connect printer to laptop

[Wil02]

Printer not staying online as default. In print queue removed check mark from offline. Did restore on printer, downloaded drivers for my printer from HP. my printer not showing in Device manager and in manage your device says code 45, need to reconnect this hardware device to the laptop. Do I use original CD or USB connection?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Wil02 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are getting the error code 45 ("Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer") indicates that Windows cannot communicate with the printer. Here's how to resolve this issue step by step:

1. Reconnect Your Printer via USB

Since the printer is not showing in Device Manager, using a USB connection is the easiest way to re-establish communication:

• Turn off your printer and disconnect the USB cable.
• Restart your laptop.
• Turn the printer back on.
• Reconnect the USB cable securely to both the printer and the laptop. Use a direct USB port on the laptop (not through a hub).

Check if the printer appears in the Device Manager under "Printers" or "Universal Serial Bus controllers."

2. Reinstall the Drivers

Even though you downloaded the drivers, they might need to be reinstalled after connecting the printer via USB.

• Go to the HP website and download the full-feature drivers for your HP Officejet 6600: HP Officejet 6600 Drivers
• Follow the installation steps, and during the setup, choose USB connection when prompted.

3. Check Printer Status

Once the printer is connected and drivers are installed:

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer and select Set as Default Printer.
• If the printer still shows as offline:
  • Right-click the printer, choose See what's printing, and uncheck Use Printer Offline under the "Printer" menu.

4. If USB Doesn’t Work: Try Wi-Fi Setup

If the USB method fails, you can set up the printer wirelessly:

• Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer’s control panel:
  • Go to Settings > Network > Wireless Setup Wizard, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
• Once connected, download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose and resolve any connectivity issues.

5. Optional: Use the Original CD

If you still have the original CD, it can be used for the installation. However, it’s better to use the latest drivers from the HP website, as they include updates and fixes.

6. Verify in Device Manager

After these steps, check Device Manager again:

• Press Win + X > Device Manager.
• Look under Printers or Other Devices to confirm the printer is recognized.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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