My print jobs get stuck in the queue and I've tried EVERYTHING

[Harrison69]

My print jobs get stuck in the queue. Its completely randomly, not always happening and I've tried EVERYTHING. I've tried different computers, updating the printer, updating the computer, having HP Smart, not having HP smart, clearing the queue, reinstalling the driver, restarting the printer spool. You name it I've tried it and still it sometimes gets stuck.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Harrison69 

Printer series introduced in 2012

Everything covers a lot of territory - there may not be much left for us to offer.

This is an old printer - "everything" might not be enough at some point.

The printer software is (at this writing) nearly five years old - it might still be compatible with the latest versions of Windows.

HP Officejet 4620 e-All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

Assuming for the moment that the printer software is still working (at least supported) in your version of Windows 10, then at some point you may want to uninstall the printer software > Restart the computer and log in > Download-save-install a fresh copy of the printer software.

Note that the printer software is different from the HP Smart Application.

What else?

The common thread appears to be the network - that is, all of this is happening on one network, is that correct?

Assuming that is the case, then the connection might be a key.

A couple of ideas...

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

For the moment, do not overload the network with "other devices" - that is, switch off those devices that you can stand to do without for a little while.

Make sure the printer is plugged into a wall socket as opposed to a surge protector.

Change the printer connection type to TCP/IP (done on the computer - pick one).

Method - Create TCP IP port

Find printer's IP /  IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on Printer Control Panel

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

 Right-Click on the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

 Select Tab Ports  > Add Port

 Select Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port and follow the wizard.
 Use / Enter IP address for the printer.

Example - How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Video:  Create & Use TCP IP port
“Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)”

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Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP Officejet 4620 e-All-in-One Printer series 

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[Harrison69]

I know that things are not made like they once were but it's not that old.  I've restarted the router before and that hasn't helped.  Its got as good a connection to the router as possible so I don't think it's that.  It's just the printer sometimes doesn't know what it has printed as so it gets stuck so I have to manually delete it from the queue which takes ages.

Apparently the way to update it is to press the ePrint button and it says checking for updates which I have done but is there another way to update the printer?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Harrison69 

The TCP/IP setting is recommended for networked printers.

A Static IP address can help.

The Printer Firmware is likely at the most recent version (most recent version in from 2018); certainly worth a check.

HP Officejet/Deskjet Ink Advantage 4610/4620 Firmware Update

If you have not done so, consider the "Printer Restart"

HP Printers - Printer Turns Off Unexpectedly or Repeatedly

STEP 2

Discussion

The printer is older by consumer printer standards.

Yes, Officejet printers, particularly the Pro models do tend to outlast other consumer models.

Updates to the printer are limited to the firmware available.

Updates to the printer software are limited to the software available.

You could try Add-a-Printer to add the printer using Windows drivers - this is another method to add the printer using its IP address - This should not be necessary - the printer is already connected using a static / manual IP and a TCP/IP connection.

The printer queue is managed by Windows .

Normally rebuilding the queue helps.

You can "go one step farther" if you like...

Partial Excerpt...

4.   Right-click the Start menu and select Run
     Type Services.msc and press OK.
     Locate and stop the Print Spooler service
5.  Browse to c:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers
     Rename W32X86 to W32x86.old
     Rename x64 to x64.old

Note:

• Rename can only be done when the spooler is stopped
• if any of these folders fail to rename, Restart your computer and log in >> Continue following the steps starting from Step 4...

6.  Restart your computer.

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The Offline Doctor reiterates the connection setups already employed.

It might provide another benefit if the code can find anything it thinks needs repair.

Offline Doctor V5.0.6

  HPPSdr_5.0.6.exe

• Download and Save the doctor to your computer
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to the folder in which you saved the file (likely Downloads)
• Execute the doctor – Answer any prompts /  let the process complete
• Restart the computer, log in, and wait for the final steps in the Doctor to finish.
• Check for any difference.

NOTES – Contributed by ShlomiL

Paraphrased

Connection Issues

• Print and Scan Doctor Version 5.0.6 creates a secondary queue for printing with TCP/IP port.

Check

If necessary, Adjust the “Default” printing device (Default Printer)

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on the printer NOT marked as “Scan Only / DO NOT DELETE”

Set printer as Default

Example – Printers listed in Devices and Printers

Set “Default” Printer = HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3

NOT Default = Scan Only -HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3 (Network)-DO NOT DELETE

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If I think of anything to add, I will post back.

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