laserjet "in error state"

[Lucille2]

I’m not sure if mine is an Enterprise product. I haven’t used networking with it.

Recently, when I try to print a document, I get the message “error printing on HP LaserJet” or “printer is in an error state.” The printer will print a configuration page but won’t print a test page or any document.

This started when I tried to print an email containing something like a password (actually my Akismet API key) and got the error message, "Can't print 'Print'".  (I had clicked on a hilighted (blue) 'Print' link .

Various trouble-shooters haven’t worked except for informing me there may be something wrong with my printer. I’ve tried resetting everything via the buttons on the printer: have reset the memory, restored factory settings and “reset” all I/0 channels” (whatever that means).

A trouble-shooter said there's no problem with drivers or spools. I’m updated my driver and did a system restore to a time previous to the problem. After my “system restore”, I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. Nothing worked.

Perhaps I should add that most recently I uninstalled and reinstalled my printer for a second time, and it shows up as “copy 1”.

The only thing I can think of that I can readily try is changing the device settings via my computer. The settings look either good or a bit confusing but conceivably I could at least try temporarily turning the “automatic configuration” on, etc. But I’m a little dubious about doing that before getting some advice.

Any ideas? I miss my beloved, long-time, previously excellent printer.

[davidzuts · Accepted solution]

If the printer is connected using a parallel cable from the printer to the computer it is a known issue.  See the link below for the solution.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/Printer-in-Error-Status/m-p/5402232#M270467

[Lucille2]

Your suggestion worked wonderfully.   Thank you so much!   Shows you the power of forums (and great advice) – I spent so much time on this before going to a forum.  Thanks again.  I'll quote below the post you directed me to in case anyone else is interested. (And yes, my printer is connected with a parallel port.)

The Post you directed me to said:

How is printer connected?  If parallel port it is a known issue with the latest update of windows 10.  Go to device manager and in the Port Settings tab change from "Never use an interrupt" to either of the other options.

[davidzuts]

Go into device manager and then click on ports and the lpt port should be listed.  If it is click on it and then click on settings and make the change.  If no lpt port is listed, then you must be using a usb to parallel adapter and virtural printer port.

[Lucille2]

I realized after posting that to which you replied above that I'd clicked on the wrong link under 'ports'. When I clicked on the right link, your suggestion worked smoothly and well. (Later I tried to delete that 'butter-fingered' post of mine – not sure if I succeeded. ^_^ )

[Lemon-Drop]

Hello, my HP 1012 had been woreking fine, and nowi t won't print. It says Printer in error state". The prinhter is connected via USB, nbot LPT, and always has. Does anyone have a solution for USB connection?

[davidzuts]

You need to determine if the printer has a hardware issue or a communication issue. See the attached for how to print a demo or config page from the control panel on the printer and try and see if you one of those pages. If you do then you have a communication issue and I would try another usb port on the computer to see if the printer is seen and loads. If you do not get one of the pages, then report back with the light pattern on the control panel which will tell us what hardware issue you have.

[Lemon-Drop]

Hello, the printer does print the "HP Demo Page" when I press the buttons on the printer. Ialso changed USB cords, and ports. Thje printer had been working perfectly a few days ago. Its plkugged to an HP PC running Windows 10. The driverswere downloaded from the internet. Any other suggestions? The orinter was printing beautifully, and I hate to trash it.

[davidzuts]

I guess you did not read my complete post. I told you if you can not print the demo page you need to report back the light pattern on the display. You have a from the top a go, then ready and then attention lights. You need to tell us what lights are on and solid or blinking for each one so we can tell you what is wrong with the printer. Forget about the computer or driver as your issue is printer hardware and nothing else.

[Lemon-Drop]

Mr. Regents, I did read your entire post. It said to report the light poattermns if the printer DID NOT  print the demo page. I responded that IT DID PRINT  the demo page, so that's why i didn't have any light apperns to report. I gave you teh background info on the situation with the computer, bcause every other support forrum asks those questions. I was simply trying to be proactive, and minimize the back and forth emails asking questions that I could answer at one time.

Furthermore, I think your response is very rude, and not the appropriate way to speak to a consumer. I am trying to trouble shoot a product that is not working correctly, and you should not be speaking to me this way. I just purchase an HP desktop with 2 HP monitors. Last year I purchased 2 HP laptops, and I was on the verge of pucrhasinga $400 HP all in one laser prinetr this week, but I do not want to further my business with HP, if this is how the support teams responds their customers.