HP 5550 Series User Manual

user's guide TOChp deskjet 5550 series table of contents noticesnotices and acknowledgementsterms and conventionsaccessibilityusing the onscreen

getting started getting started ● printer features ● buttons and lights ● paper trays ● print cartridges ● reserve mode ● auto

hp inkjet utility 2. Select Applications, then double-click Utilities. 3. Select hp inkjet utility.viewing the hp inkjet utility panelsThe following

troubleshooting troubleshooting Click the topic below that best describes the problem: ● printer is not printing ● problems with printouts ●

printer is not printingprinter is not printingverify the following ● The printer is connected to the power source. ● The cable connections are

printer is not printing 1. Copper contactsCaution! Do not touch the print cartridge ink nozzles or copper contacts. Touching these parts will result i

printer is not printingIf the paper jam is not cleared after performing these steps: 1. Open the Rear Access Door by turning the latch counter-clockw

printer is not printing3. Press the Resume button.if the paper tray is empty 1. Load paper in the tray. 2. Press the Resume button.printer ejects t

problems with printoutsproblems with printoutsClick the topic below that best describes the problem:● print quality is poor ● text and images

problems with printoutstoo much or too little ink appears on the pageIn the Page Setup dialog box, select a paper type other than Automatic.1. Open t

problems with printoutsPage Attributes Page Size or Paper Size: Appropriate paper sizeScale: Select to scale text and graphics to fit on the paperOrie

problems with printouts2. Open the Print dialog box and verify the following: panel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Group: Photo Paper (Mac OS 8.6. 9

printer features printer features The HP printer has several features to make printing easier and more efficient. To view a printer feature, click bel

problems with printouts● The protective piece of plastic tape may still be attached to the print cartridges. Verify that the plastic tape has been

printer lights are flashing or onprinter lights are flashing or on● what the lights indicate ● Print Cartridge Status light is on ● Print

printer lights are flashing or onthe printer may be ready to print the second side of a two-sided document1. Follow the onscreen instructions for pri

print cartridge status light is onprint cartridge status light is onThe Print Cartridge Status light is on when one or both of the cartridges is low o

print cartridge status light is onreplacement print cartridge available. If you do not have a replacement available, you may remove the tri-color prin

print cartridge status light is flashing print cartridge status light is flashingThe Print Cartridge Status light flashes when one or both of the prin

print cartridge status light is flashing 1. the print cartridge cradle on the left indicates a problem with black or photo print cartridgeTo solve th

print cartridge status light is flashing To solve the problem:1. Remove the print cartridge.2. Re-insert the print cartridge. If the problem persist

print cartridge status light is flashing If the problem persists, replace the black or photo print cartridge.-and-● the tri-color print cartridge

print cartridge status light is flashing To solve the problem:1. Remove the remaining print cartridge.2. Re-insert the print cartridges. If the prob

printer features 1. connectivity file:///C|/Projects/Newport/Mac_UG_ROW/ug_printerfeatures_fs.html (2 of 2) [5/9/2002 10:23:54 AM]12Newport ROW Mac U

printer is slowprinter is slowSeveral variables can slow the printer's performance. Click the topic below that best describes the printer's

printer is slowcomputer does not meet system requirementsVerify that the computer's hard disk space, RAM, and processor speed meet system require

borderless printing problemsborderless printing problemsimage is printed at angleif your printout looks like this... do this... 1. Load the paper co

borderless printing problemsborder is on side of imageif your printout looks like this... do this... Calibrate the printer.image is above tear-off ta

borderless printing problems1. Open the Print dialog box. 2. Select the Paper Type/Quality panel. ❍ Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, or X Classic: Click the Ink

