Printer takes several minutes to print a page

[core2kid]

I have an HP Deskjet 855Cse (yes, it is old). Suddenly it stopped printing. It won't print from the computer, and it won't run it's self test 2 pages thing. It will either print a blank page after 10 minutes or print fine but take 20 minutes to print. The heads will sweep the page once, it will freeze for a minute and then it will continue.

If I buy new printer cartridges, will this solve the problem? I've always used genuine HP inks so I'm doubtful that the head is ruined especially since it was an overnight thing.

Any ideas? I'm a college student who can barely afford ink, let alone a new printer!

 

[Duder1no]

Is this with any program or one in particualr.

I've noticed at work that Adobe reader takes an extra looooooong time to print a document, sometimes several minutes between each printed page.

 

[core2kid]

This is with anything. Even if it's disconnected from the computer and I try to print the 2 page info by holding the top button for 3 seconds, it does the same thing.

Think of it as a failing hard drive. It'll be stuck on the spot for a long time and then finally it'll either go through or fail in reading the sector. The printer does the same thing. Lately after I cleaned the heads with Alcohol, it's been printing blank sheets. Before it at least printed my word document after 20 minutes.

Also the fan in the printer is constantly going at high speed while I'm trying to print.

 

[Ika]

Your 855Cse has a fan...??? I've owned two HP inkjets, an 843C and my current 895Cxi and I don't think either of them had a fan.

 

[core2kid]

Haha yes, this printer has a fan in the front with ventilation. I have no idea what it's for but it does.

 

[corkyg]

Remember - HP deskjets do not have separate print heads. They are in the ink cart, and it sounds like yours have dried out. Your alchohol treatment could have really sealed them.

And, are your drivers up to date and compatible with your OS?

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...upportFAQ&prodSeriesId=25396&prodTypeId=18972
Looks like they stopped at XP.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...askId=135&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=25396

 

[core2kid]

Yes, drivers are up to date (since they haven't been updated in years). I guess I'll try new cartridges. Should I go OEM or can I get generic?

 

[corkyg]

In your situation, try the cheapest available. Try black only first and set your print parameters accordingly. That would answer the question for least cost.