Printer will print a test page but will not print documents

[newbie288]

Printer says it is ready as the default printer and will print a test page,  However, nothing will print when I print a document. Instead, HP Smart pops up and hangs. The print queue indicates that no documents are waiting to print.

[newbie288]

Additional info: I followed all the online instructions for troubleshooting the problem and nothing resolved the issue. I hid the printer, uninstalled/reinstalled HP Smart, uninstalled/reinstalled the printer. I was able to print an HP Welcome page but still cannot print any documents from File Explorer.

[Dragon-Fur]

@newbie288 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

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@newbie288 wrote:

Printer says it is ready as the default printer and will print a test page,  However, nothing will print when I print a document. Instead, HP Smart pops up and hangs. The print queue indicates that no documents are waiting to print.

06-02-2022 09:02 AM

Additional info: I followed all the online instructions for troubleshooting the problem and nothing resolved the issue. I hid the printer, uninstalled/reinstalled HP Smart, uninstalled/reinstalled the printer. I was able to print an HP Welcome page but still cannot print any documents from File Explorer.

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It sounds like the Full Driver printer software is either not installed - or it is installed and is not working correctly.

What else?

Could be a stubborn web browser - Chrome, in particular, likes to have the printer selected AND the "More Settings" checked (File > Print). 

Make sure the printer is selected and that the settings are adjusted as necessary for the job type.

What about the Software and the Application?

There are two parts to this:

• HP Smart application - supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos / Images
• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, from other programs (for example, Word), and access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts

When installed,

HP Smart is listed in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

HP Smart is never listed in Programs and Features

When installed,

The Full Driver printer software is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

AND - just to make it more interesting...

The Full Driver printer software can also show up in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

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Printer Software

Installation Package - Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

Next,

Optimally, you need only complete the following:

• Check the Security software that it is not in some way infringing on your printer software.
• Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Install a fresh copy of the Full Driver
• Finally, if you have not already done so, Get and install the HP Smart application

• The Full Driver software should be an option during the installation using the HP Easy Start Software wrapper.

  When provided the option, in spite of any messages that plead, beg, or try to reassure you otherwise, select the Full Driver.

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and sign  in

Reminder: 

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

NOTE:  If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

Installation – Full Feature Software

If not done,

Download and Save - Installation Package - Information and Download

HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter series Full Feature Software and Drivers

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Not working?  If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Check:  After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If found, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove"

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using Easy Start > When asked, opt for "Full Driver" (exact wording might vary).
• If using Easy Start > Skip any extra software / offers you do not want (wording varies).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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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:  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, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

Open

HP ENVY 4511 All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[newbie288 · Accepted solution]

Thank you Dragon-Fur for offering detailed help.

I was finally able to locate an HP support person to virtually logon to my computer and help me. He uninstalled/re-installed the printer, HP Smart and possibly other apps. One of the pieces of the puzzle required me to go to my printer touch pad and select Setup/ Network Setup/ Wireless Setup Wizard/ Search for the router/ Enter my router password. After taking all these steps, I had no problems printing.

Nowhere in the HP troubleshooting tutorials did I see anything that said the router password might need to be entered on the printer. Given the right information, the solution was easy.

Thank you again.

[Dragon-Fur]

@newbie288 

Sure thing -  you are welcome.

Good that it's all back to working again.

Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"