DESKJET 2540 Will not connect wirelessly or through USB

[CAUP]

I am unable to connect my printer wirelessly or with USB.  About 3 weeks go I installed a new modem, but it is the same model as the one i swapped out.  The wireless light is blinking.  I first thought this might be an issue with windows 10.  I needed to print a document and tried printing from my desktop which runs windows 8.1.  Same problems

I have downloaded drivers, and run the Dr. program from HP.  I've unplugged and re-started both the printer and the modem several times.  Nothing changes.   

I wonder if the printer can't recognize the new modem address.  

The modem appears to work as before (we can stream movies, use the internet, etc.)  we swapped out the modems.

I can't think of anything else to do at this point.  

Thanks

[Riddle_Decipher]

@CAUP

Welcome to our humble abode, the family and tech-friendly house of HP Forums!

I'll be your host for the day, they call me the Riddle_Decipher and so can you.

Have you performed a hard reset to resolve the issue?

Did you check the network and printer connection status?

While you respond to that, here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Restart the computer, printer, and router

Restart the computer, printer, and router to resolve any error states present during the printer setup.

   NOTE:

The following steps temporarily disconnect network and Internet connections, and require restarting your computer. Complete any tasks or downloads in progress before continuing.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the router.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Close all running programs on your computer, including the HP software installation window, then shut down the computer.

4. Reconnect the power cord to the router, then wait for the Internet activity light to display a normal connected status.

5. Turn on the printer.

6. Turn on the computer.

7. Try installing the HP driver and software again.

Step 2: Check the network and printer connection status

Make sure your network is working correctly and that the printer is ready for the network setup.

1. Confirm that the printer is ready for the network setup.

   • Wireless network connection: On the printer, open the Wireless network or Settings menu to make sure the wireless signal is turned on. Make sure the light next to the Wireless icon is either on and steady or blinking.

   • Wired network connection: Check that the cable is connected to the printer Ethernet port and to an available port on the router. The green link light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink when the cable is connected.

     Figure: Connect the cable to the printer and to the router

     

2. Make sure your printer is not connected to a guest or host network, such as those networks found in schools, hotels, or home networks that allow guest logins. For more information see Can't Print on a Guest or Host Network.

3. If you have a dual-band router, make sure it is set to the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is set to the 5 GHz band, the printer cannot connect to the network.

4. On the computer, mouse over the network icon in the notification area to view the network name and status of the connection.

      NOTE:

   If you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), disconnect from it when installing the printer.

   Figure: Example of the Wireless icon showing the network name and connection status

   • the network is shown is not yours (for instance, if you connected to a neighbor's or guest network), you must reconnect to your own network to complete the printer setup.

   • If the network signal strength is weak, move the computer and printer closer to the router, position the devices away from large metal objects such as bookcases, and move away from devices that emit radio signals such as microwaves and cordless phones.

   • If the network status is not connected, confirm that your network is working correctly, then check the status again. Make sure a checkmark displays next to the network name.

   • If an Airplane icon displays, click the icon, slide the Airplane mode slider to Off, then connect to your wireless network.

     Figure: Example of Airplane mode enabled

     

5. Try installing the HP driver and software again.

FOR DETAILS & FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS, USE THIS LINK: CLICK HERE & SKIP TO STEP 3 ONWARD

(By the end of this article all the issues should be resolved)

Keep me posted, as I (Or a trusted colleague) shall follow-up on this case to ensure the concern has been addressed, 

And your device is up and running again, only in case you don't get back to us, first! 

That said, If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us, and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[CAUP]

I have been working on this issues almost daily for the last couple of weeks.  I have rebooted the printer, modem, computer singly and all together, several times.  My network cannot find the printer, same if I try to print with a direct usb connection.  

I changed modems out about 2 weeks ago, but they are the same model C1000 from Centurylink.  I just got tired of paying $5 per month rental.  But that should only affect the wireless connection to the printer, yes?.  I should still be able to print through the direct connection.  

All I can thinnk at this point is that the printer has finally given up the ghost and is destined for the recycle bin.  

I appreciate your efforts to help.  

Cheers,

Caup

[Riddle_Decipher]

@CAUP

Thank you for replying with this detailed response,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

As you've rightly mentioned, the printer can still be used via the wifi direct feature, 

HP wireless direct is compatible with most HP wireless printers released between late 2011 and mid-2014. To connect directly with HP printers released after mid-2014, go to Wi-Fi Direct.

Go to Printing with HP Wireless Direct for more information.

I hope that answers your query,

If it did, simply select "Accept as solution", to help the community grow, 

And if you wish to thank us for our efforts, click on the thumbs up for kudos.

Have a great day ahead.