Although the Lab's Desktop Support Group recommends Hewlett-Packard printers, the devices aren't perfect. There is an ongoing problem with HP Color LJ 4500 and 4550 series printer - sometimes they only turn out blank pages.

The cause of the problem, which has been acknowledged by HP, is a defective ITB belt. To remedy the problem, HP is providing free replacement belts, regardless of whether the printer is still under warranty. While the replacement offer only covers the belt and not the labor to install it, the replacement procedure is pretty easy and customers can usually do it themselves.

If your LJ 4500 or LJ 4550 color printer is turning out blank pages, check the following to make sure the problem is with the belt and not elsewhere before contacting HP:

• Is your, printer software application sending an extra page-eject command? Check the software's printing configuration information.
  
  
• Is the paper you are using difficult to separate sheet by sheet? This could be causing the printer to feed in two or more pages at a time?
  
  
• Has the sealing tape has been removed from the toner cartridge? Check the laser scanner shutter door for proper operation.

For more information or assistance, contact the Help Desk at X4357.