HP Laserjet CP1215 and CP1217 Printers - 'Out of Paper' Error Message Displays and the Printer Does Not Pick Up or Feed Paper

The 'Out of Paper' error message displays on the computer, and the product does not pick up or feed the paper from the tray. The product might make noises as though it is printing, but no paper moves through it.

If the HP software is not installed on your computer, the Resume light on the product control panel might blink. No error message displays in this case.

To resolve the issue, try each step in this document, and then use the steps in this section to print a self-test report. This step determines if the product hardware functions correctly.

Sometimes, restarting the product can clear a paper feed issue. Follow these steps to perform a reset.

Paper feed issues might result from dusty, torn, wrinkled, wet, or folded paper in the tray. The quality of the paper can also make a difference. Use only good quality paper that meets product specifications. Follow these steps to check the condition of the paper.

note:

For the purposes of these troubleshooting steps, use only 10 to 25 sheets of plain white, unused paper.

The product might not pick up paper if the paper size and type in the paper tray do not match the size and type settings in the print driver. This feature of the product helps to avoid wasting ink and paper if the paper is not what you expected.

1. Return to the document you were trying to print when the issue occurred.
2. Click File, and then click Print. The Print window opens.
   Figure : Click File, and then click Print

   
3. Click the button that opens the Properties dialog box. Depending on the software program, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
4. Click the tab that provides paper type and size settings. The tab might be Features or Paper/Quality.
5. From the Type is drop-down list, select the paper type that matches the paper in the product.
6. From the Size is drop-down list, select the paper size that matches the paper in the product.
   For example, if you have 101.6 x 152.4 mm (4 x 6 inch) photo paper loaded in the paper tray, select 4x6in. or 4x6in. (tab).
   If the required paper size is not in the drop-down list, follow these steps to create a custom paper size.
   1. Select Custom from the Size is drop-down list, or the Custom tab.
   2. In the Custom Paper Size dialog box, type a name for the new custom size.
   3. In the Width and Height boxes, or the Width and Length boxes, type the dimensions.
   4. Select the unit of measurement, and then click Save.
   5. Click OK to close the Custom Paper Size dialog box, and then click OK again to close the Properties dialog box.

      note:

      You must exit the Properties dialog box to apply your changes.

   6. Open the Properties dialog box again, and then select the new custom size from the Size is drop-down list.
7. Click OK, and then click OK again to print the document.

• If the document prints, the issue is resolved, and there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
• If the document prints on plain white paper, but not a special paper type, there is no need to continue troubleshooting. The problem is probably related to the paper that you were trying to print on, or possibly a connectivity problem. Review the Cause and Prevention sections at the end of this document to check other possibilities.
• If the document does not print, continue with the next solution.

If the product printed a self-test report with plain white paper, the printer is functional and does not need service. Other issues, such as connectivity, print driver settings, special paper, photo paper facing shiny side up, or slick or damaged paper might cause the problem. Review the following sections to learn about the common causes and how to prevent the issue.

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

Follow these guidelines to help prevent paper feed issues:

• Load at least 10 sheets of paper into the tray, but do not overload the tray.
• Load paper correctly, and then push the paper all the way into the tray.
• Use only one type of paper at a time in the tray.
• Store paper in a cool, dry place.
• Use only clean unused paper in the tray.
• Reload paper that has been in the photo tray for a time. Avoid printing on paper that is dusty.
• Wait for the product to complete a job or to display an 'Out of paper' message before reloading paper.

Any of the following issues can cause this issue:

• The paper trays are empty or overloaded.
• The paper is curled.
• The print side, or shiny side, of the paper is not loaded in the tray face down. For photo paper, always load the rougher side of the paper facing up.
• The paper is too slick for the product.
• The paper might not be engaged with the feed rollers.
• The paper-width guide is pressed against the paper stack too tightly.
• The paper tray is not completely inserted into the product.
• The paper settings in the print driver do not match the paper loaded in the paper tray.
• The rubber paper-feed rollers are dusty.