Printing Checks via USB Connection - HP Officejet Pro 8020

Hytec

When attempting to print a standard (3"x 8") check via USB connection, the printer errors saying wrong size paper, not 8-1/2"x 11". Previously this procedure worked with no problem when the printer was connected via Wi-Fi. No features were changed in either Quicken or the printer.

The printer is an HP Officejet Pro 8020 series. The check is fed into the printer lengthwise centered in the tray.

I'm using Quicken Premier, version R52.33, build 27.1.52.33, with Windows 11 Pro version 23H2, build 22631.2506.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Writing checks by hand gets old quickly.

Thanks.

UKR

Try resetting your printer definitions in Quicken and then redefine the printer:

For Quicken for Windows versions 2009 and older:

• Close Quicken
• Use Windows File Explorer to locate and rename the file
  C:\Users\_username_\AppData\Roaming\Intuit\Quicken\Config\WPR.DAT to WPR.OLD
• Now set up your printer again, as described below. The WPR.DAT file will be recreated next time you start Quicken.

For Quicken for Windows 2010 until Quicken Subscription (US, 2021) R33:

• Click File / File Operations / Validate and Repair. Select only "Reset Quicken Printer Settings", then click OK.
• Now set up your printer (see below)

For Quicken for Windows Subscription (US, 2021) R34 and newer:

• Click File / Validate and Repair. Select only "Reset Quicken Printer Settings", then click OK.
• Now set up your printer (see below)

Printer Setup (all versions):

• Power on the printer
• Close and restart Quicken (might not be necessary, but it can't hurt)
• In Quicken click File / Printer Setup / For Printing and visit all selections as needed
  (a) for Reports,
  (b) for Checks,
  (c) for Invoices [Quicken HB&R users only]
  and define your printer.

If you're printing checks, do not forget to select the correct check style.

• For 3-per-page personal size checks choose "Wallet Checks (Check 21 ...)", not "Wallet Checks" (unless you still use some very old stock from many years ago)
• For 3-per-page business size checks choose "Standard Checks", not "Voucher Checks".
• For 1-per-page business size checks with 2 stubs choose "Voucher Checks".
• Canadian users need to choose between 2 layout styles, e.g., old style "Voucher" vs. new style "Voucher - Image ready".

Additional things to check:

• If you are printing a logo (image) on your checks, click the Logo button and make sure that your logo image file still is where Quicken expects it to be.
• Also choose the proper features for printing partial pages when using 3-per-page stock.
• Users of continuous forms on dot matrix printers: Be sure to select "Continuous Forms" instead of "Page-oriented".
• Laser / inkjet sheet-fed printers: select paper size 8.5*11", standard paper. Do not use any "Auto detect" or photo print settings.
• If checks print OK on one computer but do not align properly on another computer, compare printer settings, printer port selections and installed printer driver versions.
• Download and install the latest printer driver directly from the manufacturer's website. The driver that comes with your Windows installation may not be up to date.
• Make sure that at least one of your printers is marked as Windows Default Printer ... doesn't have to be the one you want to use with Quicken, but you need at least one marked Default Printer
• In some of the newer versions of Windows you may also need to do this:
  Go into Windows Settings or Control Panel, Printers & Scanners.
  Uncheck "Let Windows manage my default printer".

If you can't resolve the size issue, you can try to use form leaders to feed your printer with a proper 8.5x11" sheet while printing a partial 1- or 2-checks page in normal portrait orientation.
See https://intuitmarket.intuit.com/fsg/businesschecks/formleaders.aspx for an example of form leaders. Check your local office supply store, search on the Internet or order from Intuit.

My 2cents' worth:
I use Voucher Checks (1 business size check + 2 stubs on an 8.5x11" sheet). My printers do not have a manual feed tray or 2nd paper tray that can easily be reconfigured to feed partial pages (1 or 2 checks left from a 3-checks-per-page sheet), so for my occasional check printing needs Voucher Checks are easiest to use.
When making a purchase decision for a new supply of check forms and considering your own check stock to use, consider how easy or difficult it is to feed special forms or odd-size partial pages into your printer.

Hytec

Thanks for your suggestions. The standard check format prints perfectly on A-size (8-1/2" x 11") paper. However, when a standard check sized paper is attempted the printer errors on incorrect sized paper. The curious thing is that his only happens with a USB connection to the printer. Standard sized checks print perfectly with a wireless connection to the printer.

Your suggestion has eliminated Quicken as the issue origin. I now will examine the printer driver(s) in the computer, finally the printer software itself. I didn't start with the printer because it's too easy for them to point their finger at Quicken and the computer. Such is life,

I would return to a wireless printer connection except that I now am in a retirement home with a facility-wide public network. A neighbor warned me that his printer originally was connected to the network and another resident used his printer. Not Good.

Hytec

Issue Solved.

Certain HP Officejet Pro printers have a Wi-Fi Direct function where the printer and computer set up a private link. This Wi-Fi connection exists only between the printer and computer. No-one on the public LAN can see the printer.

Secondly, Quicken Printer Setup for Checks requires that the paper size closest to a standard check size be selected, in this case 4" x 12". Checks now print perfectly.

The public Wi-Fi must be disconnected and the private printer Wi-fi connected, but this a minor inconvenience.