"There is a problem with the print cartridges" error message appears on the computer screen "There is a problem with the print cartridg

specifications specifications ● printer specifications ● minimum printing margins ● minimum system requirements ● environmental statem

printer_specprinter specifications hp deskjet 5550 series black text print speed *FastDraft: Up to 17 pages per minuteEveryday: Up to 8 pages per minu

printer_specInkjet Paper/High Resolution Photo (1200 dpi text rendering): 1200 x 1200 dpicolor printing resolution (subject to color input resolution

printer_spec8 MB built-in RAMprocessor96 MHz processorbuttons and lightsCancel buttonPrint Cartridge Status lightResume button and lightPower button a

buttons and lightsbuttons and lightsThe printer buttons let you turn the printer on and off, cancel a print job, or resume printing. The lights give y

printer_specpower consumption2 watts maximum when off4 watts average non-printing30 watts average when printingpower requirementsFor power adapter par

printer_specEnvelopes: 75 to 90 g/m ² (20 to 24 lb)Cards: Up to 200 g/m ² (110 lb index max)Banner paper: 60 to 90 g/m ² (16 to 24 lb)media handlingIn

printer_specWidth 77 to 215 mm (3.0 to 8.5 in)Length 127 to 355 mm (5.0 to 14 in)Banner: U.S. Letter 216 x 279 mm (8.5 x 11 in)A4 210 x 297 mmEnvelope

minimum system requirementsminimum system requirementsYour computer must meet the following minimum requirements:USB connectionMac OS 8.6 and 9.x Powe

minimum printing marginsminimum printing marginsThe printer cannot print outside a designated area of the page. Minimum print margins for common media

minimum printing marginsLeft and Right Margins: 3.2 mm (0.125 in)Top Margin: 1.8 mm (0.07 in)Bottom Margin: 11.7 mm (0.46 in)banners - A4 (210 x 297 m

environmental statementenvironmental statementHewlett-Packard continuously improves the design processes of its deskjet printers to minimize the negat

environmental statementThis product qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® Program (U.S. and Japan). ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program established to encoura

print cartridge recovery print cartridge recovery Customers interested in recycling their genuine HP print cartridges can participate in HP's emp

file:///C|/Projects/Newport/Mac_UG_ROW/ug_printer_warranty_fs.htmllimited warrantyregion software printerNorth America (including Canada) 90 days 1 y

paper trayspaper trays The printer has two paper trays: an In tray and an Out tray. The Out tray contains a slot for single envelope printing. 1. Out

file:///C|/Projects/Newport/Mac_UG_ROW/ug_printer_warranty_fs.html3. If HP receives, during the applicable warranty period, notice of a defect in any

file:///C|/Projects/Newport/Mac_UG_ROW/ug_printer_warranty_fs.html1. This Warranty Statement gives the customer specific legal rights. The customer m

regulatory noticesregulatory notices hewlett-packard companyThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following

regulatory noticesThe display LEDs meet the requirements of EN 60825-1. file:///C|/Projects/Newport/Mac_UG_ROW/ug_regnotices_fs.html (2 of 2) [5/9/20

indexindexA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Aaccessibilityacknowledgementsadding a printer (OS X)auto-on and auto-off featureautomat

indexchoosing the printer (OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic)cleaningprint cartridgeprint cartridge cradleconnectivitycopies and pages panel (OS X)Ddefault p

indexLlabelslightsaboutflashingflashing (all)onpower light is flashingPrint Cartridge Status light is onresume light is flashingMmaintenanceprint cart

indexNnoticesOoutput options (OS X)P - Qpage layoutOS 8.6, 9.x, and X ClassicOS Xpage setupOS 8.6, 9.x, and X ClassicOS Xpaper jampaper trayspaper typ

indexon the lefton the rightPrint Cartridge Status lightflashingonprint cartridgecalibratingmaintenancerecoveryrecyclingrefillingreplacingprint cartri

indexbackground (OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic)bannersborderlessdigital photographsdocumentsenvelopesgreeting cardsindex cardsiron-on transferslabelsnois

paper trays1. Out tray upRemove the Out tray to load small media, such as index cards. Replace the Out tray before printing.Out tray extension - Pull

