DeskJet 2542 Does Not Recognize Router

[dmetzger1]

Issue: my DeskJet 2542 no longer recognizes my internet/router after I had to do a factory reset on said router (NetGear Nighthawk) and therefore cannot wirelessly print

As my described above, I am currently unable to use the wireless print option on my DeskJet 2542 because said printer does not recognize the internet from my router. I had previously been able to solve, and was able to print wirelessly, but cannot remember how I did it in the past! 

What I have done:
1. Turned everything on/off

2. Ensured firmwares/softwares were up to date

3. Ensured internet was working

4. Ensured I could print via USB

5. I also can print wirelessly if I connect my Printer and Computer to my WiFi extended

However, my printer will NOT pull up my router at all. I've tried via the App, Desktop App, and even via the printer network screen. I see many other internet listed (including my extended) but not my actual internet. So currently I am stuck with no printers added at all to my computer, and stuck in the 'set-up' because the set up wizards are not able to locate my printer. 

I can confirm the following about my router:
1. Both 5 ghz and 2.5 ghz are enabled

2. They utilize the same name/password and security (WPA / WPA2)

3. My printer was able to connect to this network previously

I just want to be able to print wirelessly without having to swap my computer over to the extender - I want my printer to recognize and use my secured wifi network. 🙂

[greenturtle]

Hi,

Thanks for using the HP Support Community.

Can try to reset the printer wireless and setup using HP Smart app again?

Here's an example on how to reset the wireless for the printer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHq_83JIy4A

Hope that helps!

[dmetzger1]

Hi there! Thanks for the reply. The issue is when I open and try to use this, my Printer cannot be found. I also printed out the set-up pages and I see that my printer does NOT see my internet listed as an option to connect to. 

[greenturtle]

Hi,

Have the printer wireless been reset?

If after reset and still not able to see the printer, there is a chance that the WiFi module is damaged.

Thanks

[dmetzger1]

Thanks for the note - the printer itself has not moved, so not sure the likelihood that anything in the printer itself was damaged.

[dmetzger1 · Accepted solution]

The TLDR that I was able to gleam via google/chat searches: my printer is too old and the operating systems on my machines (both Mac and PC) are too new. The software that is typically used to connect or set up a printer to print wirelessly is no obsolete and no longer available, and the new versions are not supported by my printer and it's older hardware.

If you have this particular printer, you will likely have to use older more unsecure network options to make this work, if it can at all!

I'm sticking with airprint via my wifi extender that outputs a 2.5 ghz band that it can recognize.