Cable connecting for HP OFFICEJET PRO 6968

[Bret51]

My printer regularly goes "offline" when I try to print. I want to plug it directly in to the computer to avoid this issue when I try to print by wireless. There is a cord that runs from the printer and has a phone plug in on it. It does not fit with my Acer laptop. What cord do I need to connect my printer to my laptop?

[Kumar0307]

Hi @Bret51

Welcome to the HP Support Community. I understand you are having connectivity issues. I'd be happy to assist you.

I assume you are using a fax cable that came with the printer. It is used to setup fax.

You need a Printer USB cable. Which looks like this:

Let us try to fix the offline issue before you use a USB cable.

Make sure the printer is connected wirelessly to the PC and you are able to print. Let us assign a static IP address:

• Obtain the IP address of the printer – You can touch the “wireless” icon on the printer control panel to obtain the IP address.
• Type the IP address at the top of your web browser to obtain the printer EWS page on your computer.
• If you get any security notification, click on show details/advanced and 'proceed to this website'.
• Go to "Network" tab - General - Select "Network protocols" - Select "Enable IPv4 only" (or similar) - Apply the settings.
• Go to the “Network” tab – Click on “Wireless (802.11) – Then click on “Network address (IPv4)
• Click on the radio button which says “Manual IP” and then click “Suggest a manual IP address” to give a manual IP address to your printer.
• Click on the radio button which says “Manual DNS Server” and under manual preferred type 8.8.8.8 and under manual alternate type 8.8.4.4 (This is Google DNS server address)

Note: You may watch this video for a better understanding.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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