HP Color LaserJet MFP M278-M281 Printer Offline error unacceptable fix

[WKH3]

Since the December 2024 Windows 11 24H2 version, after rebooting/restarting the computer, I started getting the Printer Offline issue. 

Only one of the proposed solutions on  https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2026537-1681507-16 worked, 3. Run Diagnose & Fix from the HP Smart app (Windows, macOS).

1. After rebooting or starting up Windows 11 (all versions)
2. Open HP Smart
3. Click the wrench 🔧 > Having printer problems?  This can help fix it.
4. Diagnose & Fix will run
5. After Diagnose & Fix is complete, the screen states, "Issue Fixed"

The above MUST BE REPEATED FOLLOWING A REBOOT (restarting the computer).

The above steps are effective yet UNACCEPTABLE given that HP can programmatically update their software so we, their customers, don't have to waste our time using HP Smart following a reboot.

Does anyone have a better solution to avoid running HP Smart following a reboot?

Stats:
Drive Name: HP ColorLaserJet MFP M278-M281 PCL-6 (V4)
Driver Type: Type 4 - User Model
Driver Version: 8.0.1372.8952
Port: WSD

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @WKH3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Since you've identified that running Diagnose & Fix from the HP Smart app resolves the Printer Offline issue after rebooting/restarting your computer, let's summarize the steps required to do this consistently:

Ensure Proper Connection:

• Confirm that your HP Color LaserJet MFP M278-M281 is properly connected to the network or directly to your computer via USB.
• Verify that your printer has an active connection to your network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Run HP Smart App Diagnose & Fix:

• Open HP Smart App:
  • After rebooting or starting up Windows 11, open the HP Smart app.
• Navigate to Diagnose & Fix:
  • Click the wrench icon (🔧).
  • Select "Having printing issues?" or "Diagnose & Fix."
• Follow On-Screen Instructions:
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues.
  • This process will check the printer’s status, network settings, and driver configuration and attempt to fix any detected issues.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps:

• Printer Queue Settings:
  • Ensure that the printer is set as the default printer in Windows settings.
  • Go to Settings -> Devices -> Printers & scanners, select your HP Color LaserJet MFP M278-M281, and choose "Set as default."
• Update Printer Drivers:
  • Download and install the latest drivers and firmware for your printer from HP’s support site: HP Driver and Software Downloads.
• Check Printer Status:
  • Ensure that the printer is powered on and not displaying any error messages.
• Restart Printer and Router:
  • Power off your printer, wait a few seconds, and power it back on.
  • Restart your router to refresh the network connection.
• Disable SNMP:
  • If using a network printer, disable SNMP status.
  • Go to Control Panel -> Devices and Printers, right-click on your Printer, select Printer properties, go to the Ports tab, and click Configure Port. Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

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Best regards,