indexUSB problemsprintout problemsRrecyclingregulatory noticesremoving ink from skin and clothingreserve modeSspecial featuresspecificationsstatuschan

indexbinding (OS X)OS 8.6, 9.x, and X ClassicU - VUSBaboutprinting problemsuser’s guideusing the print center (OS X)utilityW - Z warrantyfile:///C|/P

print cartridgesprint cartridgesThree print cartridges can be used with your printer:● black print cartridge● tri-color print cartridge● p

automatic paper-type sensorautomatic paper-type sensorThe Automatic Paper-Type Sensor determines the correct paper type and adjusts the print settings

reserve modereserve modeReserve mode allows the printer to operate using only one print cartridge. It is initiated when a print cartridge is removed f

reserve mode exiting reserve modeInstall two print cartridges in the printer to exit the reserve mode.For instructions on installing a print cartridge

user's guide TOCborderless printingplain paperenvelopestransparencieslabelsindex cards and other small mediaphotographsgreeting cardspostersbanne

connectivityconnectivityThe printer offers two options for connectivity:● USB ● network USBThe printer can connect to the computer with a USB

printing printing Click the following topic below to view an explanation of the printer software: ● using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, a

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classicusing printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X ClassicThe printer is controlled by softw

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 3. Click hp deskjet printer in the right side of the Chooser dialog box.4. Do one of the

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classicchecking the printer statusThe printer desktop icon shows you the status of the printer.icon

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Menu: Choose one of the following: ❍ Page Attributes: To set print options for the

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic1. Panel Menu: Click the menu to select different panels: General, Paper Type/Quality, Layo

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Copies: Enter the number of copies to be printed. 2. Collate: Select to collate if pri

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Paper Group: Select the category of paper used, such as plain paper, or select automati

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Layout Menu: Choose one of the following combinations: ❍ Multiple Pages Per Sheet/P

user's guide TOC"There is a problem with the Print Cartridges" error message appears on the computer screenspecificationsprinter specif

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X ClassicUse the Color panel for these functions: 1. Image: Choose one of the following: ❍ Color

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Print In: Choose one of the following: ❍ Foreground: Faster printing. ❍ Backgro

using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic 1. Control Buttons: Select a print job in the print queue, then click one of the following

using printer software with Mac OS Xusing printer software with Mac OS XThe printer is controlled by software installed on the computer. For instructi

using printer software with Mac OS X❍ Summary: To view the print settings for the document. ❍ Borderless Printing: See borderless printing .2.

using printer software with Mac OS Xfor the document. 4. ?: Click to view Mac Help. 5. Preview: Click to see a preview of the printed document. 6.

using printer software with Mac OS X 1. Pages per Sheet: Select how many pages to print on each sheet of paper. 2. Layout Direction: Select the opti

using printer software with Mac OS Xpaper type/qualityUse the Paper Type/Quality panel for these functions:1. Paper : Click to select the following o

using printer software with Mac OS X2. Color Options : Click to set saturation, brightness, and color tone. 3. Digital Photos: See printing digital

using printer software with Mac OS X● Manage available printers ● Select a default printer ● Add a printer ● Manage print jobsdisplayi

notices notices ● notices and acknowledgements ● terms and conventions ● accessibility ● using the onscreen user's guidefile:///C

using printer software with Mac OS Xselecting a default printerFollow these steps to set the printer as the computer's default printer:1. Open t

using printer software with Mac OS Xmanaging print jobsUse the Print Center to manage print jobs.1. Open the Print Center. For instructions on openin

printing a documentprinting a document For printing instructions, select the appropriate option: ● My computer runs Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x ● I am u

printing a documentFor a description of the Macintosh printer software, see using printer software with Mac OS 8.6, 9.X, and X Classic. Mac OS XThe fo

two-sided printingtwo-sided printingFor printing instructions, select the appropriate option: ● My computer runs Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x ● I am usin

