HP 2542 printer not recognizing USB, kinda

[jtrain9801]

Hello,

I am installing my HP 2542 printer on my win 10 64 bit system.

I load up the setup program to set it up as USB. It tells me to plug the USB into a the computer. DONE.

Now it just sits there and doesn't recognize that the USB was plugged in. The computer makes the confirmation sound that the USB device was plugged in,but nothing happens. The printer isn't is sleep mode. 

So when I go  to use HP setup I get a Windows notification that it sees the device and is setting up drivers for it ,but the HP SETUP program then says it can't see the USB and tells me to retry to detect the printer. 

In the Device Manager is sees the HP2542 under the USB ,and it says it working properly. There is a (rest) after the device. 

Windows keeps wanting to install HP Smart ,but even HP Smart can't see the printer. 

I have done the following:

Power cycled the printer, router and computer

Uninstalled the HP SMART and the HP 2542 drivers to to a clean install ,but above error still occurs.

Tried to install the HP 2542 through the router's USB ,but the router can't see it. 

I have replaced the USB printer cord and tried it in different ports on the computer 2.0 and 3.0

Reset the Printers's Wifi settings to clear things out ,but still can't get the USB to detect to set up the wireless network again. 

After I delete the drivers and HP to try the HP SETUP I get the follow error

It gives me the prompt to plug in the USB and gives me the confirmation sound that is plugged it. The SETUP starts and then the computer gives me the confirmation sound the USB was disconnected. 

[Raj1788]

Hi @jtrain9801,

Thank you for joining HP Forums. 

This is a great place to get support, find answers 

I understand that the USB is not getting recognized by the printer

No worries, I'll be glad to help you, that said, I'll need a few more details to dissect your concern & provide an accurate solution: 

Have you tried any troubleshooting steps?

Did you try with the different USB?

Perform a Hard reset on the printer and make sure that the printer is connected directly to the wall outlet and not to the surge protector.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Remove USB cable, if present.

Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.

Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord and then plug back the power cord to the printer.

Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle.

If you’re running Windows, I would start by checking the installed printer software by downloading and running the HP Print and Scan Doctor.

This tool can diagnose and fix many printing and printer software related issues. Please use this link to help you with that information:http://hp.care/2biN2XE 

For more assistance, please follow all the steps suggested in the support document for  - 

HP Printers - USB Printer Setup (Windows)

Keep me posted, how it goes!

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.

[jtrain9801]

I did all that and still it didn't see the printer. 

I went and bought a envy 4510 series to see if that would work. I didn't kinda.

It still wouldn't see the printer via USB cable and on different ports. 

But it saw the printer via the network through the modem. I was able to install the drivers that way ,but now it says the the printer is NOT CONNECTED,under the Windows Printer devices. Here is the a twist I have HP Smart App installed on the computer and it sees the printer and can send command for test pages to print successfully. 

Windows still won't regconize the printer for it can't see it via MS WORD or EXCEL.  

[Raj1788]

@jtrain9801,

Thanks for the reply. 

I would personally suggest you contact our HP phone support for further assistance.

If your product is Out of warranty, then remember to choose the paid options to get the tech support number.

They might have multiple options to help you on this.

Please use the following link to create yourself a case number, then call and it may help speed up the call process:

Step 1. Open link: www.hp.com/contacthp

Step 2. Enter Product number or select to auto detect

Step 3. Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options"

Step 4. Scroll down and click: HP contact options - click on Get phone number and phone number appear.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

Keep me posted on any other assistance.

Hope that helps! Let me know 🙂

Please click "Accepted as Solution" on the post that solves your issue to help others find the solution. 

To show appreciation for my help, please click the "Thumbs Up Icon" below!

[jtrain9801 · Accepted solution]

I was Troubleshooting other things for about MS WORD. I removed the printer from windows then did a Regedit scan and repair. Rebooted the computer then ran the HP SETUP and it now sees the printer via the USB cable. 

I have no more problems anymore. So go figure. 

Thanks for suggestions and information.

[Raj1788]

@jtrain9801,

I'm delighted to hear that it's working!

Appreciate your efforts.

Thank you very much for the Inputs.

Feel free to post your query for any other assistance as well.

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉  

Have a great day!