How to Perform a Self-Test on an HP Photo Inkjet Printer

Troubleshooting can be a troublesome task, but a self-test can be very illuminating for even the darkest of technical difficulties. With a push of a button (or maybe two) you can perform a self-test on an HP Photo Inkjet Printer and get to the bottom of your printer problems.

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HP Photo Inkjet Printer

Instructions

- 1
  
  Read the manual. You'll find specific instructions for your model here. Before you search the Internet or try the methods below, check the official source.
- 2
  
  Turn the printer on. The following methods work with the printer on.
- 3
  
  Hold down the "Resume" button until a test page prints. This is for the Deskjet 540, 600, 600c, 610c, 630c, 632c, 640c, 642c, 648c, 660c, 670c, 680c, 690c, 850c, and 870c, 890c and 6000 series printers.
- 4
  
  Press and hold the "Power" button. Press "Resume" five times and then release the "Power" button. This step works for the Deskjet 656c.
- 5
  
  Hold the "Power" button and press "Resume" four times. Release the "Power" button. This works for Deskjet 710c, 720c, 820c, 810c, 825c, 830c, 840c, 845c, 880c, 895c, 916c, 920c, 930c, 940c, 950c, 970c, 960c, 980c, 990c, 3820 and 5000 series printers.
- 6
  
  Hold down the "Power" button and open and close the top cover four times. This is the method for HP Deskjet 3000 series printers.
- 7
  
  Turn your printer off. The following methods work with the printer off.
- 8
  
  Press and hold the "Paper Feed" button. Turn the printer on. Release the "Feed" button. This method works for HP Deskjet 400, 400L and 420c series printers.
- 9
  
  Press the "Font" and "Reset" or "Load" and "Eject" buttons while turning on the printer. This is for HP Deskjet 500, 500c, 520, 550c and 560c series printers.

Tips & Warnings

For all methods, have the printer plugged in and loaded with paper.
You can run tests from the drivers page, too. Open up your "Printer Properties" and find the "Maintenance" tab.
Not all printers have a self-test function. Don't ruin your printer trying to get it to print one if it doesn't have one.