computer not recognizing Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M281cdw on network

[ECM123]

My computer is not recognizing my Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M281cdw on a network connection when I try to print something.  It is a new HP computer with WIndows 10.  I have another new HP computer and that one allows it to print just fine.  I've uninstalled the printer software and reinstalled it, to no avail.  What can I do to get this computer to recognize the printer?  By the way, somehow it still printed the "Wi-Fi Direct Guide"--that said, in this case, I'd think I'd prefer to print via the network.   Thanks.

[ECM123]

On the settings under printers, it lists the printer in question, but says "Driver is unavailable."  I tried the printer doctor online and other HP attempts to fix it. They didn't help.  I called HP and the fellow said I needed to call my IT people.  Oh boy.  He said it was a network issue, which he is not trained to handle, but did not bother any troubleshooting pointers or anything. 

[The_Fossette]

@ECM123,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

I recommend you root uninstall the printer and then install it and check whether the issue is fixed.

Here is how it is done.

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.) Restart the PC

14.) Download and install the printer software from the below link.

http://hp.care/2nikIQ9

15.) Connect the USB cable ONLY when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you continue to face the issue, follow the below steps.

Is the printer connected to the network? Check and make sure that the printer is connected to the network. If the printer is not connected to the network. Go to Setup - Network - Wireless setup wizard to connect the printer to the network.

Once the printer is connected to the network, then assign a static IP to the printer:

Obtain the IP address of the printer – You can touch the “wireless” icon on the printer control panel to get the IP address.

Type the IP address on your web browser to obtain the printer EWS page on your computer.

Go to "Network" tab - General - Select "Network protocols" - Select "Enable IPv4 only" (or similar) - Apply the settings.

Go to the “Network” tab – Click on “Wireless (802.11) – Then click on “Network address (IPv4)

Click on the radio button which says “Manual IP” and then click “Suggest a manual IP address” to give a manual IP address to your printer.

Click on radio button which says “Manual DNS Server” and under manual preferred type 8.8.8.8 and under manual alternate type 8.8.4.4 (This is Google DNS server address)

Now, try the steps below to install the printer over the network:

First, unplug the USB cable from the printer if present.

Go to Control panel – Programs and feature – Select all the HP Laserjet printer entries and uninstall them.

Now go to Control panel – Devices and printer – Select all the printer entries and remove the device.

Restart your computer.

Open the Run window (Press Windows logo key + R), type “services.msc” and press ok to get services window.

Scroll down to “Remote Procedure Call (RPC)” – right-click and go to properties. Make sure the service is started and startup type is “Automatic”.

Now scroll up and go to “Function Discovery Provider Host” – right-click and select properties – Change the startup type to “manual” and start the service.

Repeat the same exercise on “Function Discovery Resource Publication” as well.

Click on https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software13/printers/LJ/M278-281/LJM278-M281_UWWL_4_1_Full_WebPack_44.... and install the software.

Select Wireless option on the connection page and then finish the installation.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!