HP M251nw Offline

[Ben2003]

== english ==

Hello,

The HP M251nw is no longer accepting print jobs. The status always shows that the printer is offline.

However, the web page with the printer's status information can be displayed without errors.

A test print also runs without errors. (Initiated directly on the device)

The printer is connected via an Ethernet cable.

Does anyone know what the problem could be?

The printer was purchased on May 22, 2013.

Addendum: the printer currently still works via the USB port.

The duplex function is no longer available via the USB port with the same device driver.

At least you can continue printing for now.

== german==
Hallo,

der HP M251nw nimmt keine Druckaufträge mehr an. Im Status wird immer angezeigt, dass der Drucker Offline ist.

Die Webseite mit den Status-Informationen des Druckers kann jedoch fehlerfrei angezeigt werden.

Ein Testdruck läuft auch fehlerfrei durch. (Direkt am Gerät ausgelöst)

Der Drucker ist via Ethernet-Kabel angeschlossen.

Weiß jemand, woran es liegen könnte?

Der Drucker wurde am 22. Mai 2013 erworben.

Nachtrag: über den USB Anschluss funktioniert der Drucker derzeit noch.

Über den USB-Anschluss steht mit dem gleichen Gerätetreiber keine Duplex-Funktion mehr zur Verfügung.

Wenigstens kann man wieder vorerst weiter drucken.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Ben2003 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the situation so clearly—it really helps in narrowing things down. Since the printer works via USB and its internal test page prints fine, the hardware itself seems to be in good shape. The issue likely lies in how the network connection is being interpreted by your computer or print spooler.

Let’s walk through a few steps to bring your HP M251nw back online over Ethernet:

 

🔄 Step 1: Power Cycle Everything

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
2. Restart your router and the computer you're printing from.
3. Plug the printer back in and power it on after the network is stable.

This clears any stale network states that might be causing the offline status.

 

🌐 Step 2: Confirm Network Connection

• Since the printer’s web interface loads fine, it’s clearly connected to the network.
• On the printer’s control panel, print a Network Configuration Page to confirm the IP address.
• Make sure your computer is on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x) as the printer.

 

🖨️ Step 3: Reinstall the Printer Using IP Address

1. On your computer, go to Devices and Printers.
2. Remove the existing HP M251nw printer entry.
3. Click Add a printer > The printer I want isn’t listed.
4. Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
5. Enter the printer’s IP address from the config page.
6. Let Windows detect the driver or manually select it if needed.

This ensures the printer is recognized directly over Ethernet, bypassing any stale or misconfigured port settings.

 

🧰 Step 4: Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

• In the HP Smart app, click Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
• Let it run a scan—it will automatically fix common connection issues.
  You can also access this tool on HP’s support page if needed.

If the issue persists even after these steps, it could be due to a firewall or security software blocking the connection, or a mismatch in port configuration. I can help you dig deeper into those settings if needed.

You're doing all the right things by testing both USB and network paths—let’s get that Ethernet connection back in action!

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Ben2003]

== english ==

Hello,

Regarding point: "Step 3: Reinstall the Printer Using IP Address"

The printer is automatically detected via Ethernet. However, a connection (http://192.168.1.43:3911/) can no longer be established.

Only the administration website is accessible via the printer's IP address.

Regarding point 4: "Smart App"

When installing a new printer, location permission is requested. This option is disabled:

(see screenshots below)

== german==

Hallo,

zu Punkt : "Step 3: Reinstall the Printer Using IP Address"

Der Drucker wird über Ethernet automatisch erkannt Jedoch kann keine Verbindung  ( http://192.168.1.43:3911/ ) mehr aufgebaut werden.

Über die IP-Adresse des Druckers ist nur die Administrations-Webseite erreichbar.

 zu Punkt 4: "Smart App"

Beim Installieren eines neuen Druckers wird die Standort-Berechtigung eingefordert. Die Option ist deaktiviert:

 

[Hawks_Eye]

@Ben2003 

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Ben2003]

== english ==

Hello,

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, the printer's warranty has already expired. Furthermore, the printer is now listed as discontinued.

Therefore, the printer is only connected to the USB port. Print jobs are still being accepted via this port without any errors.

== german==

Hallo,

vielen Dank für Ihre eMail,

Leider ist für den Drucker die Grantiezeit bereits abgelaufen. Zusätzlich wird der Drucker bereits als abgekündigt geführt.

Daher wird der Drucker nur noch am USB-Anschluss angeschlossen. Über diesen werden die Druckaufträge noch fehlerfrei angenommen.

[Ben2003 · Accepted solution]

Hallo,

das Problem liegt darin, dass die Ortungsdienste auf dem Windows-System generell deaktiviert sind.

Erst nach dem Zurücksetzen der Ortungsdienste und zulassung der Ortungsdienste für die App "HP Smart" stand auch die Funktion "Drucker hinzufügen" wieder zur Verfügung. - Der Drucker konnte wieder fehlerfrei angebunden werden.

Eine testweise Installation auf einem anderen Windows-System verlief erfolgreich. Und sogar der Testdruck via Ethernet-Verbindung lief erfolgreich.

Auch auf einem Android Tablet konnten wieder Drucke erfolgreich abgesandt und ausgedruckt werden.

Das Ticket kann somit geschlossen werden.

[Hawks_Eye]

@Ben2003 

That's a great resolution! 

It’s easy to overlook something like location services, especially when you're dealing with drivers, ports, and network protocols. But your methodical testing across different systems really paid off. 

The fact that it worked fine on Android and via Ethernet confirms the printer itself is in good shape.

If anyone else hits this snag in the future, your experience is a textbook example of how restoring permissions and checking app-level access can do the trick.

All said and done—problem squashed. ✅ 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 😊

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye