MFP M176n goes offline

[HansBl]

Hello,

I have using my M176n for quite a while without any problems. All af a sudden it prints one job and then according to the printer status in Windows goes offline. The printer itself says it's ready and waiting for the next job.  All that helps is a restart of the printer. Then the same cycle repeats itself. It's connected via cable the the network. I can connect via the browser and see status of the printer, but the HP Print and Scan Doctor says it can't connect.

Anyone has any ideas?

Regards

Hans

[DavidSMP · Accepted solution]

Hi @HansBl,

Good Day. A warm welcome to the HP community. I reviewed the post regarding the printer showing an offline message and needs to be restarted always. I will be glad to assist you with this.

Superb description, brilliant troubleshooting and terrific observations made before posting. Kudos to you for that. 🙂

To assist you with accurate information I would require more information regarding this.

• Did this happen after a recent software or Windows update?
• Did you try to uninstall and reinstall the printer software?
• Did you perform a hard reset on the printer?

For a start please try these steps:

Please make 2 copies directly from the printer without any communication from the computer.

If it copies fine then perform these steps:

Please hard reset the printer from this link: http://hp.care/2teFuyqand perform only step 1

Later uninstall and reinstall the printer software. This should fix the issue.

• Uninstall the printer from "programs and features" which can be accessed by doing a right-click on the Windows button (Please have the printer Off and disconnected during uninstallation.)
• Check in device manager, if the printer is listed there, please delete it. (Right click on the Windows button to access device manager)
• Go to devices and printers, select any printer listed there and you will get some options on the top.
• Click on print server properties.
• You will get a popup, click on the drivers tab and delete all the HP printer drivers listed there if any.
• Delete all the instances of your printer listed in devices and printers.
• Restart the PC.
• Once the PC is on the desktop, press Win + R, it would bring a Run dialog box,
• Type %temp% in the run box and click Ok or hit the Enter button.
• It would bring up the temporary files folder. Delete the files in the folder (You might not be able to delete all the files).
• If possible, delete the printer from the registries using Regedit or using any other 3rd party application.
• Ignore the Regedit option if it cannot be done.
• Restart the PC again.
• Then download the latest full feature driver for the printer from http://hp.care/2teHo1Y and install it on the computer after selecting the correct operating system.
• Connect the printer to your computer only when the setup prompts for the printer.

If nothing works please try all the prescribed steps from this link: http://hp.care/2u9VVAC This will definitely fix the issue.

Please perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. Going by your technical expertise and competence I am sure you will be able to perform these steps without breaking a sweat. 🙂

Hope this helps. Let me know how this goes. I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. 🙂 Please reach out for any issues and I'll be there to assist you. 🙂

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles. 🙂

Take care now and have a splendid week ahead. 🙂

[HansBl]

Hello,

thanks for your swift and detailed answer.

This will, as you mentioned, require somewhat thought and patience to perform.

I think I need some time to read through your instructions, understand them and then go through with it.

I will most certainly try what you suggest, but give me a few days. I'll post my results here.

Answers to your questions

• Did this happen after a recent software or Windows update? - Nope, but probably after a firmware upgrade of the printer. Strangely enough the new version of the firmware doesn't show in the web interface.
• Did you try to uninstall and reinstall the printer software? - Yes, no change.
• Did you perform a hard reset on the printer? - Tried to, however right arrow on power on does nothing. the printer just initializes normally and goes into ready state

Hans

[DavidSMP]

Hi @HansBl,

I reviewed the post comprehensively. You've displayed commendable patience, remarkable attitude coupled with splendid patience to try and resolve the issue. Kudos to you for a job well done. It is greatly appreciated.:) 

Please perform these steps slowly. Take time out and do it. It has been a genuine pleasure. Do it easily and casually. This will do the trick for you.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

Cheers!

[HansBl]

Hello,

any reaction on my answers to your questions? Do they point out something?

Hans

[DavidSMP]

Hi @HansBl,

I read the super quicks response. It points to one thing. If you are able to make copies directly from the printer, nothing is flawed. please make 2 copies directly from the printer to check if it copies fine. If it does, then you don't need to worry about it. Uninstalling and reinstalling the printer software in the manner that I mentioned in my previous will fix the issue. Please keep at it and perform the steps with patience and give it a complete concentrated effort. It will reap rewards. Also, the firmware update should not cause it to happen.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

Cheers!

[HansBl]

Sorry for the delay. I'm presently planning an event for about 800 people in November and has my "backend" pretty full.

I just tried your solution and will give it a few days. I'll be back with the result.

Hans

[HansBl]

So far your remedy seems to work.

Thanks a lot.

Hans

[DavidSMP]

Hi @HansBl,

It has been a fabulous experience working with you. 🙂 I thank you greatly for accepting this as a solution. 🙂 You've been simply amazing with your technical expertise and thanks again for giving me the privilege to share this platform with you. 🙂

I hope the unit works great and stays healthy for a long time. 🙂

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

Please take care, stay healthy, keep smiling big and do have a blessed year ahead. 🙂