8015e need which wire to connect to computer?

[Sunoco1980]

Since the printer does not come with an ethernet port I was wondering if the HP officejet 8015e printer would it work with an USB ethernet adapter?  Which wire do I need to connect to a new Desktop computer with no printer input?  I have an HP All in one 27" desktop.  Thank you

[Dragora]

Hi Sunoco1980

It's highly unlikely the HP OfficeJet 8015e will work with a USB to Ethernet adapter. The printer's firmware is not designed to recognize and interpret network data coming in through its standard USB port, which is intended only for direct computer communication.

You have three options for connecting your printer to your HP All-in-One desktop:

1. Wireless Connection (Recommended) 

Since the HP OfficeJet 8015e is a wireless printer, this is the easiest and best method:

• Setup: Use the printer's control panel to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

• Computer: On your HP All-in-One, download and install the HP Smart app or the recommended software from 123.hp.com. The software will automatically find the printer on your Wi-Fi network.

• Advantage: No wires needed at all!

2. Direct USB Connection (Wired Option) 

If you prefer a direct cable connection, you need a standard printer cable. You mentioned your desktop has "no printer input," but your desktop absolutely has USB ports, which is the standard "printer input" on modern computers.

• The Wire You Need: You need a USB 2.0 (or 3.0) Type A to Type B cable.

  • USB Type A (Flat, rectangular end) plugs into an open USB port on your HP All-in-One desktop.

  • USB Type B (Square end) plugs into the USB port on the back of the printer.

• Note: This cable is usually not included with the printer and must be purchased separately.

3. HP+ Requirement (Important Caveat)

The OfficeJet 8015e is an HP+ printer. HP specifies that all HP+ printers must be connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi) to enroll and activate the full functionality, even if you plan to use a USB cable afterward.

Recommendation: Set it up using the Wi-Fi method (#1) first. Once it's fully installed and connected to the internet, you can switch to the direct USB cable connection (#2) if you still prefer that over wireless.

I hope the above is helpful!

[Shelleyl74]

Thank you, that’s very helpful.

Sometimes when I print wirelessly after turning on my computer, I’ll try to print something basic and the printer prints a bunch of pages with weird characters/code that looks like nonsense/hieroglyphics.  it’s a waste of ink and paper especially because I’m on the 100  page a month plan.  Hoping if I go to direct wiring this won’t happen. It didn’t happen with my old computer.  

[Dragora]

Hi Shelleyl74

Yes, it's highly likely that switching to a direct wired connection (USB or Ethernet) will solve the problem of your HP OfficeJet 8015e printing strange characters or "gibberish."

Why the Gibberish Happens 

The pages full of weird characters (often called "garbage printing" or "gibberish") are the result of a communication breakdown between your new computer and the printer. Because the print job is sent, but the data is corrupted or incomplete, the printer interprets the random data as printing instructions.

The issue usually occurs after booting up because:

1. Network Instability: Your computer is sending the print job before the Wi-Fi connection is fully established and stable. If the data transfer is interrupted even briefly, the file gets corrupted.

2. Driver/Spooler Delay: There may be a slight timing conflict with your new computer's operating system (OS), where the print spooler (the service that manages print jobs) starts before the network card is fully ready.

3. New Computer vs. Old Computer: Since it didn't happen with your old computer, the problem is almost certainly related to the new computer's network configuration, drivers, or startup process, not the printer itself.

The Wired Solution (Best Fix) 

Switching to a wired connection bypasses the common timing and interference issues associated with Wi-Fi, which is why it's the recommended fix:

• USB Connection: A direct connection via a USB cable eliminates the reliance on your home network entirely, ensuring a reliable, stable, and instant transfer of data. This is the most effective way to prevent these communication errors.

• Ethernet Connection: Connecting the printer to your router with an Ethernet cable provides a faster and much more stable network connection than Wi-Fi, significantly reducing the chances of data interruption.

I hope the above is helpful!