My HP LaserJet 6L won't print.

I visited the HP website to download any recent drivers. According to the site, operating system Microsoft Windows XP comes with the driver for this printer. When I click on "Automaticly check if driver needs updating," I get an error message that reads, "HP Instant Support - Driver Check
Your system appears to be blocking popup windows.

HP Instant Support - Driver Check needs to launch
a popup window to run. Your system appears to be
blocking that. Please watch your browser for prompts
asking for permission or configure your system to
allow popups from our site.


This occurs even after I turn off the pop up blocker and after I add the HP to allow pop ups from that site. I have used both Internet Explorer 7 and Foxfire. I have disconnected the printer and removed all printers from the settings.

After I delete and then add the printer back, it still does not print.

I purchased another HP LaserJet printer. (A used one from someone on Ebay) Still does not print. The printing stays in cue saying "printing" while it blinks rapidly. I have to keep canceling print so it will stop blinking.



Forgot to add that what the symptoms were before the printer stopped working completely. First, I could not print from any source unless I closed all the windows except the page I was trying to print. When it finally decided to print, it would print one small area of the document in huge letters that it was taking up the entire paper just to print that very small area. After it would finish printing in that manner, I would resend my document and it would then print normal. Eventually, that didn't work either. Now it won't print at all not even a test page after I add the printer as a new printer.

Try the PCL6 "universal print driver" here: Product search results

Ok, the Universal print driver is downloading right now. Hope it works.

Thank you

OK. Well the universal driver finished downloading. I restarted my computer but there is no change in the printing. The test page sits in que and blinks. I have to go over to the printer properties to cancel the print to make it stop blinking. I also have to click on refresh.

Also, my old LaserJet 6L used to make a lot of noise when it was first turned on. The same noise that it would make when it was printing. But the recently acquired used printer makes no sound at all. Only the top orange light comes on. That is how I know it is getting power to it. Are other printers this way also? They make noise when the power first comes on?

Thanks again.

The manual is located here:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/su...4/bpl03394.pdf

Can you print the test page from the front panel (Section 4-1)? That will eliminate any and all driver issues.


There are some blinking error conditions described in the manual, but it depends on wich light is blinking. One error suggests than manual feed is enabled.

You may also try resetting the printer to default conditions. Again in the manual.

Some of the new printers may not make any noise because they are in power save mode immediately. Only when a job is started to they do a self test. I'm not sure if my HP P2015 makes any noise at all, but a Laserjet 4 and HP 4050 definitely do. I'll have to check later. Usually the printer preforms a self test. Manual feed seems a good possibility since you don't have any error lights.

I've seen the 4050 choke on PDF documents when not printed in Postscript or if the physical memory was too small.

The Universal printer driver is very obscure on HP's website, but it has solved a lot of printing problems, namely pages with Excel. What's cool about it is that you can define virtual printers that have certain characteristics. You could have a virtual printer named simplex, duplex, envelopes and balance sheet for instance or, I believe, set up them as tasks within the printer. It works very differently. I have one for simplex (one sided, duplex and 2 per page/duplex as printers.

I don't think it's a drivers issue. I would start by deleting the printer from the printers folder, then reinstalling it using the builot in driver. Also how much RAM do you have?

The test page will not print. Not when I use the add printer wizard, not from the properties of the printer and not from the front panel.

Have deleted all printers. I have disconnected and reconnected the printer
Several times using different cables including different power cable and using different outlets. I then connect the printer back and use the Add printer wizard repeatedly.


How do I find the amount of RAM on the printer? Don't know how to find the Ram in my printer.

I didn't ask for printer RAM, I asked about your system RAM. The printer has about 16Mg.

I don't know where to find the system RAM. How do I check to see how much I have and how much do I need to have to be able to print?

Is system RAM something that gets used up eventually so that my printer stops working?

Do I need to buy more RAM once it gets used up?

What version of Windows. Usually you can right click on My Computer and select Properties to find out system RAM. If you are low on RAM it could affect printing.

It says:

Enpower
AMD Athlon (tm) 64 processor
3500+
2.20 GHz, 480 MB of RAM
Physical Address Extension

After I downloaded the universal driver from the HP website, does the computer automatically install it?

And what version of Windows. 480M of RAM would be light for XP.

