HP DeskJet 3790 Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & Cartridge Guide

The HP DeskJet 3790 is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home and small office use, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. This guide covers complete setup instructions, wireless connectivity options, cartridge management, and comprehensive troubleshooting solutions to keep your printer running smoothly.

Wireless & USB Connectivity Color Inkjet All-in-One HP 65/65XL Cartridges
download Download PDF Manual
1

Load Media & Adjust Guides

Raise the input tray and load your paper with the short edge down and print side up. Slide the paper-width guide to fit snugly against the paper edges. Pull out the output tray extender and lift the paper catch to prepare for printing.

2

Install Cartridges

Open the cartridge access door and wait for the print carriage to center. Remove plastic tape from new HP 65 or 65XL cartridges and slide them into their slots at a slight upward angle until they click into place. Close the cartridge access door.

3

Install Printer Software

On Windows, open the HP printer software from Start > All apps > HP, or double-click the printer icon on your desktop. The software allows you to configure print settings, check ink levels, and access maintenance tools.

4

Configure Paper Size & Power Settings

Access the embedded web server to set default paper size detection and adjust power management options. The printer enters Sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity and Auto-Off after 2 hours to save energy.

info

Pro-Tip: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

router

Connect via Wireless Network

Press the Wireless button on the control panel to enable the wireless capability. Use the embedded web server or HP software to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The Wireless light and Signal Bars icon confirm successful connection.

wifi

Connect via Wi-Fi Direct

Press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel to enable direct wireless printing without a router. From your mobile device or computer, search for and connect to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct name, then enter the Wi-Fi Direct password when prompted.

Paper Jam in Input Trayexpand_more
Press the Cancel button to attempt automatic clearing. If the jam persists, gently pull the paper out of the input tray. Check for foreign objects in the paper path and reload paper. Press the Resume button to continue your print job. Prevent future jams by not overfilling the tray and ensuring paper edges are not bent or torn.
Cartridge Not Recognized or Low Ink Alertexpand_more
Verify that plastic protective tape has been completely removed from the cartridge. Open the cartridge access door, remove the affected cartridge, and clean the gold electrical contacts using a dry lint-free cloth. Also clean the printer contacts inside the carriage slot. Reinstall the cartridge and close the door. If the error persists, the cartridge may be defective and should be replaced with a genuine HP 65 or HP 65XL cartridge.
Poor Print Quality or Faded Colorsexpand_more
Verify you are using original HP cartridges and high-quality paper, preferably HP paper with the ColorLok logo. In the printer software, confirm you selected the correct paper type and appropriate print quality setting. Check estimated ink levels—if cartridges are low, consider replacement. Open the HP printer software toolbox and select 'Align Cartridges' from the Device Services tab, then print a diagnostic page to identify specific color problems. If streaks or missing colors appear, use the 'Clean Cartridges' function.
Wireless Connection Not Workingexpand_more
Press the Wireless button and Information button simultaneously to print the wireless network test report. Ensure your wireless router is powered on and the printer is within range. If the Wireless light is blinking with a Wireless Attention icon, move the printer closer to your router or check for interference. Verify the network name (SSID) and password are correct using the HP Print and Scan Doctor or online troubleshooting wizard. If the problem persists, access the embedded web server to manually configure wireless settings.
Printer Not Printingexpand_more
Confirm the printer is powered on, paper is loaded in the input tray, and both cartridges are installed with protective tape removed. Check the printer software for error messages and resolve them by following onscreen instructions. For USB connections, disconnect and reconnect the cable. Verify the printer is not paused or offline by checking the print queue in Control Panel. Ensure the printer is set as your default printer. If the power button light is blinking fast with the cartridge door closed, the printer is in an error state—try printing a document to generate an onscreen error message for resolution.
warning

Important Safety Instructions

  • Always use genuine HP 65 and HP 65XL cartridges to maintain warranty coverage and print quality
  • Turn off the printer using the Power button and wait for the light to extinguish before removing cartridges to prevent drying
  • Check ink levels regularly from the control panel display or HP software; replace cartridges before quality becomes unacceptable
  • Keep paper flat and dry in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag to prevent curling, especially photo paper
  • Clean the cartridge access area monthly and remove any foreign objects blocking the print carriage path
  • Run cartridge alignment and diagnostic cleaning cycles quarterly or when you notice print quality degradation

The HP DeskJet 3790 printer uses genuine HP 65 / HP 65XL ink cartridges. Select your cartridge below to purchase replacement cartridges on Amazon:

Feature Specification
ModelHP DeskJet 3790 (Part of 3700 Series with models 3700, 3720, 3721, 3722, 3730)
Printer TypeColor Inkjet All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy)
CartridgesHP 65 (Black & Tri-Color) / HP 65XL (Black & Tri-Color High Yield)
ConnectivityWireless 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, Embedded Web Server
Print SpeedVaries by document complexity; speeds optimized for plain paper at Normal quality
Paper CapacityInput tray holds stack of full-size or small paper; supports envelopes, photo paper, and specialty media
Control Panel DisplayDigital display showing copy count, ink levels, wireless status, Wi-Fi Direct status, and error codes (E1-E6)
Power ManagementSleep Mode after 5 minutes inactivity; Auto-Off after 2 hours (when wireless/network not in use)
Special FeaturesQuiet Mode for reduced noise, automatic paper size detection, one-touch copy buttons, Ink Alert light for low supply
Manual PDFAvailable at http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05152483.pdf