two-sided printingTablet binding. 5. Change any other desired print settings, then click OK . 6. The printer automatically prints odd-numbered pages

two-sided printing5. Select Print Both Sides. 6. Select the appropriate binding. Book binding.Tablet binding. 7. Change any other desired print set

printing digital photographsprinting digital photographsThe hp deskjet printer has several features to improve the print quality of your digital photo

printing digital photographsautomatically balance sharpness. 4. Smoothing: Adjust distortion to preference. Click Automatic to allow the printer driv

printing digital photographs❍ Digital Flash: Lighten dark images. Click Auto to allow the printer driver to automatically balance lightness and da

notices and acknowledgements notices and acknowledgements hewlett-packard company notices The information contained in this document is subject to cha

auto-on and auto-off featureauto-on and auto-off featureenabling auto-onAuto-On is a default feature of the printer. The printer automatically turns o

using the automatic paper-type sensorusing the automatic paper-type sensorFor a description of the Automatic Paper-Type Sensor feature, see Automatic

borderless printingborderless printingBorderless printing lets you print to the edges of small media such as cards and photos.4 x 6 inch photo paper w

borderless printingselecting image size: Open the image file in a software application and assign the image size. The size corresponds to the paper si

borderless printing3. Click OK. 4. Open the Print dialog box. 5. Select any other desired print settings. Click a two-sided printing option when ap

plain paperplain paperpreparing to print1. Raise the Out tray. 2. Slide out both paper guides. 3. Place up to 100 sheets of paper in the In tray.

plain paper4. After you have selected the print settings, click OK.printing on plain paper with Mac OS X1. If necessary, open the Page Setup dialog

envelopesenvelopesPrint a single envelope using the envelope slot, or print multiple envelopes using the paper tray.printing guidelines● Never pla

envelopes 4. Push the envelopes forward until they stop. 5. Slide the paper guides firmly against the edges of the envelopes. 6. Replace the Out tr

envelopespanel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Group: Automatic, Plain Paper or Inkjet PaperPaper Type: Appropriate inkjet paper (if Inkjet Paper is s

terms and conventions terms and conventions The following terms and conventions are used in the User's Guide. terms HP Deskjet printers may be re

envelopesFor a description of available print options, click the appropriate operating system:Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, or X Classic or Mac OS X.file:///C|/Pro

transparenciestransparenciesprinting guidelinesFor great results use hp premium inkjet transparency film.preparing to print1. Raise the Out tray. 2.

transparenciespanel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Group: Automatic or Transparency FilmPaper Type: Appropriate transparency film (if Transparency Fi

labelslabelsprinting guidelines● Use only paper labels that are designed specifically for inkjet printers. ● Use only full sheets of labels. ●

labelsI am using an application built for Mac OS X Mac OS Xprinting labels with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic1. Open the Page Setup dialog box, then

labels2. Click OK. 3. Open the Print dialog box, then select the following settings: panel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Type: Automatic or approp

index cards and other small mediaindex cards and other small mediaprinting guidelines● Use only cards and small media that meet the printer's

index cards and other small media printing index cards and other small mediaIf your software program includes a card printing feature, follow the inst

index cards and other small mediaPaper Type/Quality Paper Group: Automatic, Plain Paper or Inkjet PaperPaper Type: Appropriate inkjet paper (if Inkjet

index cards and other small mediaTwo Sided PrintingPrint Both Sides: Unchecked for unsupported card sizes 4. Select any other desired print settings.

