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Welcome to the HP Community --
@RickatCoppin wrote:I am working with a user who has Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw printer. The user is trying to use the printer to print two-sided documents, and it will revert to having the user manually do so, rather than duplex printing.
Removing the printer from the system and disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable will allow it to automatically print two-sided for a short period of time, say 2-3 days, but will revert to Two-Sided Printing (Manually) on its own. When this happened, the printer is removed in Windows, unplugged and plugged back in and it reverts to automatic for that short period of time.
I've tried uninstalling the printer completely from the system, including removing the HP drivers and HP Smart printer software, had rebooted on multiple occasions and checked in both the Windows and HP Smart printer properties, all doing the same thing.
Is there a setting that triggers two-sided printer to go from automatic to manual that is causing this?
Yes, there are ways the automatic 2-sided printing selection can be interrupted.
I do not know if these apply to your situation.
For example,
The printer's Tray and Paper settings should be current -- the correct paper size and type should be selected and correct for each / any intake drawer in the printer.
Duplex is only supported on limited paper sizes / types. Should the paper size / type be changed / set / adjusted to a not-supported-for-duplex size and / or type, the automatic Duplex setting might be switched off entirely or shifted to manual.
Changes (those handled by the Operating System) can impact the printer software and settings. This type of unexpected change is usually hidden. The change might take the form of a changed library or lost link or instruction in the File System. Corruption might be too strong of a description for some of this activity -- That said, changes that disrupt operations can be called anything you like.
Driver selection during job setup can impact how the printer interprets -- and can access -- Printing Preferences. The full range of Printing Preferences are available when the full driver printer software is installed. Printing Preferences understands the concept of Custom Shortcuts.
-- Important --
Driver selection changes, perhaps made inadvertently, can interrupt the Driver selection in Printer Properties. For example, if the Printer Properties > Tab Advanced > Driver is set to an IPP / Microsoft driver instead of the installed HP driver, settings (including Duplex) might be switched off, made unavailable, or switched to manual. Printer Properties understands the concept of choosing a preferred Custom or Standard Shortcut for "All jobs".
Software -- for example, Word -- might be set to use a particular Tray. Should the "use this tray" setting be enabled and the selected tray does not support Duplex, the print job setup might reflect the results of the tray selection.
===========================
Load Paper / Load Media
References
User Guide – HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304/3388 Series
Load Media - Starting on Page 10 and on Page 23
===========================
EWS - Tray and Paper
EWS > HP Document / How-to (InkJet Printers – Basic Information)
Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)
NOTE: Find printer IP address
Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation
OR
HP Laser Printers - Using the Printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)
-- Reminder --
If asked enter the printer’s PIN number –
The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).
See your printer's user guide for additional information.
Search the guide for “ PIN “
EWS – Tray and Paper Management / Paper > Trays
Notes
Depending on the printer model, the Printer Control Panel touchscreen might provide access to Paper Size / Type settings immediately after the paper is (re)loaded into the appropriate printer intake tray or when the tray is opened and then closed.
Reminders
EWS (Embedded Web Server) provides access and control for Settings, including Tray and Paper.
Paper Size, Type, and Weight loaded in the printer tray must be supported for use in that tray.
-------------------------------------------
Classic EWS - InkJet Printers / Select other printers
Open your Browser
Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)
Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type
Model and EWS version Dependent: Advanced section
Click Apply to save changes
OR
----------------------------------------------
Alternate EWS format - Select newer InkJet printers and select LaserJet printers
-- Reminder --
If asked enter the printer’s PIN number –
The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).
See your printer's user guide for additional information.
Open your Browser
Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
Section Paper > Trays > click on Tray to configure
Next (as available)
Section Print > Default Print Options > Select default options / tray
Next,
=====================================
Windows - Printer Properties - Driver
Driver Selection - Keep Printed Documents - Printing Defaults
Microsoft / IPP Class drivers do not provide full access to the printer features.
