Can't print from this laptop

[PamPurrs]

Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, this laptop refuses to recognize printers on the network. Whenever I try to print to a network printer, I get the message, "Ther printer spooler service is not running...." or "The RPC service is unavailable".  I've checked, and all the services are running (RPC etc.).  The printers are showing "Offline" on this laptop, but we can still print to them from other laptops.  I can access all the files on the server with no problem, so I know it's not a router issue.

I've tried reinstalling the network printers, but just get the same message.

I only have this problem with the one laptop. The other HP Laptops on the network print to the network printers with no problem.  I've therefore ruled out a network or printer problem, and isolated the issue to this one laptop.

I've rebooted everything, and the problem persists.

Any thoughts about what could be causing this problem? I haven't installed any new apps that may have caused it.

Thank you,

Pamela

[Betty0610]

@PamPurrs

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

Please let us know which Printer do you have?

Meanwhile, let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which helps in resolving common printing and scanning problems such as missing or corrupt print drivers, connectivity issues etc.

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

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” and “/s”)

8.) 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

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[PamPurrs]

It's multiple printers on the network, none of which are HP.  There is no problem with the printers, they all work just fine and are accessable by other laptops.

The problem is that I can't access them from one of the HP Laptops.

Please read my original post.

[The_Fossette]

@PamPurrs,

I am responding on behalf of @Betty0610 as she is out for the day. It is great to have you back and your patience is greatly appreciated.

I recommend you create a new user account on the computer following the steps in the below artilce and then install the printer and check if it helps.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/4026923/windows-10-create-a-local-user-or-administrator-acc...

If you continue facing the issue, I recommend you perform a recovery on the computer following the steps in the below artilce and check whether the issue is resolved.

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04742289

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[PamPurrs]

I tried adding a new user, and even made it an admin.  But it doesn't do any good because the temp user can't access files or printers on the workgroup because it's not a member.  Microsoft removed the workgroup icon from Control Panel, so now there's now way to join a workgroup.

The other option you offered is a bit extreme, it would cause me to have to reinstall several dozen apps.

As an experiement, I connected a printer to the laptop that I'm having this problem with, and it worked just fine. The problem is communicating with the printer when it's on another computer in the workgroup.

This is extremely frustrating.  It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

[The_Fossette]

@PamPurrs,

It is great to have you back and your patience is greatly appreciated.

It looks like the computer is having issues communicating with the printer when it is on the network. I recommend you contact HP phone support to further diagnose the issue, they will take a remote of your computer and check.

Here is how you can get in touch with the phone support.

1)Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/

2)Select the product type.

3)Enter the serial number of your device or select let HP detect your product option.

4)Select the country from the drop-down.

5)You should see the HP phone support number or Chat option listed.

Good day! Take care 🙂

Cheers!