How to Troubleshoot Printing Problems on an HP 380

The HP Photosmart 380 provides a compact and mobile photo printer, allowing you to print by plugging your camera or memory card directly into the printer. Because of the Photosmart 380's compact design and battery, troubleshooting some problems with the printer's operation requires additional steps you do not need to take with other printers. Some tasks, such as removing jammed paper that is completely inside the printer, require you to rely on the printer's abilities rather than using too much force and damaging the printer.

Things You'll Need

• Index cards

Instructions

Poor Print Quality

1. Look at the print cartridge icon on the printer's screen to check the ink level. If the level appears low, open the cartridge access door on the printer and pull out the old cartridge. Remove a new cartridge from its packaging and peel off the protective tape, then insert the cartridge in the printer with the label side pointing up.

2. Press the "Zoom" button on the printer's control panel if you zoomed into the photo before you printed it. This will undo the zoom, which can lead to poor quality printouts.

3. Check the resolution setting on your digital camera and adjust it to a higher level. Check the paper in the input tray to make sure the print side faces up.

4. Clean the print cartridge by pressing the "Menu" button. Use the arrow keys to highlight "Tools" and press the "Ok" button. Place an index card in the printer's input tray for the printer to produce a test page on, then press the "Ok" button to begin the cleaning process. Select "Yes" if the test page has broken lines, or select "No" if it does not.

5. Align the print cartridge by first pressing the "Menu" button, then using the arrow buttons to select "Tools." Press the "Ok" button, then select "Align Cartridge" and press the "Ok" button. Place index cards in the printer's input tray, then press the "Ok" button to print the alignment page. Repeat the alignment process if an "X" appears next to any of the bars on the printout.

Paper Jams

1. Pull out any stuck paper that you can see from the front of the printer. Take out all of the paper from the input tray, then fold the tray down so it sits horizontally.

2. Pull out any stuck paper you see in the printer's rollers, being careful to not tear it. If you cannot grab the paper that is stuck, press the printer's "Power" button to turn it off.

3. Remove the battery compartment's door and remove the battery. Replace the battery after 10 seconds have passed, then press the "Power" button and wait for the printer to eject the paper.

4. Fold the input tray back up until you hear it snap back into place. Press the "Ok" button to continue printing.

References

• HP: Photosmart 380 User's Manual