Unable to communicate with the USB device popup message

[jagrantz]

I had an older HP OfficeJet Pro 69?? attached to my Windows 10 (latest updates installed) attached to my desktop machine with USB.  I added a second new HP OfficeJet 6878 to the machine also connected by USB using the latest software, with a different cable.  Both printers were working correctly.  I decided to give my older printer to a friend.

The new printer is still working fine, but every so often I get a popup message saying “Unable to communicate with the USB device.”  I deleted the printer’s software, rebooted and then reinstalled the printer software.  I can print fine from my desktop machine, but I still get the message every hour (or so).

How can I stop the message from popping up?  Is the message due to the old HP OfficeJet that is no longer there or is there some test that is being run against the new printer and the test is failing?

Thanks for any help.

[Betty0610]

@jagrantz

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

It could be a message pertaining to the old printer driver. 

Let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which helps in resolving common printing and scanning problems such as missing or corrupt print drivers, connectivity issues etc.

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[jagrantz]

Thank you for the response.  For some reason, I received 4 emails of the response with 4 different time stamps (each a minute later).  I don't mind, just thought you might want to know.

I did the first part of your note and am waiting to see if that fixed the problem.  If the message pops up again, I will try your second solution and will let you know.

[Betty0610]

@jagrantz

I apologize for that. It was a tool error. Sure do keep us posted 🙂

Thanks 🙂

[jagrantz]

Sorry it took so took to get back to you.  I have been out of town.

I have tried both methods suggested and the problem still persists.  I even changed the method of connection to Network, disconnected the USB connection from the printer.  I still get the same popup.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

[Betty0610]

@jagrantz

1. Press and hold the Windows Key, then press “R” to bring up the Windows Run dialog box.
2. Type “printmanagement.msc“, then press “Enter“.
3. Expand “Printer Servers“, then right click the name of the computer and select “Printer Server Properties“.
4. Select the “Advanced” tab.
5. Uncheck “Show Informational Notifications for Local Printers” and “Show Informational Notifications for Network Printers“.

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[jagrantz]

Unfortunitly, “printmanagement.msc" is not on my Windows 10 (home) Version 1803.

[Betty0610]

@jagrantz

It should be there. Did you type that in the "Run" dialog box?