installing new Laserjet M281 via USB

[Bugeye24x]

Installing new Laserjet, trying to get connection via USB. Have made multiple tries via 'HP Smart'. Tried two USB cable and two ports. The setup software simply does not see the printer. Followed the sequence of not connecting the USB cable until prompted. But after connecting the software does not react. Have rebooted and started from fresh. No help.

Next step is to return the printer to COSTCO and try another product.

P.S. Not a computer professional but have worked with PC's since 1985. Does not mean that I have not overlooked some simple step so dumb suggestions are welcomed.

[praveen196]

@Bugeye24x Welcome to HP Community!

I understand that you are unable to connect the  Laserjet M281 via USB.

Please perform the below steps and check.

Step 1: Prepare for the printer setup

Check requirements and delete any previous installed printer versions from Windows to prepare for the USB connection setup and driver installation.

1. Confirm the following requirements and items before you begin:

   • The printer is turned on and in a ready state.

   • Obtain a USB cable less than 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in length.

   • There is an available USB port on your computer: If you connect through a USB hub or docking station, the printer might not receive enough power to properly operate.

   • If you connected the USB cable to the computer before installing the HP driver, continue with these steps to remove the printer from the installed devices to help ensure a successful setup. Otherwise skip to the next step to install the driver.

2. Disconnect the printer USB cable from the computer. Do not reconnect the cable until prompted during the driver installation step.

3. Search Windows for 'devices', and then click the Devices and Printers control panel setting in the results.

4. Right-click the icon for your printer model, and then click Remove device. If multiple icons exist for the printer, remove them all.

   

5. Close the Devices and Printers window, and then continue to the next step.

Please refer to the below link to troubleshoot the issue.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m280-m281-multifunction-printer-series/14...

Keep us posted,

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Have a great day!

[Bugeye24x]

Tried all those steps but the install software always hung up at the point where it said to connect the USB cable. I even did the step of going into windows and deleting all references to past printers before running the install software. Finally I simply tried to print and the printer worked! Basically the install software appears to be buggy. Note this is Windows 10, with all updates,

[praveen196]

@Bugeye24x

I understand your concerns.

I would suggest you uninstall all printer drivers and perform the below steps.

Clean reinstallation of Pre-installed HP drivers

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, restart the computer. 

Click here to download the HP Full-featured driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Have a nice day!!