Error message "unable to communicate with printer" but still prints

[Foxtrack]

When I start the printing process, The printer begines to print the documents as normal. However, the error message, "unable to communicate with printer" appears with the options of Cancel Print and Help, despite the printer being connected and successfully completing the print job. What is causing this faulty error message and how do I correct it?

[MKazi]

@Foxtrack

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Support Forums. 

I understand that you have an HP Deskjet 1050 All-in-One Printer and it shows an error stating "unable to communicate with printer" when you try to print. Not to worry, I'll do my best to assist you with this case. 

To assist you better, I would like to know the following information:

• Is the printer able to make a photocopy? If yes then it indicates that the printer's hardware and ink cartridges are all good.
• Are any lights blinking on the printer?
• Did any software changes or updates happen on the computer recently?

While you respond to that, I recommend you to perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix: 

• Disconnect the power cable from the printer while the printer is still ON.
• Disconnect any other cables if connected the printer.
• Press and hold the printer’s power button for 15 seconds.
• The printer should be directly connected to the wall outlet and not to a surge protector.
• Reconnect the power cable to print and the printer should power ON by itself. If the printer doesn’t power ON then please manually power it ON.

Please download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor software. This is a free tool for Windows to help resolve issues with the printer drivers. 

After running the HP print and scan doctor you may attempt to print. In case the issue persists then let us uninstall the printer drivers from the root level and then reinstall them. The following steps will help:

NOTE: If you're going to connect the printer via USB, then do not connect it initially. Begin the installation first and later there will be a prompt to connect the printer. That's when you may connect the printer.

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• You may download and then install the drivers from this link. 

I sincerely hope this fixes the issue. Feel free to keep me posted. All the best! 🙂