Is HP Smart more trouble then it is worth?

[okaenegen]

So today I had to install a hp inkjet printer for a client(I forget the exact model but it's a midrange 300$ one so not a cheap one). Follow instructions yada yada install the software/driver package for the printer and that software wants me to install hp smart so I do. Everything is working fine but her coworker now wants me to adjust the sleep settings on her printer. I load up her PC see that HP Smart is on it but was never configured. So I configure HP Smart and see that the sleep settings are adjusted to the maximum anyways which is what she wanted.

Later in the day they call me back and say that both of their printers are getting stuck in queue and printing the job about an hour after the request. Now the only thing I did the same on both printers is configure HP Smart so that is the only common factor. Both are also hardwired with USB so it isn't a network issue.

This is not my first issue with HP Smart, 4/5 times I use the software I get similar issues even with brand new printers. I'm going back in the morning to fix their issue and I'm just wondering if I'm just having bad luck with that software or if I should be seriously considering that there are issues with it.

I'd greatly appreciate any advice as well for troubleshooting this issue beyond the obvious (reinstalling drivers, reset spooler, hard reset printer are already on my list of things to try even though I shouldn't have to do those already where I just installed the darn thing).

Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

@okaenegen 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Opinion...

Not sure what we can offer.

Unknown printers, in an unknown environment, using a USB connection might not respond to ideas having to do with an application generally best suited to a fully supported network setup.  What?  I've read that HP Smart can work with a USB connection -- I've never seen it.   Too, the Operating System and the printer model impacts the results.

Your initial question (in the subject line) seems to be asking whether you should be using the application.

I would guess you need not use the application at all - HP Smart (Windows) is generally optional, especially using established or older printers using a USB connection between printer and computer.

What is stuck and which app or software is impacted / controlling the situation?

For example, Spooler and queue issues are generally controlled by Windows.

You have eliminated our suggesting several other of the "go to" solutions, too. 

For example, The general solution to drivers that are not working -- depending on the printer and the unknown environment - might be to re-install the full driver printer software.  The Full Driver printer software is different from the HP Smart application.  In fact, the full driver printer software is better suited to a USB connected printer setup.  Installing the full driver printer software does not impact or fix jobs that are languishing in the Windows print queue.

I guess the best you can do is to go to the site where the users and equipment are located -- assess the situation.

If you need  help, submit a new question that includes the printer model, the Operating System / version, and what you have tried at the time you get stuck.

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