How to use the Officejet Pro 8034e without internet

[Dana1234321]

I need to use my printer via a USB direct connection but I keep getting an error message saying it must be connected to the internet to print.  Is this correct?  Is my printer useless otherwise?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Dana1234321 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

Start...

Read the comments in the line that describes the USB port on the back of the printer --

 User Guide – OfficeJet Pro 8030e Series

Pages 3-4

According to the comments in the user manual, you need to at least have the printer connected to a network and the Internet during the initial setup.  After refusing the offer for HP+ service and warranty extension, you can use a USB printer cable.

NOTE

HP+ is a big subject but is not relevant in an environment where you cannot (or will not) keep the printer connected to the Internet.  The Internet connection is necessary for the monitoring and security of the printer.    More importantly, this is an older printer model -- HP+ is perhaps not an option, even assuming you could enable the service without having a current Warranty on the printer that could be "extended".   HP+ will not be covered in this message.

So -- it are the comments in the user manual true?

Yes - as far as it goes, the comments are true.

Can you get around that setup?

Possibly, though even if you can do so, most of the features in the printer will never work without the printer at least being connected to your home network or at least a Wireless connection to one of your devices.

At the very least, the printer can probably survive and provide access to some of the more basic features using a Wi-Fi Direct connection.  Wi-Fi Direct uses the Wireless radio on the printer to connect to your wireless capable device (computer, tablet, phone).  Wi-Fi Direct does not connect the printer to the Internet nor does it connect to most of the features required by a full network (Ethernet or Wireless) setup.

References

HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct)

and

User manual -

 User Guide – OfficeJet Pro 8030e Series

Page 7 and then continuing on Page 36

-- Can't do it!  Only have (or want to use) USB --

You might be able to install the Full Driver Printer Software and use that.

The full driver includes HP Scan -- HP Scan can tolerate a USB or Wi-Fi Direct environment.

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Webpage - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 8030 All-in-One Print EasyStart Printer Setup Software – Offline Use Only 

Download and install the software first -

Connect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer only when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation process).

Ask if you need additional installation instructions.

=========================================

What about?

HP Smart won't like a USB connection -- as much as you would normally need and use this clever application for various tasks, the app does want the printer connected to at least the Wi-Fi Direct connection.  You need a full (router controlled) network to use all the printer's full range of features available through the HP Smart app.

Dragon Comments

Is the printer useless?

No - The printer is most certainly not useless.

It's older and not very top of line, but it's a nice printer.

That said, printers of this type (Officejet Pro) are not designed to be run in a USB only environment.

In that regard, the printer is more printer than you need in your situation.

Should you be able to at least run a Wi-Fi Direct setup, the printer might operate well enough that it is worth keeping.

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

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