Printer switching off

[andrewduram26]

Hello,

I have a HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302 purchased a few months ago. After a few hours, it appears to lock up and I cannot use the touchscreen or print from multiple Windows computers to it.

It is connected via ethernet and I have tried what was suggested online and setting the IP address static rather than DHCP which is how it initially was.

Tried turning off all unused services on the printer.

Tried unplugging for a few hours.

Tried a reset and reconfigure.

It is on the latest firmware which was updated late November but this issue has happened since purchase both before and after the firmware update.

I was on a live chat and was going to be transferred to a specialist but this never happened.

Any ideas where to go with this next?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @andrewduram26 

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

I understand how frustrating it feels when a new printer locks up after a few hours of use, especially since you’ve already tried thoughtful steps like setting a static IP, disabling unused services, unplugging, resetting, and updating firmware. 

Let’s go through a structured set of actions that can help stabilize your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302.

 

Check Power Settings

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup → Preferences → Power Settings.
• Disable “Auto‑Off” or set it to a longer duration.
• Ensure “Sleep Mode” is set to a reasonable time (e.g., 30 minutes) rather than very short.

Network Connection Stability

• Since you are using Ethernet, confirm the cable is firmly seated and test with another cable if possible.
• Connect the printer directly to the router or switch rather than through a secondary hub.
• If your router supports Energy Efficient Ethernet, try disabling that feature in the router settings.

Assign a Static IP via Printer Menu

• Even though you’ve set a static IP, ensure it was done directly on the printer’s control panel rather than only through the router.
• Navigate to Setup → Network Setup → Ethernet → Manual IP.
• Enter IP, Subnet, and Gateway manually.

Run HP App Diagnostics

• Install and open the HP App on your Windows computer.
• Select your printer → Settings → Advanced → Diagnose & Fix.
• This tool can automatically detect and correct communication or freeze issues.

Firmware Double‑Check

• Confirm the firmware version installed matches the latest listed for your model on HP’s support site:
  HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

Check for Environmental Factors

• Ensure the printer is connected to a stable power source, ideally a wall outlet rather than a power strip with multiple devices.
• Avoid connecting through surge protectors that may cut power intermittently.

Perform a Cold Reset

• Power off the printer.
• Disconnect the power cable for 60 seconds.
• Reconnect and hold down the Cancel button while powering on to clear residual states.

By adjusting power settings, confirming a stable Ethernet connection, and running diagnostics through the HP App, you should see improved stability and avoid the lockups you’ve described.

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

[andrewduram26]

Power Settings

Auto shutdown is disabled and sleep is set to maximum of 60 minutes.

Network Connection Stability

Another ethernet cable has been tried. It is connected directly to the router. The router does not have any power save modes and is always on.

Assign a Static IP via Printer Menu

This has already been done and has not fixed the issue.

Run HP App Diagnostics

Done and no issues detected.

Firmware Double‑Check

Checked and confirmed the printer is running the latest firmware and has been since shortly after that latest was released. It happened before and after this firmware update.

Check for Environmental Factors

Confirmed and running directly through a main socket.

Perform a Cold Reset

Done this a few times to no avail.

It is still happening and becoming more annoying. What are the next steps?

[andrewduram26]

FYI I had a live chat on HP EMEA Chat on Friday where an agent said "Thank you for your messages. It looks like this issue needs assistance from our Specialist Support team. I will transfer you to continue your support. Please stay within the conversation and somebody will be with you very soon. Thank you for your patience" but I have heard nothing since. Replied to the chat this morning but nothing yet. Maybe you can see it under my account as I notice you work for HP?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hello @andrewduram26 

My sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you. We'd hate for you to be stuck in a situation like this. Because you matter to us.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye