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My printer was off line again. uninstalled and reinstalled now says using MS ipp drivers so won't work. Says it's waiting for printer to connect

 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @LB92356,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We know how frustrating it feels when your Smart Tank printer suddenly goes offline, and after reinstalling, it shows the cold, unhelpful message “Using MS IPP driver, waiting for printer to connect.” It feels like the printer is right there on your desk, but Windows is treating it like a stranger. 

Let’s fix this together.

STEP 1: Remove the Faulty Microsoft IPP Printer

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
  2. Click your Smart Tank printer
  3. Click Remove

If you see anything like:

  • “Smart Tank (IPP)”
  • “Smart Tank Class Driver”
  • “Smart Tank WS”
    Remove each one.

This clears the Microsoft driver that’s blocking proper printing.

STEP 2: Remove the Printer from Windows “Print Servers” (important)

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: printmanagement.msc
  3. Go to Print Servers → Drivers
  4. Look for any of these: 
    • HP Smart Tank Class Driver
    • Microsoft IPP Class Driver
    • Smart Tank WS

Select → Remove Driver and Driver Package

This step completely resets Windows’ memory of your printer.

STEP 3: Restart the Printer + Router

These two devices must reconnect cleanly.

  1. Power off the printer
  2. Unplug the router for 15 seconds
  3. Turn the router back on
  4. Turn the printer back on after Wi‑Fi restarts
  5. Wait until the Wi‑Fi light on the printer is solid (not blinking)

The printer should now reconnect quietly in the background; you may hear a soft whir while it settles.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing 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,

VikramTheGreat

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