Print errors and disconnect issues (Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw)

[Craig19031]

My printer is hardwired to my computer but sometimes when I go to print it says printer not found. i am also receiving several different errors (I will list below) every help forum says update drivers but when i tried it said they were current.

Subsystem: Kernel

Error: MissingAttribute

Operator: LinePath

Position: 93

Kernel

IllegalTag

0x4c

167

Kernel

ExtraData

LinePath

103

Subsystem: Image

ExtraData

ReadImage

21

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Craig19031 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the details so clearly—it really helps narrow down what’s happening. I can imagine how frustrating it must feel to have the printer hardwired and still see “printer not found” or those cryptic error codes flashing up. 

Let’s walk through a set of structured steps that should bring the connection and printing back to a smooth, reliable state.

 

Step 1: Connection and Port Check

• Confirm the USB or Ethernet cable is firmly seated on both ends. Try a different port on the computer if available.
• If using USB, avoid hubs or docking stations—connect directly to the PC.
• If using Ethernet, check that the printer has a valid IP address by printing a configuration page from the printer’s control panel.

 

Step 2: Printer Status in Windows

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Ensure the Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw is set as the default printer.
• Right-click the printer, select Printer Properties, then check the Ports tab. If USB, confirm it shows “USB Virtual Printer Port.” If networked, confirm the IP matches the printer’s configuration page.

 

Step 3: Driver Refresh

Even if Windows reports the driver is current, reinstalling can clear corruption.

• Disconnect the printer cable.
• In Devices and Printers, remove the printer.
• Restart the computer.
• Reconnect the printer and allow Windows to reinstall automatically.
• If it doesn’t, manually add it via Add a Printer.

 

Step 4: Clear Print Queue and Spooler

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and select Stop.
• Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete any files inside.
• Return to services.msc, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.

 

Step 5: Test with Simpler Print Jobs

The errors you listed (MissingAttribute, IllegalTag, ExtraData) often appear when complex PDF or image files send unsupported commands.

• Try printing a plain text document or a simple Word file.
• If these succeed, the issue may be with how certain applications generate print data. Updating or changing the print method (e.g., “Print as Image” in Adobe Acrobat) can help.

 

Step 6: Firmware Update

Drivers aren’t the only piece—firmware updates on the printer itself can resolve kernel and image subsystem errors.

• From the printer’s control panel, navigate to Setup > Service > LaserJet Update.
• Allow the printer to check and apply any available updates.

By carefully following these steps, you should see the connection stabilize and those unusual kernel/image errors diminish. 

I truly appreciate the effort you’ve already put into checking drivers—it shows persistence. If after these steps the issue persists, testing with another cable or another PC can help isolate whether the printer or the computer is the source.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Craig19031]

I did as many of the things as you mentioned as I was capable of trying and it is usually PDFs that are the problem. I will try and find the Adobe settings to alter. Below is the PORT setting and that was not an option you recommended. Could you confirm that it is OK for a printer connected through ethernet?

Thanks a lot.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Thanks for replying @Craig19031 

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

Thanks for sharing the screenshot of your Ports tab—that’s very helpful. Let’s clarify what you’re seeing and whether it’s correct for your setup.

 

Port Settings for Your Printer

Since your Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw is connected via Ethernet, the printer should normally use either:

• A Standard TCP/IP Port (showing the printer’s IP address), or
• A WSD Port (Web Services for Devices), which is Windows’ automatic discovery method for networked printers.

From your screenshot, your printer is currently associated with a WSD Port. That is perfectly valid for an Ethernet-connected printer, but WSD can sometimes be less reliable than a direct TCP/IP port—especially if you’re seeing intermittent “printer not found” errors.

 

What You Can Do

Here’s how to stabilize the connection:

Print a Configuration Page from the printer’s control panel.

• This will show the printer’s current IP address.

Add a Standard TCP/IP Port in Windows:

• In the Ports tab, click Add Port…
• Select Standard TCP/IP Port, then click New Port…
• Enter the printer’s IP address from the configuration page.
• Complete the wizard and assign this port to your printer.

Set the Printer to Use That Port:

• Back in the Ports tab, check the new TCP/IP port for your printer.
• Uncheck the WSD port.

Test Printing:

• Try printing a simple Word or Notepad document.
• If this works consistently, you’ve eliminated the WSD-related disconnects.

 

Why This Helps

• WSD Ports rely on Windows discovery services, which can occasionally fail or time out.
• TCP/IP Ports use a direct IP connection, which is more stable and predictable for Ethernet setups.

Since you mentioned PDFs are the main source of errors, once the port is corrected, also try enabling “Print as Image” in Adobe Acrobat’s print dialog. That bypasses complex PostScript commands that can trigger the kernel errors you listed.

So yes—your current WSD port is technically fine for Ethernet, but switching to a Standard TCP/IP port is usually the more reliable choice. 

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Craig19031]

Thanks a lot, that has seemed to do the trick. Hopefully it lasts.