accessibility accessibility For accessibility information, visit Apple's Website at http://www.apple.com/disability/. file:///C|/Projects/Newport

photographsphotographsprinting guidelines● The photo must be in an electronic format (digital) before it can be printed. Take a digital picture, s

photographs1. Raise the Out tray. 2. Slide out both paper guides, then remove all paper from the In tray. 3. Fan the edges of the photo paper to se

photographspanel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Group: Automatic or Photo PaperPaper Type: Appropriate hp photo paper type (if Photo Paper is selecte

photographsPaper Type/Quality Paper Type: Appropriate hp photo paper typeQuality: Best or High Resolution Photo Digital Photo: If desired for photo en

greeting cardsgreeting cardsprinting guidelines● Unfold pre-folded cards, then place them in the In tray. ● If an out of paper message appears

greeting cards printing greeting cardsIf your software program includes a greeting card printing feature, follow the instructions provided with the so

greeting cardsIf an out of paper message appears, verify the greeting cards are positioned properly in the paper tray.printing greeting cards with Mac

posterspostersprinting guidelinesPoster printing is not available in Mac OS X.preparing to print1. Raise the Out tray. 2. Slide out both paper guide

postersLayout Multiple Page Per Sheet Menu: Tiling Tiling Size: 2, 3, or 4 3. Select any other desired print settings. 4. After you have selected th

bannersbannersprinting guidelinesUse hp banner paper for great results.preparing to print1. Raise the Out tray. 2. Slide out both paper guides, then

using the onscreen user's guide using the onscreen user's guide This onscreen user’s guide is viewed through Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.

bannersI am using an application built for Mac OS X Mac OS Xprinting banners with Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Classic1. Open the Page Setup dialog box, th

banners3. Open the Print dialog box, then select the following settings: panel settingPaper Type/Quality Paper Type: Automatic or Plain PaperQuality:

iron-on transfersiron-on transfersprinting guidelines● When printing a document with a mirror-image, the text and pictures are horizontally revers

iron-on transfers● My computer runs Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x ● I am using a Mac OS 9.x application on a Mac OS X computer Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, and X Clas

iron-on transferspanel settingPage Attributes Page Size: A4 Letter or US LetterOrientation: Appropriate orientation2. Click OK. 3. Open the Print di

maintenancemaintenance● replacing print cartridges ● aligning print cartridges ● automatically cleaning print cartridges ● cleaning th

replacing print cartridgesreplacing print cartridgesBefore buying replacement print cartridges, verify the correct part numbers. For the correct part

replacing print cartridges 1. pink pull tabCaution! Do not touch the print cartridge ink nozzles or copper contacts. Touching these parts will result

replacing print cartridgesprint quality.For information on how to recycle your empty print cartridge, see print cartridge recovery.Warning! Keep both

refilling print cartridges refilling print cartridges To get the best performance from your HP printer, use only genuine, factory-filled HP print car

special featuresspecial featuresCongratulations! You have purchased an HP Deskjet printer that is equipped with several exciting features:Photo print

aligning print cartridgesaligning print cartridgesAfter a print cartridge is replaced, align the print cartridges to ensure the best print quality. Al

automatically cleaning print cartridgesautomatically cleaning print cartridgesIf your printed pages are missing lines or dots or if streaks appear, th

cleaning the print cartridge cradlecleaning the print cartridge cradleIf the printer is used in a dusty environment, a small amount of debris may accu

cleaning the print cartridge cradle1. print cartridge cradle 2. print cartridge cradle walls3. Repeat this process until no ink residue appears on a

maintaining print cartridgesmaintaining print cartridgesThe following tips will help maintain HP print cartridges and ensure consistent print quality:

maintaining print cartridges Caution! Do not drop the print cartridge. Dropping the print cartridge may result in damage to the print cartridge. file:

maintaining the printer bodymaintaining the printer bodyBecause the printer ejects ink onto the paper in a fine mist, ink smudges will eventually appe

removing ink from skin and clothing removing ink from skin and clothing Follow these steps to remove ink from skin and clothing: to remove ink from...

hp inkjet utility using the hp inkjet utilityThe hp inkjet utility contains tools to calibrate the printer, clean the print cartridges, print a test p

hp inkjet utility 1. Inkjet Utility Panel Menu: Select the appropriate panel: ❍ WOW!: Prints a sample page to view the output quality of the pri