verify that the paper guide fits firmly against the edge of paper. 3. Reprint the document.
Chapter 10 Image is printed at an angle Verify that no problem exists with the source image. For example, if you are printing a scanned image, verify that the image was not crooked when it was scanned. If the problem is not caused by the source image, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. Remove all paper from the paper tray. Load the photo paper correctly in the paper tray. Verify that the paper guide fits firmly against the edge of the paper. Follow loading instructions for the paper type.
Photo has an unwanted border The following conditions can create an unwanted border. For small photo paper If the printout has an unwanted border, try the following solutions: ● ● ● ● Align the print cartridges. Open the Printer Properties dialog box, click the Paper/Quality tab, and verify that the selected paper size matches both the paper size that the photo is formatted for and the size of the paper that is loaded in the printer.
Chapter 10 Error messages Out of paper message If you receive an out of paper message, follow these guidelines. "There was an error writing to USB port" The printer might not be receiving correct data from another USB device or USB hub. Connect the printer directly to the USB port on the computer. "Two-way communication cannot be established" or "Printer not responding" The printer might not be able to communicate with the computer if the USB cable is too long.
"Print cartridge is in the wrong slot" If you receive this error message, the print cartridge is installed in the wrong side of the print cartridge cradle. Always install the tri-color print cartridge in the left print cartridge cradle compartment. Install the black print cartridge in the right print cartridge cradle compartment. "Printing in ink-backup mode" When the printer detects that only one print cartridge is installed, ink-backup mode is initiated.
Chapter 10 Power light is flashing 1 ● ● ● Power light If the Power light is on, the printer is either printing or ready to print. If the Power light is off, the printer is off. If the Power light is flashing, see the following information. What the flashing light means The Power light can flash for several reasons: ● ● ● The printer cover is open. The printer is out of paper. A problem exists with the printer, such as a paper jam or a problem with a print cartridge.
Document prints slowly Multiple software programs are open The computer resources are insufficient for the printer to print at its optimum speed. To increase printer speed, close all unnecessary software programs when printing. Best or maximum dpi print mode is selected The printer prints more slowly when Best or Maximum dpi is selected as the print quality. To increase the printer speed, select a different print quality mode.
11 Supplies ● ● Paper USB cables Paper To order media such as HP Premium Paper, HP Premium Inkjet Transparency Film, HP Iron-On Paper, or HP Greeting Cards, go to www.hp.com. Choose your country/region, and then select Buy or Shopping.
12 Specifications ● Printer specifications Printer specifications See the reference guide that came with your printer for complete printer specifications, including this information: ● ● ● ● User's guide Types, sizes, and weights of paper and other printing media that can be used with your printer Print speeds and resolutions Power requirements Computer operating system requirements 63
13 Environmental information ● ● Environmental statement Print cartridge recovery Environmental statement Hewlett-Packard continuously improves the design processes of its deskjet printers to minimize the negative impact on the office environment and on the communities where printers are manufactured, shipped, and used. Reduction and elimination Paper use: This equipment is suitable for using recycled paper (in accordance with EN 12281:2002).
Recycling information for the European Union Important recycling information for our customers in the European Union: To preserve the environment, this product must be recycled after its useful life as required by law. The symbol below indicates that this product may not be disposed in the general trash. Please return the product for proper recovery/disposal to the authorized collection location nearest to you. For more information regarding return and recycling of HP products generally, please visit www.
Chapter 13 cartridge by weight. The remaining parts that cannot be recycled (ink, foam, and composite parts) are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Index A aligning print cartridges 42 B booklet printing 27 brochure printing 21 C cleaning print cartridges automatically 43 print cartridges manually 44 printer body 44 contrast enhancement 15 custom paper size 34 D default print settings 32 digital flash 15 digital photos 14 document is misprinted document does not reflect new print settings 55 document is printed offcenter or at an angle 55 envelope prints at angle 55 parts of the document are missing or printed in the wrong place 55 text and images are
check the printer properties 53 photos, digital 14 postcard printing 23 poster printing 28 Power button and light 6 power light is flashing if an error message appears 60 if no error message appears 60 what the flashing light means 60 presentation printing 32 print cartridge problems incorrect print cartridge 51 print cartridge is in the wrong slot message 53 print cartridge problem message 52 printing in ink backup mode message 53 print cartridges aligning 42 cleaning automatically 43 cleaning manually 44
Index U updates, download printer software 39 USB connecting to the printer W What's This help User's guide 10 38 69
70 HP Deskjet 3900 series
