C6380 takes itself off line at random intervals

[billynibbles]

Just got my C6380 all-in-one working via wi-fi networking to my Linksys WRT54G router, and all seemed well till I noticed that sometimes when loading HP Solution Center, it cannot find the printer.

Thinking that this may be down to flaky wi-fi, I changed it to a hard-wired ethernet connection and turned off the radio link, but I still get the same. Also, I've turned off the power-saving option just in case it appears offline when 'sleeping'. Still no change. Have made sure that my Comodo firewall is allowing all the ports numbers suggested by the troubleshooting pages of hp.com/support, but still it comes and goes. Recycling the power does the trick but this isn't very convenient when using it from another floor. Accessing the Windows XP Printers & Faxes page, it also shows as offline then comes back as ready for no apparent reason after a while.

I notice that the HP support site recommends turning on in the "router then printer then pc" order, but my intelligent power strip gives me no control over this - it's always PC first then the rest all at once. Does this matter?

Any ideas for sorting out this annoying little problem? I thought maybe of fixing the IP address instead of DHCP but I'd be clutching at straws!

[Wi-Fi-Guy]

If the offline issue occurs when connected with either LAN (wired) and Wi-Fi (wireless), I would suspect the firewall on your PC.  One quick test of the connectivity between the PC and printer is to try and browse the printer's internal web page (via the printer's IP address) the next time Solution Center claims the printer is offline.

If the page open, then we know that there's a working connection.  I would suggest temporarily removing the Comodo firewall and leaving the built-in Windows firewall running and see if the issue continues.

The printer SW on the PC periodically polls the printer for status.  If there's a delayed response, then the SW thinks the printer is offline.  The delay is often a result of the PC's firewall interfering with the printer SW.

[billynibbles]

Many thanks, Jim B for the prompt feedback.

I tried it without the firewall at all but got no-where.

I suppose the one thing I should have tried, i.e. re-installing from scratch, I was putting off because it takes so long!

However, I decided to take the bull by the horns and removed the device from Windows Printers & Faxes and ran the Install a New Device option from the SW disc.

All has been well since, despite the fact that nothing appeared to be wrong in the first place. Both wi-fi and Ethernet now working fine.

[bwvail]

Although using the C6180, my problem is the same (at least similar).  Have downloaded/installed HP software (Windows Vista) for the Photosmart C6180 All-in-One and all works fine for a few days, then printer is suddenly not recognized (wireless connection).   Software is still there.  HP Digital Imaging icon in tray says "No HP devices have been detected.  HP Solution Center will now close." when clicked.   

This has happened twice now in the past few weeks.  The first time I removed all HP software and then reinstalled.  After reading your post below I checked and I believe the only firewall running is the Windows version and settings are as "recommended". 

Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance. 

[Wi-Fi-Guy · Accepted solution]

The next time the tray app says "No HP devices have been detected", try to open the printer's internal web page by browsing to its IP address.

If that works, then basic connectivity is working and in which case we have to look at the SW on the PC for the problem.

There's another issue -- sometimes the service that monitors the printer connection stops.  I have a tool that I can send to you to restart the service (email me at wireless at hp dot com).

[bwvail]

Jim - Please forgive my ignorance:  How do I "open the printer's internal web page by browsing to its IP address"?   Also, would installing the tool you mentioned cause any harm?  If so, you can email it to me at bwvail at gmail dot com.  Thanks again.   Bruce

[Wi-Fi-Guy]

From the C6380's front panel, press the setup button. Select Network and then Print Network Configuration. On the printed report you'll find the printer's IP address. It should start with either a 192.168 or a 10. though if it starts with 169.254 or 0, then we have another problem to deal with.

Open your browser and enter the IP address into the address bar (where you would normally type www.hp.com) and then hit enter. If the printer is on your local network and can communicate with your PC, you should be able to see the printer's internal web page.

I'll send you the diangostic tool. It doesn't make any changes to your PC, is safe to run and displays information about the networked devices on your home network.

[bwvail]

Jim - Thanks for the info.  I was able to find the printer's internal web page so it must be a SW issue.   What's next or will the diagnostic tool you are going to email me let me know that?  Bruce

[Wi-Fi-Guy]

What's the situation now -- are you able to print or scan wirelessly? If you are not able to print or scan, were you able to after the last time you re-installed the SW?

In other words, does the printer appear to work for a few days then stop?

Also, do you turn off your printer when you're not using it or do you leave it on between use?

[bwvail]

Jim - I downloaded the software from the HP site about July 4th and was able to print and scan then printer stopped working after about a week.  I then removed the software and re-loaded last Thursday and it stopped working after just one day.  The printer doesn't show up as recoginized.  I took your advice and was able to locate the internal web page and was still not able to print or scan which you told me makes you believe it is a software issue.

We leave the printer on all the time.  Is this a problem?

Also, did you email me the diagnostic tool yet?  If so, I did not receive.