Using USB cable with HP Envy 7640 due to offline issue

[Olza]

I had an issue that my printer said it was offline, and from reading the forum queries it sounded like I needed to create a fixed IP address etc.  One of the set of instructions didn't work because there was no option to clicl on 'advanced settings' in Wi fi when it said there would be, so I pressed the wrong thing and ended up disconnecting the Wifi completely so it lost any IP address.  Then I didn't seem to be abe to set up Wi fi again by pressing the button on the router or typing the network password in.  So I gave up and just connected the printer with the USB cable from my previous printer.  It is now printing fine from my computer.  Please can someone tell me what the disadvantages of just having the USB connection are and therefore whether I need to bother spending ages setting the Wifi up again?  Specifically, will my HP instant ink still work? I don't print from my phone or other devices anyway.   If I do need to do it then why won't my printer connect to the router at all now?

Also, in the process of trying to sort this issue I tried to find the 'dedicated support line' number for my HP support pack and the link from my confirmation email just took me through to a general support page, and a link to the care page doesn't work.  Does anyone know what it is please?

[RichAnt]

Hello Olsa,

Is the blue light on front a steady blue, which should indicate the printer is connected to the wi-fi.  If it is LET ME KNOW.  If not, on the front display panel, click Setup (little gear wheel), network settings, wireless settings, wireless settings.  (does it say On)  If OFF, click Wireless Setup Wizard. (Mine is ok; so you're on you own from here)

As an alternative, reinstalling the printer's software on your computer should re-establish the wireless.  With the router, printer and computer turned on,go to 123.HP.com.  That site will find your computer model and automatically download/install the printer software onto the computer.  It should then work OK.  The IP address should correct. Please reply with problems (solutions).  Possibly you want to do this anyway, since something went awry.

Here's some contacts (I find by googling).  If out of warranty, they charge.  Don't pay for it, continue asking on this forum, someone can solve your problem.  There's lots of EXPERTS.

This link will find your computer, you need serial no. which is on a tag on the back.  I don't know if it helps?

https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp

The below link provides tele no., which is 1-877-910-4204 

http://www.hptechnicalsupportnumbers.com/      (cut and paste into address line on browser)

Good Luck.  I am not an HP employee.

[Olza]

Thank you very much for your reply.  I'm going to have a go at this when I've got a bit more time.  Yes the blue wifi light is steady now. 

[RichAnt]

So if you Reinstall the software, it should get you going again. LET ME KNOW what happens please.

- I didn't notice you have Instant Ink.  No, you can't use the Instant Ink and you are still paying for it.

- Another contact specifically about the Instant Ink might help, maybe they have better suggestions.   

       Contact Service customer support at 1-855-785-2777 or www.hp.com/go/instantinksupport

Also, HP requires that you maintain wi-fi and you can't turn off your computer so they monitor ink levels.  You could cancel but the Instant Ink cartridges become disabled/unusable.  Check ink  prices and cost per page and you may decide to do so.

Well, other than the Instant Ink problem, there aren't really  disadvantages of using Printer Cable; as you said you can print from computer and scan to computer.  You just can't do that wirelessly such as using a phone or laptop from another room, etc.    More than one computer can use the printer.  What you won't have is any of the wi-fi features.  Really there aren't many more.  The printer can receive emails that print out.  

Yeah, I've seen some of those fixes about IP address, they are complicated.  Bye and Good Luck

[JillSa]

HI Olza,

To answer your question about the disadvantages of using USB cable

1. Your HP Instant Ink service will not work without an ethernet or wireless connection so USB cable is not the correct option for Instant Ink.

2. If you print with other devices like your phone or a tablet or other PC's in the house they can all share the wireless network and print from the same printer.  If you use the USB cable it's a dedicated connection just for that printer and that PC.  So it limits the devices you can print from without switching the cable to those devices.

This same problem has happened to me in the past where my printer goes offline and I have been able to fix it by downloading the software from the HP website and it will walk you through the steps to reconnect the printer to wireless network.  But make sure you disconnect the USB cable when you start the process.   

2 options:

1. Go to 123.hp.com and make sure you choose the HP website not the "ads" website and follow the instructions there.

2. Go to support.hp.com and click on Software and Drivers in the top blue bar and enter your printer name and download software directly.

Give this a try and let me know how it goes as we would love for you to stay on the HP Instant plan and take advantage of the cost savings and ink shipped directly to your home.

[Olza]

Thank you.  That sounds simple as long as it works.  I'll leave it until the weekend to have a go at doing this when I've got the time and am not relying on it so much.  

[Olza]

I used the second way to find and reinstall the printer driver you suggested and it is working now.  Hopefully it will stay that way! Thank you.

[JillSa]

Olza,  so glad it's working for you now.  

If you click the thumbs up then others will see this solution also.

Thanks,

Jill

[Olza]

My printer has stopped working again now.  It says it's ready with a green tickon my computer screen.  It fails to print and it says my printer is in an error state, but there is no error message on my printer.  The blue light is constantly on my the wireless sign and it doesn't say anything about printer not found.  Have you got any ideas please?