HP MFP M281fdw not printing on wired network

[CambsStinger]

Windows 10 Home, I7 processor and Wired network.

My M281fdw was working fine on the network for a couple of months until a week ago when I could not print and the error “Printer is in error state” was reported on my PC (nothing is reported on the screen of the printer). I have tried repeatedly to re-install the software and have followed the comprehensive instructions on removing the software, clearing the print queue, removing all drivers etc. before re-installing again using the full web pack (LJM278-281_UWWL_4_1_Full_WebPack_44.5.2693), but I still have the same problem. I can scan OK but not print. An internal test print is fine.

Print & Scan Doctor always reports “Wrong printer port configured” (it is on a WSD port) and then claims that it has corrected this but it still fails to work. If I then run Print & Scan Doctor again it still reports the same port configuration error.

I connected the printer via a USB cable and installed the software and now I can print and scan perfectly well. The problem is that I need it working on the network so we can all use it. I've spent several days trying to resolve this - my head hurts!

Has anyone got any ideas?

[Betty0610]

@CambsStinger

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Let's try to 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!

[CambsStinger]

Thanks for your suggestion. I seem to have resolved the issue myself yesterday. I went through the full uninstall process again but (after reading up about WSD ports and other peoples difficulties with them) I removed the WSD port by editing the registry. After a re-install the printer worked just fine. I guess the WSD port configuration was corrupt and Print & Scan Doctor was unable to correct it. Also, I have since manually added an IP port under 'Printer Properties' and then edited the registry to remove the WSD port again. Hopefully, it will remain on the manually created IP port but, should Windows try to change it again, I will know what to do.

[Betty0610]

I'm glad to hear that and you're most welcome. Do get back to us in the future for further assistance.

Have a nice day!:)