Install the Full Driver Printer Software for the printer and then check Printer Properties
Windows 10
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers
Right-Click on Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Advanced
Windows 11
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer
Printer Properties > Tab Advanced
- Driver: Select the HP driver as opposed to the Microsoft / IPP class driver
- Reprint later: Select Keep all documents
- All Jobs Default: Printing Defaults
Example - Printer Properties
① and ②
-- Printer - Media Specifications --
| Product Name | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw |
| Duplex ADF Scanning | Yes |
| Duplex Print Options | Automatic |
| Paper Handling Standard/input | 250 sheets Main Input Tray, 1 sheet Priority Feed Tray |
| Paper Handling Standard/output | 100 sheets Output Tray |
| Paper Trays, Maximum | 2 |
| Paper Trays, Standard | 2 |
| Software Scan File Format | PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP, TIF, PDF/A |
| Standard Media Sizes (duplex, Imperial) | Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio (8.5 x 13 in) |
| Standard Media Sizes (duplex, metric) | A4; A5; 16K (195 x 270 mm, 184 x 260 mm, 197 x 273 mm); Oficio (216 x 340 mm); A5R; B5 (JIS) |
| Standard Media Sizes Supported (imperial) | Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio 8.5 x 13; 4 x 6 in; 5 x 8 in; Envelope #10; Envelope Monarch |
| Standard Media Sizes Supported (metric) | A4; A5; A6; B5 (JIS); B6 (JIS); 10 x 15 cm; Oficio 216 x 340 mm; 16K 195 x 270 mm; 16K 184 x 260 mm; 16K 197 x 273 mm; Postcard (JIS); Envelope B5; Envelope C5; Envelope DL; A5-R |
| Media Size (facet) | Letter; A4; Legal; Executive; 4 x 6 in |
| Media Size, ADF | A4; LTR; LGL |
| Media Size, Tray 1 (metric) | Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio 8.5 x 13; 4 x 6; 5 x 8; A4; A5; A6; B5 (JIS); B6 (JIS); 10 x 15 cm; Oficio 216 x 340 mm; 16K 195 x 270 mm; 16K 184 x 260 mm; 16K 197 x 273 mm; Postcard (JIS); Envelope #10; Envelope Monarch; Envelope B5; Envelope C5; Envelope DL; A5-R; Custom |
| Media Size, Tray 2 (metric) | Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio 8.5 x 13; 4 x 6; 5 x 8; A4; A5; A6; B5 (JIS); B6 (JIS); 10 x 15 cm; Oficio 216 x 340 mm; 16K 195 x 270 mm; 16K 184 x 260 mm; 16K 197 x 273 mm; Postcard (JIS); Envelope #10; Envelope Monarch; Envelope B5; Envelope C5; Envelope DL; A5-R; Custom |
| Media Sizes Custom (imperial) | 3 x 5 in to 8.5 x 14 in |
| Media Sizes Custom (metric) | 76 x 127 mm to 216 x 356 mm |
| Media Type and Capacity ADF | 50 sheet on 20 lb plain paper |
| Media Type and Capacity Tray 1 | 1 sheet for all media type |
| Media Type and Capacity Tray 2 | Sheets: Up to 250; Transparencies: Up to 10mm; Envelope: Up to 10 |
| Media Types | Paper (bond, brochure, colored, glossy, heavy, letterhead, light, plain, preprinted, prepunched, recycled, rough), transparencies, labels, envelopes, cardstock |
| Media Weights Supported, ADF (imperial) | 16 to 24 lb |
| Media Weights Supported, ADF (metric) | 60 to 90 g/m² |
| Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (Imperial) | 16 to 43 lb Paper (Bond); Up to 47 lb (Bond) with postcards; Up to 52 lb (Bond) Glossy Papers |
| Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (metric) | 60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers |
| Media Weights Supported, Tray 1 (metric) | 60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers |
| Media Weights Supported, Tray 2 (metric) | 60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers |
| Digital Sending Standard Features | Scan to Email, Scan to Network Folder, Scan to Sharepoint, Scan to USB, Scan to Computer |
===================================
Message Content References
-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle
Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers
HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery
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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: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
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Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"
Dragon-Fur
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Sounds like the source of the problem is elsewhere.
According to the documentation, your solution might be within the latest firmware update.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304, 3388 Series Firmware Update Utility (with embedded firmware)
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304 / 3388 Series Firmware Fixes and Enhancements for Version 6.28.1.47-202603112313
Fixes
- Fix for manual 2-sided duplex for non-fax model
- Fix for PCLXL error while printing with WSD port
- Fix for scan to email issue
- Security improvements. For more information on HP Security improvements, please visit: https:/ support.hp.com/security-bulletins
To initiate a subscription to receive future HP Security Bulletin alerts via email, visit: https://www.hp.com/go/alerts
======================================
NOTE -- there is also / instead an update the includes the firmware file only:
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304, 3388 Series Firmware Update File
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"
Dragon-Fur
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