I bought a printer cable and am tethered into my laptop, but still can’t print anything.

[PAGus]

Laptop doesn’t recognize my desk jet 4158e printer, even with my printer cable attached. How do I print something without internet connection?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@PAGus 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

There are a couple of options -

Consider is whether you can use Wi-Fi Direct.

Wi-Fi Direct uses the printer's own wireless radio to make a connection to your computer's Wireless.

Open

 User Guide - HP DeskJet Plus 4100e All-in-One Series

Starting on Page 24

and (Video)  (Internet access required to view the video)

 HP Deskjet Plus 4155 | 4152 HP DeskJet 2752 | 2755 Connect to Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi Direct metho...

and

HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct)

and

 Print from Windows 10, 11 Using Wi-Fi Direct | HP Printers | @HPSupport

Wi-Fi Direct supports HP Smart (at least those features that do not require a network).

Wi-Fi Direct supports installing and using the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

Wi-Fi Direct does not connect you to the Internet.

Wi-Fi Direct supports some settings in the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

NOTE: For your security, some settings in the EWS are password-protected. If prompted for a password,
enter the PIN from the label on the inside of your printer’s cartridge access door.

What else?

If Wi-Fi Direct and / or Wireless of any kind are not suitable to your situation, you can generally set up and use at least some of the printer options using the USB cable connection.

I've read that HP Smart will run on USB -- I've never seen it.  At the least, the application will be sorely limited.

The Full Feature Software / full driver printer software can be installed and used in a USB printer cable connection setup.

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

Printer Software

If you have not yet done so, install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver generally adds at one, possibly least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and/or HP Scan.

NOTES:  

HP Scan is not installed if the printer does not support Scan.

The Printer Assistant is not installed if the type of full driver software does not support it.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.

No Sign-in required to use full driver printer software.

Reinstalling?

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features.
• If your printer includes a separate "help" in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.
• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

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

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software – Offline Use Only 

In general, the web pack should load -

Download package > Save > Right-Click on the installation Package > Run as Administrator

If / When asked, opt for the Full Driver / Full Software to be installed.

Using USB?  (Re)Connect when instructed to do so.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= 

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one or more shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

• Printer Assistant – Where still supported as part of the full driver printer software
• HP Scan Assistant – For those printers that no longer provide the Printer Assistant
• HP Scan – Shortcut on Desktop named for the printer model
• When installed, HP Universal Scan software adds a separate self-named “HP Scan” shortcut

Important

Printer Assistant shortcut > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

OR

HP Scan Assistant shortcut > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_15

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

Message Content References

EWS > HP Document / How-to (original format)

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

Example - EWS - Tray and Paper

Original EWS

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model and EWS version Dependent:  Advanced section

Click Apply to save changes

Retain_Printing_Preferences_20

HP Document - How to Scan

 HP Printers - How to Scan (Windows, Mac, Mobile) | HP® Customer Support

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP DeskJet 4158e All-in-One Printer  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"