And yes just downloading isn't enough, you have to install.

No. The initial executable will create a directory with the program Install.exe in it and you need to run that.

It may not work for non-networked printers. Hopefully search will work for you. If the printer is shared, then that's another possibility, because it puts it on the network. I've only used it for networked printers.

Add printer from the Printers and Faxes Control panel has the 6L listed, so why don't you try that first and write down the location when it finds the printer. This is the location you nned to specify for the Universal printer driver.

Did the test page print manually?

I'm using Windows XP

I have attempted to install the HPUPD41PCL532universal driver.exe application but I get a WinZip self extractor window. I don't know what that means. So I went back to the HP website to download the universal driver, but this time I clicked on run instead of download. It is currently running.

I had to search for the file using "search"

No, the test page did not print manually either. I get no responds at all from the recently acquired printer. The former printer does respond but then all the lights come on and it stops.

I'm waiting for the universal driver to finish running.

Turn the printer on then off.

Do this:

Printing a Self-Test Page
A self-test page can be useful in identifying your printer's configuration
And to ensure that your printer is working properly.
To print a self-test page:
1 Make sure that the Ready light is on and all other lights are off. If
Necessary, wake up the printer by briefly pressing and releasing the
Front Panel button.
2 Now briefly press and release the Front Panel button again. The Data
Light will come on and the Ready light will blink. Please wait for a
Self-test page to print.
If the self-test page does not print, try the following:
1 Ensure that paper is loaded in the printer.

Is the Ready or Data light blinking?

For your other printer, it appears that all the lights on signifies a hardware problem with the printer.

Ok, the HPUPD41PCL532universal driver.exe application has finished running (as opposed to installing). It also prompted me with a WinZip window. I clicked on the unzip button. Then I sent a document to the printer. The printer icon together with all the opened window icons are flashing but nothing is printing.

Is it possible that I don't have enough RAM? How do I clear out some of the RAM? I have removed all cookies and I think all temporary files. Not sure how to double check that.

Keepitsimple

The front panel button is completely unresponsive when I push on the Front Panel button . Unlike my former printer. The newly acquired printer doesn't make a sound. Only the orange 'ON" light is on no matter how often I press the Front Panel Button.

The WinZip window is fine. Downloading the printer driver is a mult-step process.
1. Download the file from HP's website
2. Run that file after it downloads
3. A Win Zip window appears
4. Accept the default location or chose another
5. Navigate to that location
6. Double click on install.exe

ZIP files are compressed archives which is the standard compressed archive in Windows.

Is the orange light the "Ready light"?

Briefly really means "very quickly". Like less than 1 second.

Yes, the orange light is the "Ready light"

No matter how I touch the ready button there is no responds.

I don't know if I'm doing the installing/running correctly. I only found two files with the .exe on them. I clicked on them and this is what I get:

HPUPD41PCL532(2).EXE-253CA55F.pf
But it says, Windows cannot open this file

To open this file, Windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go online to look it up automatically, or you can manually select from a list of programs on your computer.

What do you want to do?

Use the Web service to find the appropriate program
Select the program from a list


The other one is

Spupdsvc.exe.ref

To open this file, Windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go online to look it up automatically, or you can manually select from a list of programs on your computer.

What do you want to do?
Use the Web service to find the appropriate program
Select the program from a list

I suppose that since the printer doesn't make noise when powered up and it won't print a test page, the printer might be broken:

I used the original link that I gave you (I used Firefox not IE).

You have chosen to open HPUPD41PCL6.exe
I saved the file to the desktop
Once the download is complete
Open
Get warning it is an executable
Unzip to flolder
c:\HP-UPD4-1-PCL6-32

Unzip
71 files unzipped successfully
Close

Navigate to Start/My Computer C:\HP-UPD4-1-PCL6-32

Look for Install.exe (run that program). I didn't.

