Photosmart C309a won't connect to router

[kjj847]

My HP Premium Photosmart All-in-One C309a printer will not connect to my wireless network. It has worked previously, but sometimes did not work after it went into sleep mode. I have done all the steps in the troubleshooting guide. Finally I re-installed the software. I also re-initialized the printer. At this point it just searches and searches for the wireless router. I printed  the "wireless network test report" and it indicates that the wireless radio is not working. I checked the settings and it is set on automatic. Also the wireless indicator light on the printer is lit.

[PrintDoc]

Reset the printer: Turn it off, hold the # and 6 keys while and a bit after turning it back on.

If that does not work, this is how to contact HP support: www.hp.com/go/totalcare

[vikramns]

Please call HP for further advanced troubleshooting for this particular issue for this printer

[rvjjjohnson]

it says wireless radio doesn't work

[Shane_R]

What printer are you using? What tells you the wireless radio won't work?

[rvjjjohnson]

my printer goes thru the diagnostics and prints a report--says wireless radio does not work---wireless light on the front is on--but it goes into a search (never finds anything)

[Shirlzz1]

Is the diagnostic test that you are running the wireless connectivity test found under the setup menu under the tools sub-menu? If so and it is reporting wireless radio is non functioning that is a definite hardware problem. You can try a hard reset, but I do not think that will bring it back. More than likely you are looking at product replacement. How long have you had the printer and what model is the printer?

[bill2455]

Thanks to this Board, I solved my 'WIFI won't work anymore" problem. My C309a's wireless radio had been flaky for months and finally stopped working. Afer going through all the diagnostics and resetting procedures, I was satisfied that the radio was a goner. Reading this Board, I found out the the wireless card was easy to locate and remove but impossible to find on-line. HP, as others have learned, was no help here.

So, I decided to go wireless using the printer's ethernet port. I bought a TP-Link WR702N at Microcenter ($30) for this purpose. It's a small (credit card size) attractive device. It permits me essentially to put the printer's ethernet port onto my home wireless network. Out of the box, it has to be configured into 'client' mode for this purpose. This was difficult due to the outdated and poor documentation (2-stars). I called their tech support and a very efficient CR walked me through the process. She immediately recognized my problem (I haven't been the only caller) and helped me resolve the issue. 5-stars for the support. Also check the Amazon reviews for similar instructions.

I can now print wirelessly again with the added bonus of a solid connection and surprising speed (due to 802.11N and the 150 Mbps speed). It's like a new printer (one that still uses ink wantonly, however). I bought another one from Amazon yesterday ($24.99) to use as a travel router in hotels.

My suggestion for those whose C309a's WIFI radio has gone belly-up. Just buy a WR702N and put it on your printer. If you have trouble configuring 'client' mode, don't waste time trying to figure it out; call tech support. In fact, knowing what I do know about how it has improved my print speed, I would recommend this device even if the WIFI still works.

[Gordon_H]

Hi bill2455,

Thank you for taking the time to post this great information. Even though it is just a work-around, I am sure others will benefit from it.