"Load paper, HP recommends ColorLok paper for best printing results"in window and printer is locked

[KenP23]

Message in printer window of my Color Laserjet Pro MFP M283fdw:

"Load paper, HP recommends ColorLok paper for best printing results",

and now printer is locked and can no longer connect to my PC.

I cannot think of anything unusual that I was doing.

Left the room and found the message there when I returned.

I replaced the USB cable, reinstalled the driver, rebooted the printer and PC.

PC works fine, just can't see the printer.

[Raj_05]

Hi @KenP23,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If your Color Laserjet Pro printer is displaying the message "Load paper, HP recommends ColorLok paper for best printing results," it indicates that the printer is out of paper or is having trouble detecting the paper in the tray. The message about ColorLok paper is just a recommendation for better print quality when using ColorLok-certified paper, but it should not prevent the printer from working or connecting to your PC.

To address the issue and reconnect the printer to your PC, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Check Paper Tray: Open the paper tray and ensure that it is properly loaded with paper. Make sure the paper is aligned correctly and the paper guides are snug against the paper stack to avoid misfeeds.
• Restart the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Turn on the printer and check if the error message is still displayed.
• Check Printer Connections: Ensure that the printer is connected to your PC either via a USB cable or through a network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how it was set up). If you are using a network connection, make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your PC.
• Driver and Software Update: Check the HP website for any available driver or software updates for your printer model. Outdated drivers or software can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
• Reset Network Settings: If the printer is connected via a network, you may try resetting the network settings on the printer. Refer to your printer's manual or HP's support website for instructions on how to do this.
• Check for Paper Jams: Even if the printer is requesting paper, there might be a paper jam inside the printer that's causing the issue. Check for any paper jams and clear them if necessary.
• Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on the printer. Keep in mind that this will erase any custom settings, so it's recommended to back up any necessary information before doing this. Instructions for a factory reset should be available in your printer's manual or on the HP support website.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support