The C:\HP-UPD4-1-PCL6-32 directory should contain:

C:\HP-UPD4_1-PCL6-32>ls -l
Total 20777
Drwx------+ 3 normal None 0 Sep 26 19:25 Drivers
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 286720 May 2 11:16 Hpzc3212.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 1212416 Mar 29 18:03 Install.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 102400 Jun 19 23:07 Install.exe
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302159 Jul 10 11:41 P6i2zhcn.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 344064 Mar 28 10:04 hpbicoin.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 16288 Jul 10 05:13 hpfxbulk.sys
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 23968 Jul 10 05:13 hpfxgen.sys
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 117155 Jul 20 19:50 hpmews01.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 526 May 9 21:11 hpmews01.dat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 188416 May 10 11:19 hpmews01.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 5858 Jun 27 03:33 hpmews01.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 1001 Jul 11 13:35 hpmprein.config
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 372736 May 2 11:16 hpmprein.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 115804 Jul 20 19:49 hppfaxnd.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 1451 Jul 9 17:46 hppfaxnd.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 115802 Jul 20 19:49 hppscnd.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 1445 Jul 9 17:46 hppscnd.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 86016 Mar 29 18:02 hpu4coin.dll
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 15960 May 24 18:21 hpu4pd30.cf_
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 8727735 Jul 11 17:13 hpu4pdpc.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 203642 Jul 20 19:50 hpu4pdpc.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 34103 Jul 10 10:56 hpu4pdpc.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 49152 Mar 29 18:03 hpu4prop.bin
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 116255 Jul 20 19:50 hpzid413.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 140862 May 31 14:26 hpzid413.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 116704 Jul 20 19:50 hpzid4vp.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 33474 May 31 14:24 hpzid4vp.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 118508 Jul 20 19:50 hpzipa13.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 125938 May 31 14:26 hpzipa13.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 1001 Jul 11 13:35 hpzipa13.inf.config
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 116255 Jul 20 19:50 hpzipr13.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 61786 May 31 14:26 hpzipr13.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 116255 Jul 20 19:50 hpzist13.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 6062 May 31 14:26 hpzist13.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 118959 Jul 20 19:50 hpzius13.cat
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 179288 May 31 14:26 hpzius13.inf
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 5435 Jul 11 13:35 hpzius13.inf.config
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302967 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2arww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302845 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2caww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303849 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2csww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302695 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2daww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303569 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2deww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303541 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2elww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303435 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2enww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302845 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2esww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302867 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2fiww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 304585 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2frww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302621 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2heww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303953 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2huww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 304303 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2itww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302781 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2jaww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 301793 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2koww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303635 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2nlww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302909 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2noww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 304057 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2plww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 304097 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2ptww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303187 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2ruww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303435 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2skww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 302733 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2svww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303435 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2thww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 303549 Jul 10 11:42 p6i2trww.cab
-rwx------+ 1 normal None 300553 Jul 10 11:41 p6i2zhtw.cab
C:\HP-UPD4_1-PCL6-32>

By all means don't ask how I did that and just look at the names.

Hello keepitsimple


Thanks for all that information you sent me. From looking at it, it looks like I downloaded the wrong universal driver. I should have downloaded the 6L not 5L universal driver.

It's downloading right now. Hopefully, this will work.

Thanks again.




Haven't heard back from Scott.

Are you still there scott? Do I have enough RAM to run the printer? Thanks

I would bump up the RAM to at least 1G

Scott, can not having enough Ram break a printer?

No, not having enough RAM will not break a printer. 480 MB for XP is a little low. Adding more will definitely give you a general XP performance boost.

The printer has RAM in it too. I'd suggest re-seating the RAM in the printer, see manual. This involves taking it out and putting it back in again. That RAM will cause slow printing and the inability to image certain pages. Make sure the pages your using to test are very simple and consist of a few characters.

Since it's a parallel printer, make sure the printer cable is a Bi-directional cable.

Does the Data Light blink for even a short time when you try to send it something?

Keepitsimple
The printer makes absolutely no sounds whatsoever. The only good thing so far is that with the universal driver, the printer icon no longer blinks continuously (which was causing all the icons of the other windows to blink continuously also)

Yes, the document I'm using to use as a test page only has a couple of sentences. But HP has their own test page programmed anyway. The HP test page contains graphics too.

I guess I have to resort to re-setting the RAM in the printer. I need to take my dog for a walk now so it will be a while before I start taking the printer apart to reset it.

Thanks for all the great help so far.

Not enough RAM won't break a printer, but it could cause printing problems.

Keepitsimple

I'm beginning to think the problem is the printer itself. According to the manual, the amber light is the error light. And that is the only light that comes on. No other light comes on.

