Printer sometimes connects, sometimes it doesn't

[Ak_129834765]

Hi, 

I have an HP Laserjet 1020. The problem that I am facing with the printer is that sometimes the printer gets connected to the computer and sometimes it doesn't. Once it's connected (and online), then there is no problem with the printer. If the printer is not able to connect, then in that case, no matter how many times I turn the printer on and off, it just doesn't work.  

I recently bought a new connecting USB wire as I thought there might be something wrong with the wire. And even with the new wire, I am seeing the same problem. 

I should also mention that I have a Mac too. And I'm seeing the same problems even on that machine. 

Could anyone tell me what can I do to fix the printer? And whether it can be fixed. 

Thanks,
Ak**bleep**

[TEJ1602]

@Ak_129834765, Welcome to HP Support Community!

I see that you have both Windows and Mac Computers. We shall first try and fix the issue with Windows PC.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download HP Print and Scan Doctor and run the program. It will automatically diagnose and fix any printer connectivity issues. 

For more information, go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/topic/printscandoctor.

I recommend you delete the driver and root level and retry, follow the steps below: 

1) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2) Select your HP Printer 

3) Select Uninstall 

4) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 

6) Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 

7) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe”

😎 Click on the “Drivers” tab 

9) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10) Select Ok 

11) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12) Close Devices and Printers.

Now, download and install the full-featured software from here.

If the issue persists, try adding a TCP/IP port.

1. Print a Network Configuration Report from the Printer Settings or Wireless menu.
2. Right-click your printer, select Printer Properties, click the Ports tab and then click Add Port.
3. Select Standard TCP/IP Port, and then click New Port.
4. Follow the instructions to add a new port using the information listed on the Network Configuration Report.
5. Try printing.

Also, you can add manual IP to the printer. 

The steps on how to set a manual IP address can be found here.

For the DNS servers please use 8.8.8.8 for the Manual Preferred DNS Server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server. These are Google’s public DNS servers.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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