Support is impossible to access.

[Youblow]

I have an HP DeskJet 4255e that was working just fine until something automatically updated.  Now it will print test pages (and use up ink) all day long, but won't actually print anything I WANT to print.  And "troubleshooting" can't find anything wrong.  I know - isn't that ????

I know what the problem is.  I don't want to install your **bleep**ing app.  I just want the drivers to work.  But you don't like that, do you?  

SO WHAT's the DEAL?  Can't download the drives - it just spins and spins and never installs but keeps offering me your If i wanted to install it, I already would have done so.  I DON'T WANT IT. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Youblow,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I hear you loud and clear. It’s incredibly frustrating when a printer that was working perfectly suddenly starts misbehaving after an update, especially when it feels like you're being forced into using software you don’t want. You deserve a straightforward solution that respects your preferences.

Let’s get your HP DeskJet 4255e back to printing what you want, not endless test pages or app prompts.

Recommended Fixes (Without Using HP App)

1. Download the Full Feature Driver (No HP Smart Required)

You can install the full driver directly from HP’s official site, no HP app needed.

🔗 HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer | HP® Support

• Select your operating system manually.
• Download the Full Software Solution (not HP Easy Start).
• Run the installer and follow the prompts to install the driver and basic scan/print utilities.

💡 Tip: Turn off VPN and temporarily disable antivirus during installation to avoid interference.

2. Clear the Print Queue and Spooler

Sometimes, stuck jobs or corrupted spooler files cause endless printing.

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Find Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Stop.
• Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files.
• Go back to Services and start the Print Spooler again.

🔗 HP printers - Print jobs stuck in print queue (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support

3. Set Your Printer as Default

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your HP DeskJet 4255e and choose Set as Default Printer.
• Make sure it’s not set to “Use Printer Offline”.

4. Try Printing from a Basic App

Sometimes, complex apps (like browsers or PDF viewers) conflict with drivers.

• Open Notepad or WordPad.
• Type a few words and try printing from there.
• If it works, the issue may be with the app or file format.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat