MPF M281fdw installation - USB detection not working

[guido1979]

I just purchased a MPF M281fdw printer and I am trying to install it following the instructions from the manual.

I am trying to install the printer using the USB cable, but when I am prompted to connect it to the PC, nothing happens.

The software doesn;t detect any printer and also on the PC i do not hear any sound of " USB device connected".

I tried to change the USB port on the PC, as well as using another USB cable (which was successfully working with the previous printer).
How should I proceed further? Do I have a way to check that the USB port on the printer is working properly?
Thanks for the support!

Guido

[DavidSMP · Accepted solution]

@guido1979,

Thanks for stopping by the HP Support Forums.  After reading your post I see that you need assistance regarding assistance regarding installing your new HP LaserJet printer using a USB connection. It will be a delight to assist you here.

Superb analysis and brilliant diagnosis of the issue before posting. Kudos to you on that score. 🙂

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

• Do other devices such as a USB flash drive, USB mouse or keyboard work with the USB ports of your computer?
• Did you try connecting the printer to multiple USB ports of the computer?
• Did you try connecting the printer using a different USB cable?

For now, try these steps:

• Please perform a hard reset on the printer from this link: https://hp.care/2rjT6cI by following instructions from the section “Step 2: Reset the printer”.
• Now try making a copy of a document directly from the printer without any communication from the computer to ensure that it copies correctly.

If it copies correctly, then uninstall and reinstall the printer software at the root level by performing these steps:

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Remove all instances of the same.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• Restart the PC again

Then download the latest full feature driver from https://hp.care/2rlBwor  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 with a different USB Cable as this original cable could be faulty.

Try connecting it to a different USB port.

This should fix the issue.

Other things to try:

• Please connect using a different USB cable as this cable could be faulty.
• Also, try connecting the printer to different USB ports of the computer.
• Also, ensure that the USB ports on the computer work by connecting a USB flash drive to the USB ports and checking if the flash drive is getting detected.
• You could also connect a different USB Keyboard or USB mouse to the computer to check if the USB ports are working and functional to detect the USB keyboard or mouse.
• If any USB port of the computer is faulty, then it may not detect the printer or any device connected to it.
• Try to install the printer on a different computer if possible to isolate the issue between your computer and the printer to pinpoint which is the culprit.

For further assistance, please follow all the relevant steps that best match your current issue from this link: https://hp.care/2rjT84k (HP Printers - USB Printer Setup (Windows)           

• There is an associated YouTube video on how to connect the printer to the computer via a USB connection.
• Also under FAQs, there are steps under the section “What if my printer is not found or connected during USB setup?” that you may need to perform to try and resolve the issue.

Perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. Good luck to you. I will keep a watch for your response.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

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. 🙂

[guido1979]

Thanks, it worked finally with the first cable I used.
If I want to install now the printer on a laptop via wireless, should I first configure the printer in the network using the touchscreen?
Thanks!

Guido

[Flower_Bud]

@guido1979

It looks like you were interacting with @DavidSMP, but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out,

I'm the Flower_Bud & I'm at your service.

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

Yes, you need to connect your printer to Wireless by running wireless set up wizard: 

Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer to connect it to your wireless network.

1. From the home screen on the printer control panel, swipe the display to the left, and then touch Setup.

2. Swipe up on the display, touch Network Setup, touch Wireless Menu, and then touch Wireless Setup Wizard.

   The printer searches for available wireless networks.

3. Touch the name of your network, and then follow the instructions on the control panel to connect the printer to your wireless network.

After the printer connects to the network, the wireless light is on and steady.

For more information, you could refer to this link: https://hp.care/2KEGshe.

I'm glad you found the solution for this concern.

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂

[guido1979]

Thanks for the help.

Actually during the first intallation via USB I had a window open where I could set all the possible settings of the printer, but now all the icons that I have open other programs.
Is there a way to change printer settings (wifi password, ip address, and so on) via software or it is possible only via the touchscreen of the printer?
Best regards

[Riddle_Decipher]

@guido1979

It looks like you were interacting with @DavidSMP & @Flower_Bud, but they are both, out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out, 

I am the Riddle_Decipher (er) & I'm at your service 😉

I reviewed your concern and the entire conversation, to ensure I understand what you've mentioned, are you referring to the EWS Page?

If yes, check this link for the details: https://hp.care/2K1djf8 (this is not printer dependent)

Also, have you been able to connect the printer to the network, if not, what's stopping you, what's the error?

Could you tell us if the printer is accessing the computer or if you have any specific issues (please elaborate for better assistance).

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, 

 feel free to give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" button.

Have a great day!

[DavidSMP]

@guido1979,

I have read the responses and reviewed it comprehensively. I am back. Please try all the prescribed steps from this link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m280-m281-multifunction-printer-series/14... (HP Printers - Changing from a USB to a Wireless Connection )

This should resolve the issue for you

Thanks and keep me posted on the results.

You have a fabulous week ahead.