The bottom green light is the ready light. Have not seen this light come on at all.

The center light is the data light and that is also suppose to be green and I have not seen that light come on either.

Neither printer seems to have a Ram card. Looks like there is an empty cartridge space in there.

Just hope the Ebay seller didn't sell me a piece of junk. I have written to him. I'll see what he has to say.

I heard from the seller he told me he was able to print a test page using Microsoft Windows XP. I don't know if printers can get damaged in transit.

I think this page will shed some light: All Laser Service - HP 5L/6L 3100

To me it's Paper out, door open or no cartridge.

So, open every single door and close them. Reseat the print cartridge.

Pull out the paper tray and look above where the tray was. There is usually a piece of plastic that hangs above the tray and pivots easily which detects paper. See if it's not hung up. Make sure that the paper tray is at least 1/2 full.

Try to select manual feed. If it's paper out, the light may go away.

KeppItsimple

I think you are right. The seller told me it took him about 15 minutes to get a test page to print. He had to put 50 to 100 pages in the paper tray because it was not sensing the paper there.

The ink cartridge gets really stuck and it is hard to take out. I manged to figure out that if I stick my finger in there and push up on a white plastic thingy I can take out the ink cartridge.

I put enough paper in the paper tray that it almost looks completely full.


The yellow error light still on. No change in the lights.

Try this:

To Reset the Printer:
Press and hold the Front Panel button until the three indicator lights
Begin to blink in succession (about 5 seconds), then let go of the button.
After resetting, the Ready light will remain lit if no printer errors are
Found.

The reset button is the doing anything.

I think it is the senser connected to the ink cartridge. It is not working properly. It makes the cartridge jam. I cannot take the ink cartridge out without sticking my fingers in there to push up the little plastic lever. I got a tiny glimpse of the green light when I was fussing with that little plastic lever. I cannot seem to get the green light to come on again.


The problem is that when I close the door, the plastic lever does what ever it feels like. Maybe I can try tape. LOL Some people use duct tape for everything.

I stuck a piece of tape on the little white thingy and it has allowed me to get a couple of glimses of the green light. So that is definitely a problem.

The reset instructions to sent me work, but the yellow light continues to remain on.

HOOORAY SUCCESS AT LAST!!



THE PIECE OF TAPE DID THE TRICK. MAYBE IT WILL EVENTUALLY TRAIN THAT LITTLE PLASTIC THINGY AND I CAN TAKE THE PIECE OF TAPE OFF.


The ready green light at the bottom came right on as soon as I unplugged and then replugged the electrical cord.


Word document did not work though so I changed the default printer back to so that it would use the driver that came with Microsoft XP operating system.

It would not print using the Universal driver.

THANKS FOR YOUR EXCELLENT ATTENTION TO DETAIL, KEEPITSIMPLESTUPID.


KEEPING IT SIMPLE THIS TIME DID THE TRICK. JUST LOOK AT THE OBVIOUS. Lol






It printed a test page right off.

I found the service manual here:

http://www.feedroller.com/Store/Serv...e%20Manual.pdf

On page 5-17 there is a picture. Make sure PS203 is clean. The priinter uses photosensors. They could have gotten dirty if the toner was in the printer when shipped.

Was the printer shipped with the cartridge in it?

Yes, the printer cartridge was in it when it was shipped. Maybe the printer cartridge's weight made that white plastic sensor crooked. Maybe over time, it will get straight again..

It looks like that little white plastic thingy is the sensor for both the ink cartridge and "open" or "closed" door.

You are really good at looking things up on the internet. I will read through the service manual.

Thanks again for all the great help and your persistence and your patience.

Thanks. This was an amazing thread. It was like troubleshooting with someone else's eyes.
I never liked pictures and apparently neither do you. If we had realized much earlier in the game that the light was an error rather than ready we would have had the problem licked long ago.

How about a rating on at least one post?

BTW, this is the kind of stuff I am good at, but unfortunamely I have been diagnosed with a "thinging obsession" and "consider high levels of detail"which aparently isn't good.

Your printer is about 10 years old, so I hope you got it for a good price. I got the HP P2015n new for $250. Duplex, PCL6 and Postscript level 3, USB and Ethernet. I'm waiting for the $150 rebate. I got the $100 rebate back already.

I want to thank you for your complements.

KISS