Laserjet Pro MFP M281fdw not printing

[Fiona_Hamburg]

I cannot print anything, I printed the last page about an hour ago and since then, I haven't been able to print anything.

I wish to use USB because my router was changed yesterday and it doesn't seem to be working - I tried to change the set up for WIFI, but haven't managed to. In the meantime I urgently need to print documents, so resorted to using the cable. I was able to print two pages, then the printer stopped printing. I tried plugging in my computer and using a USB stick and none of the two are working. It seems to be a printing issue only, as I can scan using HP Smart when my computer is plugged in.

When my computer is plugged in, the printer is shown as "ready" in HP Smart. The printer display shows a message like "Start printing" but nothing happens, there is no noise and that message disappears. When I have a look at the printing queue, the print order is displayed as being in an unknown state.

What I have tried:

- Switching off computer and printer at the same time.

- Pluggin out printer for a few minutes and switching back on

- Updating USB pilotes, which were already up to date

- Printing a test page (nothing happens).

The printer seems to receive the order and seems to believe it's done although nothing has happened.

What can I do?

Best wishes,

Fiona

[Garp_senchau]

@Fiona_Hamburg,Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Thanks for the detailed explanation—sounds frustrating, especially when you urgently need to print. Since you've already tried restarting and updating drivers, and the printer can still scan, we can rule out a total USB or hardware failure. 

Restart Print Spooler (Windows):

1. Search services in the search box. Open the service menu.
2. In the list, find Print Spooler.
3. Right-click Print Spooler and click Restart.
   1. If it’s stopped, click Start instead.
4. Close the window. Check if the issue persists 

Restart the Printer

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
3. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
4. Wait for 60 seconds and connect the power cord back in.
5. Turn on the printer.

Run HP Smart:

• Download and run the HP Smart. Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix common printing issues.
• Refer: Use Diagnose & Fix in HP Smart to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support

Update Printer Firmware (Update the firmware on an HP printer | HP® Support)

• Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. Enter your printer model number and search for the latest firmware update. Follow the instructions to download and install the firmware update.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

[Fiona_Hamburg]

Thank your for your answer! Where exactly do I find the print spooler? I have dried typing it into the Windows search box but to no avail. I tried it in French (spouleur d'impression) and no luck either. But perhaps I should be looking elsewhere?

[Fiona_Hamburg]

In the meantime, I have managed to find the print spooler, which I deactivated and reactivated. I also reset the printer to factory settings using the screen. Both didn't help. It can't have anything to do with Windows as it wouldn't explain why using a USB stick plugged in directly to the printer doesn't work. When I try to print from a USB stick, the display says the print work has started and nothing is printed, then I'm asked if I want to print something else, so obviously the printer thinks it has printed when it hasn't. I would appreciate help, otherwise I will have to decide that I will never buy an HP printer again.

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @Fiona_Hamburg, 

Thanks for reaching out! Since the issue remains unresolved, I suggest contacting our phone/chat support team for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help and may even be able to work their remote assistance magic to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

Regards,