Pulling my hair out with "easy" start pro setting up MFP 3301

[BCF_Basil]

So I have been trying to set up a new 3301 to work with the cloud options.  I first set it up with the basic set up, which does allow me to print across the network with my computer (iMac).  However, when I tried to run HP Easy Start Pro and selected "cloud features" at first it would say it was checking for firmware updates, but then I'd get an error message that it was "unable to check for firmware updates".  It didn't tell me why.  After logging into my HP account, I saw that I needed to add this new printer, which I did.  After doing that, I could get past the "unable to check for firmware updates" message, and I now get a circle going around continuously and it says "Your printer is checking for any available firmware updates," but it never stops - that circle just keeps spinning and spinning and spinning! 

I may just take this thing back to Costco if I can't get it to work.  I followed the instructions to the letter but I can't get past this firmware check to get a pairing code.  Any ideas?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @BCF_Basil,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Oh no, stuck in an endless spin cycle? That’s enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out! 😣 But don’t worry, you’ve landed in the right spot. Let’s break this firmware loop and get your 3301 cloud-ready. 

Check Network Connectivity:

• Ensure your printer is connected to a stable network and can communicate with the internet.
• Verify that there are no firewall rules or security settings blocking the communication needed for firmware updates.

Update Firmware Manually:

• If HP Easy Start Pro is unable to check for firmware updates, try updating the firmware manually. You can download the latest firmware for your printer from the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Install the downloaded firmware by following the instructions provided on the HP support site.

Run HP Easy Start Pro Again:

• After updating the firmware, try running HP Easy Start Pro again to set up cloud features.
• Ensure you're using the latest version of HP Easy Start Pro, which can also be downloaded from the HP support site.

Clear Previous Setup and Reset Printer:

• Sometimes, resetting the printer settings to default might help. Refer to the printer manual for instructions on how to reset your printer.
• Restart both your printer and your network router.

Hang in there, we won’t let a spinning circle win. If this doesn’t work, I’ve got more tricks up my sleeve. Let’s get your printer dancing to the right tune. 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[BCF_Basil]

After over two hours of trying, I finally was able to get ahold of someone in tech support and we spent over an hour and a half trying to resolve the issue with her doing screen share.  Finally, the tech support lady had me go in and pair the device with the cloud with a browser via a web interface.  That finally worked and I got the printer paired.  However, I never did figure out why that Easy Start Pro program would not work.  

PS:  Getting actual help via the HP web site was the most frustrating experience I've had in a long time! There was a form to fill out to get help, but no matter what I did, I could not "submit" that form.  I tried three different browsers and no matter what, when I clicked the submit button - NOTHING HAPPENED.

The only way I was able to get support was to first call a number listed for sales, and asking them to tell me a number to call (there is NO support number listed on the web site- you have to submit that stupid form that I could not submit).   When I called the support number (once I was finally able to get it) I had to go through a bunch of questions with some AI assistant.  It asks me to spell my fist and last name, but no matter how clearly I spoke, the AI "bot" could not get it right. For example, I would say, "B....A....S....I...L " and the AI assistant would read it back to me as Q.....A...E   Z...or something similar.  God that AI assistant is frustrating! 

In fairness, I will say that once I finally go ahold of a lady in tech support, she was very helpful and patient with me, so I give her high marks.  But overall the web site and support system sucks!  

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @BCF_Basil,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, I truly appreciate your persistence and patience throughout the setup process.

I'm really glad to hear that you were eventually able to pair your MFP 3301 successfully using the web interface, and that our tech support agent was able to assist you effectively. Your kind words for her mean a lot, I’ll be sure to pass on your appreciation to the team!

Regarding HP Easy Start Pro, I understand how frustrating it must have been to see that endless spinning circle. In some cases, especially with newer models or during firmware verification, the tool may take longer than expected or appear unresponsive due to temporary server sync issues or specific network settings. We're always working behind the scenes to improve that experience, and your feedback plays a valuable role in helping us do so.

About the support form and initial contact challenges, I hear you. While our support process is designed to guide users based on their product and issue type, we recognize there’s always room for improvement in accessibility and ease of use. Your comments have been noted and will be shared with the appropriate teams for review.

Thank you again for choosing HP. If there's anything more I can assist you with, setup, features, or even just tips to get the most out of your printer, I'm here to help.

Wishing you smooth and productive printing ahead! 😊

Warm regards,