Network Printer stopped working

[BobBurton]

Firstly I do own the 4000T, just can't find the serial number to add it.

The printer is connected to a home network and was working fine up until a large Windows 11 update this week when both it and a wireless printer lost their connections. The OfficeJet came back after reloading the software but the 4000T won't connect. I have removed the drivers and now cant even get the drivers to load. Is this all to do with the printer being very old, is there a way round it as I find it really useful.

[M_Salman]

Hi @BobBurton,

If your HP LaserJet 4000T lost its connection after a Windows 11 update and you're having trouble reloading the drivers, try the following steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Reinstall Drivers Using Compatibility Mode

1. Download Printer Drivers:

   • Visit the HP Support website to download the latest available drivers for your HP LaserJet 4000T. If there are no official Windows 11 drivers, download the latest available version (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 7, etc.).

2. Use Compatibility Mode:

   • Locate the downloaded driver file, right-click on it, and select Properties.
   • In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab.
   • Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select the latest Windows version that is supported (e.g., Windows 10 if available).
   • Click Apply, and then OK.

3. Install the Driver:

   • Double-click the driver file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.

Step 2: Add Printer Manually

1. Open Settings:

   • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

2. Add Printer:

   • Click Add a printer or scanner.
   • Wait for Windows to search for nearby printers. If it doesn’t detect your printer, select The printer that I want isn’t listed.

3. Manually Add Printer:

   • Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
   • Use an existing port or select Create a new port (choose Standard TCP/IP Port if you're connecting over the network).
   • Enter the printer's IP address and click Next.

4. Select Printer Driver:

   • Choose Have Disk and navigate to where you downloaded and extracted the driver files, then select the appropriate driver file.

5. Complete Installation:

   • Follow any remaining prompts to complete the driver installation. You might be asked to set it as the default printer or print a test page.

Step 3: Verify Network Settings

• Ensure that the HP LaserJet 4000T is properly connected to the network. You might need to check your router settings to verify that the printer's IP address hasn't changed or set a static IP for reliability.

Step 4: Update Windows and Drivers

• Ensure that your Windows 11 is fully updated and check Windows Update for any optional driver updates.