LaserJet MFP M28-M31 setup help

[CSC1234]

Hi! I bought a LaserJet MFP M28-M31 a few years ago and set it up successfully on this home network, and it worked fine. Then, a few months ago, I tried to print something and it didn't work, and I cannot find the printer on the network. Please help me get it set back up again. Here are the details and what I've tried to do.

1. I no longer have the computer with which I set the printer up originally (which was a Mac). I am working with a Windows 11 computer.
2. The home network has not changed (though rebooted every couple of months), and the Windows 11 computer is connected to that network. 
3. When I turn the printer on, the power button blinks about once a second and the letters "HP" blink in the LCD window at the same rate.
4. My computer does not see the printer on the network.
5. I have hooked up the printer to my computer via a USB-A/USB-B cable. 
6. I have tried the HP Easy Start software, all three paths. None of them have been able to detect the printer, either over wi-fi or via the cable.

[Raj_05]

Hi @CSC1234,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It seems like your HP LaserJet MFP M28-M31 printer has lost its network configuration and is possibly in an error state, as indicated by the blinking power button and LCD. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and set it back up.

Reset the Printer

Performing a reset can help clear any error states:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the printer from the power source for about 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on.
4. Check if the blinking stops. If it persists, proceed to the next step.

Reinitialize Wi-Fi Setup Mode

To reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network:

1. Enter Wi-Fi Setup Mode:
   • Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the power light starts blinking.
2. Use the HP Smart App or HP Easy Start Software to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
   • Download HP Smart: Windows HP Smart App.
   • Follow the prompts to add a new printer.

Use USB Setup as a Backup

If the network setup fails, you can configure the printer over USB:

1. Connect the printer to your computer with the USB-A/USB-B cable.
2. Download and install the full driver package for your printer model: HP LaserJet MFP M28-M31 Drivers.
3. During the setup process, choose USB Connection instead of Wireless.

Confirm Network Settings

To verify or reset the printer's network settings:

1. Print a Configuration Report:
   • Hold the Start Copy and Cancel buttons together for 3-5 seconds.
   • Review the report to see if the printer is connected to the network.
2. If the printer is not connected:
   • Use the HP Smart app or software to manually input the network credentials.

[Raj_05]

Troubleshooting Common Errors

• If the printer still blinks "HP":
  • Perform a factory reset:
    • Turn off the printer.
    • Press and hold the Wireless and Start Copy buttons while turning it back on.
    • Release the buttons when the printer powers up.
• If the printer is not detected via USB:
  • Try another USB port on your computer.
  • Use a different USB cable if possible.

Verify Printer Installation

After connecting the printer:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Ensure the printer appears in the list. If not, click Add a Printer or Scanner and follow the prompts.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[CSC1234]

Hi Alden!

Sorry, been a busy holiday season. I've only gotten back to working on the printer now. Unfortunately, I've still not been successful.

I've pored over the troubleshooting documentation both online and in the user guide included with the printer, and nothing has worked. Here's more information:

I've done the following from your suggestions, and the printer is still in the same state (power light blinking, screen blinking "HP", my computer cannot detect it over wi-fi or via USB cable, using HP Smart, HP Easy Start, or the driver package):

* Turn off for 60 seconds

* Hold Wireless and Power buttons for 5+ seconds while printer is on

* Connect via USB cable (I tried two different USB cables and two different computers; none of the software could find it)

* Hold Wireless and Start Copy buttons while turning the printer on. (Actually, I tried all combinations of the Wireless button with other buttons, and all combinations of the Start Copy button with other buttons, too.)

* Tried to print the config report - nothing happened.

I have also done the following, to no avail:

* Something said to try holding the Wireless button down for over 20 seconds

* I tried adding the printer to my computer through the Windows utility (while hooked up through USB), and while it did say it was added, nothing could use it.

* I had been using a third-party toner cartridge and read on the web that that might be the problem, so the printer now has an official HP toner cartridge. 

I appreciate any and all suggestions you might have. Thank you!

Carole

[CSC1234]

@Alden4 Tagging you, in case you didn't see my reply.

Edit: Mmmm, didn't work. I can't figure out how to tag a user.