Member Avatar for joshuu

There is this printer that I got(hp deskjet693c)that whenever Iam printing says that there is no paper even while there is alot of paper in the tray and sometimes it prints just only one page.I have tried to work it around with no success I downloaded the correct driver the day and installed.any suggestions

  • 3 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 212 Views
  • 8 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by DuncanIdaho

Dani AI

Generated

Thread context: an HP Deskjet 693c is reporting "no paper" despite a full tray and sometimes prints only one page. opened the thread; noted LED behavior as a temporary symptom indicator, and correctly pointed toward the paper-detect mechanism being a common failure on these older Deskjets. The text below focuses on practical diagnostics and safe maintenance steps that extend the discussion without repeating the earlier takedown advice.

Recommended diagnostic sequence:

  • Run the printer's built‑in self-test or diagnostic (consult the manual) to determine whether the unit prints independently of the PC; this separates driver/spooler problems from hardware faults.
  • If the printer prints correctly from its own diagnostics, investigate the host side: swap cables, try a different computer, and check driver spool settings (try "print directly to printer" or reinstall the driver using the OS print dialog).
  • If the self-test reproduces the one‑page / no‑paper behaviour, focus on feed hardware and sensors: observe whether the unit will feed additional sheets when the paper‑present lever is held in the active position (use a non‑permanent shim to test).
  • Perform a power cycle (unplug for 30-60 seconds) to clear any latched sensor state before repeating tests.

Practical maintenance notes and cautions: power must be removed before touching internal parts. Pickup rollers clean easily with a lint‑free cloth lightly moistened with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol; rotate the rollers while wiping and allow them to dry completely. Inspect the paper path for tiny scraps or adhesive and ensure the paper stack is fanned, straight, and not overfilled. Avoid solvents, excessive force, or permanent sensor bypasses—these can damage the unit or create unsafe conditions.

A closing note on economics: for a model this old, replacement often costs less than a full repair; microswitches, replacement rollers, or service manuals can be sourced from surplus/parts sellers if a repair is pursued.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

Do the lights change colors. On my printer it does something similar and the lights change colors. To make it print i just press the "force" print button.

Member Avatar for DuncanIdaho

There's a little plastic piece on that printer that is at the printer end of the paper tray, if you look carefully with a flashlight, you can see how the thing works.

Either that little plastic piece has broken, (fairly common), or gummed up, (less common), or the microswitch it presses on when there is no paper inside the printer has failed and is stuck to on, (also fairly common). The piece of plastic is commonly black, (though I've seen them blue as well), and slightly angled out into the 'paper bed'.

Possible fixes: Reach in and move it manually, be sure that the thing isn't 'stuck' or gummed up. If it isn't, and seems to be moving well, and undamaged, then either the plastic thing that presses the switch inside has broken, or the microswitch is broken.

If you feel brave, you can try taking the printer apart, but I wouldn't bother. Bubblejet printers are quite cheap, and print better than ever today.

If you do bother to take it apart, you can just disconnect that microswitch. The printer will no longer know when it's out of paper if you do this, but its better than nothing.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.