using control P . it is garayed out how do i fix office jet 5255

[chriscoyle]

have a dell lap top  been using hp officejet 5255 for 3 years. all of a sudden it will not print . shows it is in the key to print. 

also when i use control P to print it is Grayed out ? how do i fix 

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@chriscoyle 

Welcome to the HP Community.

Cntrl-P pulls the current instructions assigned from the default printer and uses the instructions and shortcut already set in Printing Preferences.

Add the following to your checkpoints:

• Check / Set the printer as the default printing device.
• Check / Adjust the paper size and type - Tray and Paper Management  (related to print job success)
• The printer software might need to be checked - perhaps uninstalled / reinstalled.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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Tray and Paper Management

Although this won't keep the job from being started with Cntrl-P,

The Paper Size / Type setup is crucial to a job's success.

The printer must be aware of the Paper Size and Type selection / setting.

Load the paper according to the instructions in the User Guide

Starting on Page 11

Right away...

Check / Adjust the Paper Size and Type -

Respond to the message on the printer display to edit / modify / retain (OK) the setup.

If the printer is connected to the network, you might be able to use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to complete the setup for Tray and Paper Management.

Check / Adjust / Retain the Paper Size and Type at the Printer Display Panel

NOTE  This Section is not applicable to printers lacking a printer display panel.

Open Printer Tray,

    If you have not yet done so, Remove / add desired paper size - type

else

    Wait a few seconds

Close Printer Tray

On the Printer Control Display Panel,

Click Modify / Change / No-Yes (wording varies), adjust the paper size and type, Click OK

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EWS – Browser

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper Management

Model Dependent:  Check the Advanced section (at the bottom of the Tray and Paper Management menu)

Click Apply to save changes

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Example - Retain / Adjust / Check Paper Size & Type - Tray and Paper Management

Retain_Printing_Preferences_9

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Printer Software and Printer Application

Install either the HP Smart Application first OR install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software first.

No wrong way - be sure to install both to have "full coverage" and access to your printer features.

The full driver printer software supports printing and scanning for Office documents, PDF, Photos (Images), and other print or scan software.  (Print Assistant and HP Scan)

HP Smart - Windows - provides scanning and printing for PDF and Photos / images with options in More Settings for Shortcuts and other settings.

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>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation - Install Full Driver Printer Software

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Next...

Printer software not installed - OR - (still) installed but not working?

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and / or is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. If the installation completes and then wants to loop around again, X out of the repeat menu / message to install again.
6. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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After the printer is checked / set as default,

After the printer software is checked / reinstalled,

Check the Printing Preferences to ensure the Shortcut and options will support the current print job.

Printing and Printing Preferences / Shortcuts

Printing Preferences can be used to select a Template (locked preset) or - where supported - to create a Custom Shortcut.

Select / Create the shortcut then leave it as the "preferred" (selected) shortcut.

It will remain the default until you change it for a different job type.

Set the Preferences – Windows

NOTES

• This section is not applicable to Mobile Printing.
• Access to the complete Printer Preferences requires having installed the Full Driver printer software.
• Printing Preferences are available directly from the driver. 
• Printing Envelopes?  See NOTE

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences

• When called from within printing software / applications, Printing Preferences might be called "Printer Properties" / "Shortcuts" / “More Settings” / “Properties” or similar.

• No Size?  If the size of the Paper Size is not included in the Drop-down list, consider / try:  Create a Custom Paper Size Form.  Reference:  HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

NOTE >> Preferences and Envelopes: 

Select / leave Printing Preferences Shortcut to "Everyday Printing" or something equally benign. 

Example - Printing Preferences - "Everyday Printing" - Menu and options

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_3

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References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
•  FAQ examples: 
• What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
• Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
• Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
• Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
• Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
• Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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HP Printer Support Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer 

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Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

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[chriscoyle]

hi to all that answered. i finally decided to delete and reinstall . this fixed problem.