Why do I always have to reinstall dricers?

[SandyDM]

I'm really tired of not being able to print on demand.

At least twice I week, I have to reinstall drvers to get my printer back on-line or get past the "printer not plugged in"  message. (I mean, really?  printer not plugged in!)

I've had this problem with a long line of HP printers. 

Is it HP or is it Windows? and why can't it be fixed?!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@SandyDM

If you have this same problem with a "long line of HP printers", then the culprit is perhaps not this individual printer.

I can offer the following places to look and things to consider while you pursue a solution:

If you are using a power strip, at least replace it -- better, plug the printer into a standard, tested, wall outlet.  "Wall outlet" is the recommended method to power the printer -- this method is at least necessary for the purpose of testing and eliminating power related issues.

If the printers have always been plugged into this one wall socket, try moving the printer to another location -- the problem might be the location itself AND / OR there may be something wrong with the wall outlet (for example, fluctuating / low voltage might cause loss of connection).

Because this is the most recent of a "long line" of printers to suffer the same problem, the issue is likely not the power module in the printer.  Nonetheless, IF the printer has suffered damage from being plugged into a less than optimal power source, it is worth checking the printer's power.

Another place to look is your network, although even if the network is to blame for part of your problems, loss of network does not force the printer to lose electrical connection (and need to be plugged in).

If the printer works using a USB cable between the printer and the computer but the printer appears to have trouble connecting to a wireless or wired network, this relates back to the network.  This (again) does not explain why the printer thinks it is losing its electrical connection -- the "plug in" error IS relevant if the printer is losing connection and the software either cannot decipher / explain the problem or is assuming you switched off the printer (needs to be switched on / plugged in).

Start here:

Printer Turns Off Unexpectedly or Repeatedly

Doctor is In

If you have not done so for this printer, consider running the Doctor:

 HP Print and Scan Doctor – Help Resolve Printer Issues

Printer Firmware

Also important, particluarly if you are running the printer on the network: Update the Firmware.

Reminder:  Firmware is installed after the Full Feature Software.

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Connection 

Possibly Relevant:

Consider a Static IP address...

Printer is Offline (Windows)

Wireless Troubleshooting

References

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers and Software, Videos, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, and more

HP OfficeJet 4652 All-in-One Printer

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP devices and technology.

[SandyDM]

Thank you for the detailed answer Dragon-Fur.

I should have been clearer.  My printer had power.  I could make copies, etc.  but the HP Diagnostic Tool told me it had no power.

However, based on your answer and the process of elimination, I now wonder if it's either Windows, my laptop or my own personal electromagnetic field.   I carry my laptop with me and print at my mother's house, her weekend house, my Florida rental, etc.  on the same printers in different locations and invariably,  it happens again and again.

The other common denomicator is that they are all HP printers . . .

Reinstalling the drivers fixed the problem but it's ridiculous that I have to constantly reinstall drivers.  If it's because of updates, HP is making updates too frequently!!

Thanks again!

[Dragon-Fur]

@SandyDM

Short version

This might work (it is a hassle, but uses basic Windows commands)

The following assumes you have Full Feature Software (Printer software) installed for each of the printers that you use.

When you log into Windows at the "new" location, change the Default printer to that printer which is located on your current network:

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer (you want to use) > Make that printer the Default printing device

It is more likely the programs and software you use to print will now "use" the new printing default if you Restart the computer after (re)setting the Default printer, else verify / change the printer when you are setting the parameters for the current print job.

Long Version - Commentary

I would suspect that multiple printers, (regardless of brand), located in different locations, used at different times, and on different networks, are not all suffering from "power issues".

I doubt whether the problem can be attributed to your personal electromagnetic field, though the hypothesis is an interesting one.

Consider that as far as the Operating System is concerned, a printer that is connected in one location suddenly "disappears" when you move to another location.  If that printer is still the "default" / expected printing device and the software cannot locate the printer on the network, the error message makes sense in context:  The printer is disconnected, "Please plug in the printer."

Windows 7 allows network management of printers located on different networks with a simple "change my default printer when I change networks" software switch.  Windows 10 (being so much smarter than Windows 7) has discontinued the "network" control of printing devices.  Windows 10 users have been complaining about this for at least two years...

Windows 10 (Pro) replaced the "change my default printer" with an available control to "Let Windows manage my default printer".

Windows key > Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners > scroll down

CHECK Let Windows manager my default printer

In so much that I am aware, the setting is (perhaps) only available in certain Windows 10 OS and it does not do what is wanted, that is, to switch the default printer based on the current network.

Looking on the 'net, there is PowerShell code you can use to create a scheduled task, there is a Paid version of a program you can purchase for an exorbitant amount of money, there are a number of complaints, ideas, and proposed solutions. 

I have not looked at all of what is out there...

Meh.  The PowerShell code is free and might well work if you want to take the time to write it, test it, and set the task into your scheduler.

If I run across anything substantive (actually useful in context), I will post back.

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