Print queue doesn't clear

[GruvyGrl]

This stopping and re-starting the print spooler is a temporary fix, i cannot do this every time i create an envelope - as this failure to clear the print queue happens with every envelope . . .

need a better more permanent fix

anyone have one?

[Dragon-Fur]

@GruvyGrl

The Print Queue is not the underlying cause of the problem else stopping the service, clearing the print folder, and restarting the print service would resolve the issue.

The issue is likely not with the printer itself.  The printer has no control over job handling.  The printer is responsible for receiving the commands to print, understanding (translating) the print command structure and the mechanics of printing the content of your document or image onto paper.

Look elsewhere.  

For example, amongst other solutions tried, include:

• Restart everything, including the router, all computers, any devices that you have connected to your network.

• If the printer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, move the cable to a different port on the router.

• If the printer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, if the Ethernet cable on the printer is connected to a hub (that, in turn, is connected via another Ethernet cable to the router), move the cable between the printer and the hub to a different port on the hub.  Still no joy?  Connect the Ethernet cable from the hub to the router to a different port on the Router.

• If the printer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, consider:  Although rare, cables can fail.  Consider replacing the Ethernet cable(s).

• If you have not done so, consider assigning a TCP Port for the printer.

If you have installation, offline, or port issues, see:

Example:

1. How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Create TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, right click the printer and left click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

• If you have not done so, consider assigning a static IP address to the printer.

• If you have not done so, check for updates on the router and apply those updates.  This is important - routers need to be kept updated.  If the router can no longer be updated (past its "service life" and updates are no longer available on a regular basis), replace the router with newer, better equipment.

• If you have not done so, Uninstall the print software > Restart the computer > Download, save, and install a new copy of the Full Feature (Full Solution) Software.  Although the print software is not a likely the cause of the problem, it must be eliminated as a potential "trouble spot".

• If you have not done so, check your printer's Website Software and Driver page for a Firmware update and apply the update.  Reminder:  Firmware updates, when available, are generally installed AFTER the Full Feature (Full Solution) Software is installed and is in general good order.

• Set the Printer to save print jobs - Enable the Print Service Log - Print a job - Check the log for types of activity and any problems.   Will this help pinpoint the cause of the problem?  Maybe.  If you find errors that you cannot understand, ask for help at the Microsoft forum.

Print Queue Management - Set up "Save a print job to reprint later"

In general, you set up the method to keep the jobs in the queue ahead of time.  This method requires that your user base (those people submitting print jobs) do not sabotage the print queue by removing entries -- this is a matter determined by Policy in your workplace.  (In other words, you must have a modicum of control over what people are doing).

Dragon Document 

Reprint a print job – save a job for reprinting later

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Right-Click on your Printer > Printer Properties>

(If necessary) Change Properties > Tab Advanced >

Select Keep printed documents > Apply > OK

Track print jobs in Event Viewer

How you track down the print job action depends on how your software reports the incident in the Event Viewer, whether you have remote access to the computer(s) in your work group, and your skill level in garnering the information you seek (manual look-and-see or write a script to gather the reports).

For example,

Enable the job log

Windows key + X > Event Viewer

Event Viewer > Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > 

Scroll down > PrintService > Right-Click Operational > Enable Log

Check the log for activity

Open the Event Viewer on the computer (from which the job was submitted

Open Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows >

scroll down, down > PrintService > Operational 

• The cause of the problem might reside within the Windows File System.  This can only be resolved (assuming it is even true) by making sure the file system is healthy.  In general, keeping the Windows Updates current, making sure there are not errors (that you don't understand) in the Reliability Report, and keeping your system protected from viruses and other invaders is enough.  If you suspect File System problems, run chkdsk and / or other tools to check the file system integrity.

Reliability Report

Although this cool reporting tool has been around for quite a while, it might be overlooked because it is hiding in an unlikely spot in the Operating System.

Windows 7: Control Panel > set icon view > Action Center 

OR

Windows 10: Control Panel > set icon view > Security and Maintenance 

Under Maintenance > Open the Drop Down Menu >> Click on View Reliability Report

OR

Open Admin cmd prompt

Windows key + X + (then) A

Type the command, followed by the "Enter" key

perfmon /rel

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[GruvyGrl]

Thank you for your very detailed response. My unique issues are:

1. It only happens with envelopes. And when I originally had the printer installed the envelopes were clearing fine but it wouldn’t recognize to print in color

2. I work for a company that has a lot of security on our work laptops so I cannot personally install and uninstall the printer drivers. I did have someone from IT do it for me yesterday (after I read up on the color print isssue) which fixed the issue with the color printing, but then caused the problem with the envelope print jobs not clearing the queue after the job was complete. I did find, on this site, how to clear the spooler so I could keep printing non-envelope work,  as thie clearing process is not convenient to do after every envelope LOL

I will have to try what suggestions of yours  I can on my own that don’t require admin rights and then get back on with my IT department with your printed troubleshooting report if I cannot solve on my own. Will let you know. Thanks again. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@GruvyGrl

You are welcome.

Something odd about envelopes?  No new ideas. 

Good Luck.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.