printer "in use" but doesn't print. stuck "looking for printer" despite wired connection

[LukeF9]

This issue has occurred more or less since we bought this printer, not too long ago.

- i updated the printer drivers. no improvement

- i deleted and reinstalled the printer software/drivers. temporarily worked when this error occurred previously

- hard reset doesn't make a difference.

- i've tried several other older suggestions on this forum, to no prevail.

- printer is connected via wired connection.

- in the "printer jobs" window under the top item to print it says "printing - looking for printer" and occasionally switches to "unable to find printer".... but its a wired connection.

- the above has been in occurrence for hours = its not going to print.

- there is an orange circle income overtop the printer icon in the task bar. it has a white bolt on it.

- screen shot available if there is an opportunity to post it somewhere.

Thanks for your help!

[Jeet_singh]

@LukeF9,

Thanks for engaging in HP support Forums! This is a wonderful location to converse with the community, get assistance and find tips! I understand you are having issues while printing from your HP OfficeJet printer. Don't worry I'll be glad to help you.

To provide you with an accurate solution, I'll need a few more details:

Have you recently made any changes on the printer before the issue started?

Perform a Hard reset on the printer, router, computer and other devices which are on the same network.

Restart the computer, printer, and router to resolve any network or communication error states.

   NOTE:

The following steps temporarily disconnect network and Internet connections, and require restarting your computer. Complete any tasks or downloads in progress before continuing.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the router.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Close all running programs on your computer, including the HP software installation window, then shut down the computer.

4. Reconnect the power cord to the router, then wait for the Internet activity light to display a normal connected status.

5. Turn on the printer.

6. Turn on the computer and other devices.

On your Mac, I would suggest you try to remove the printer from the queue and then add it as a Airprint.

Confirm you are using AirPrint by adding the printer in System Preferences.

1. Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.

   Figure : Example of the Printers & Scanners window

   

2. Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, and then do one of the following steps.

   • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm it is set up for AirPrint. Click the printer name, click the minus sign to delete the printer, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer or Scanner window, go to the Frequently asked questions in this document to resolve connection issues, try to add the printer again, and then continue to the next step.

3. Confirm AirPrint or Secure AirPrint displays in the Use or Print Using menu, and then click Add.

   Figure : AirPrint displays in the Use menu

   

4. Open a document or photo, click File, and then click Print.

If the issue persists, I would suggest the next option would be to perform Reset Printing system on Mac

Note: If you have any other printers listed in the same network then it would remove all from the queue. 

• Click the Apple menu icon, and then click “System Preferences”.
• Click “Printers and Scanner” / “Print and Scan” or “Print and Fax”.
• Right-click the blank space in the Printers list, and then click “Reset printing system”.
• Click “Reset” in the confirmation window.
• Enter an administrator username and password, and then click “OK”.
• Wait until the printing system is reset and no devices show in the Printers list

• Restart your computer and then go back to System preferences – Printers and scanners.
• Click the “Add button” (+).
• Find, and then select the name of your printer from the printer list, and then click “Add” to add your printer.
• Click “Print Using...” or “Use”, and then select Secure AirPrint or AirPrint.

HP Printers - Printer is Offline (Mac)

Please let me know if this resolves the issue, or if you require further assistance!

Eagerly waiting for your response!

I hope you have a good day ahead,

And Feel free to ask your queries as this forum has some of the best people in the world available and ready to help.

Regards,