Scanner/co​pier issues

Question

Hi, there.  My Photosmart C309g is totally outdated, and I know that, but it prints perfectly -- scanning and copying is where I'm having the issue.  For months now, anytime I scan (whether directly from the printer's screen or from the software) or try to make a copy I get a garbled mess of lines and absolutely cannot make out anything that was on the original page (example attached).  I've done as much troubleshooting as I know to do from virus checkers to updating drivers but nothing is a permanent fix.  If I do a hard reset (unplug power while, unplug from wall, plug back in, etc.) it works for about two hours and then I'm back to Square One.  To put it as sweetly as possible, I'm about to put a frickin' baseball bat to this POS printer. 
Help is greatly appreciated!  Thanks!! 

Answer 1

Hello @locogirly!
Thank you for posting on the HP Forums!
I would be happy to provide some suggestions that may resolve the issue regarding the scan/copy quality issue on the Photosmart C309g.  If the quality is poor when performing a stand alone photo copy then you are likely looking at a hardware issue with in the the printer.  
The first thing I suggest is to plug the printer into the wall outlet directly if it is currently in a power surge protector or extension cord. This may sound silly but this will ensure the printer is getting full power and may eliminate any unnecessary troubleshooting. If the printer is no longer getting full power from the power surge or extension cord it may give false errors, have poor connection,paper feed issues and quality issues.
If you are still experiencing the issue then I recommend Following this document from the HP web site regarding scan/copy quality issues.
Step one: Reset the All-in-One 
Press the Power button () to turn off the product.
NOTE:The product might not turn off after pressing the Power button. Continue to the next step regardless.
Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the product.
Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Wait 30 seconds.
Replug the power cord into the electrical outlet.
Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the product.
Press the Power button () to turn on the product.
Step two: Clean the glass and scanner backingFollow these steps to clean the scanner glass and the white scanner-lid backing.
Gather the following materials:
Several clean, soft, lint-free cloths
Mild glass cleaner
CAUTION:Use only glass cleaner to clean the scanner glass. Do not use cleaners that contain abrasives, acetone, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride. These substances can damage the product. Avoid isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) as it can streak the glass.
Press the Power button () to turn off the product.
Lift the scanner lid.
Figure 2: Lift the scanner lid
Spray a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with mild glass cleaner.
CAUTION:Do not spray the glass cleaner directly on the glass to avoid damaging the scanner.
With the moistened cloth, wipe the scanner glass.
Dry the scanner glass with a fresh cloth.
Wipe the white scanner-lid backing with a fresh cloth.
Figure 3: Wipe the lid backing
Close the lid.
Press the Power button () to turn on the product.
Try the copy or scan job again.
If these steps resolved the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
If the issue persists, see the next step.
Step three: Try a blank copyFollow these steps to try copying a blank original.
Lift the scanner lid.
Remove all paper from the scanner glass.
Close the lid. Do not place any paper on the glass.
Load paper in the paper tray.
On the product Home screen, touch Copy, and then touch Black Copy.
If these steps resolved the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
If the issue persists, see the next step.
Step four: Service the product
Please call our technical support at 1-800-474-6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assis​t.html
Please post back and let me know if this has worked for you!
Cbert
I work on behalf of HP.
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