I just want my printer to work when I need it too

[DeloskyGA]

I am so frustrated with this printer.  Time and time again, it randomly shows offline (from multiple computers) yet the printer says it's ready.  Every time I have a problem with it, the only way I can get it to work is to restart it - but wait - that doesn't even go smoothly because it locks up when Shutting Down.  The HP"Smart" app (honestly it isn't that Smart) locks up and crashes and disconnects from time to time.

The firmware is 100% updated.

All print drivers from multiple Windows 11 and multiple Chromebooks are 100% updated.

There are no firewalls blocking things, no TCP ports blocked, etc.

A long time ago I was a desktop admin and had to troubleshoot printers.  I've moved on to bigger things in the cloud but I've spent years and years and years troubleshooting Windows devices, Chromebooks, Android devices and network and internet printing.  I have NEVER run into a printer that functions this poorly. 

Please don't respond with, "sorry to hear you are having problems and I'm here to support you".  I just want my printer to freakin' work when I need it to work.

Most recently, my wife's Windows 11 shows the printer online and available and jobs sent.  The printer however shows no jobs received and no errors.  I tried to shut it down, and this circle has now spun for 10 minutes without restarting.

[Dragon-Fur]

@DeloskyGA 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

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@DeloskyGA wrote:

< Comments condensed / Some Content removed >

I am so frustrated with this printer.  Time and time again, it randomly shows offline (from multiple computers) yet the printer says it's ready.  Every time I have a problem with it, the only way I can get it to work is to restart it ...

The firmware is 100% updated.

All print drivers from multiple Windows 11 and multiple Chromebooks are 100% updated.

There are no firewalls blocking things, no TCP ports blocked, etc.

Most recently, my wife's Windows 11 shows the printer online and available and jobs sent.  The printer however shows no jobs received and no errors.  I tried to shut it down, and this circle has now spun for 10 minutes without restarting.

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OK...

We are in agreement -

I won't offer sympathy.

I will offer what I think might be useful.

I will not deliberately offer what I suspect you have tried.

Nothing I will offer is specific to any device running ChromeOS - "Chrome" flavor is not my area of specialty.

You will ignore any information that is not useful to your situation.

Dual Network Environment

If you are running this printer in a Dual Network environment,

Note:

Wireless performance is dependent upon physical environment and distance from the access point.

Wireless operations are compatible with 2.4 GHz routers only

Reference

Datasheet > HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Printer 

Connect the printer to a named SSID network that supports 2.4GHz.

Example - Dual Network - Considerations

SSID_Dual_Band_Example_13

Partial Reference List

Wireless Printing Center – Static IP Address

AND

Wireless Printing Center > Common Questions > Wireless Connection Issues

Some of the more common remedies grouped here:

Wireless Printing Center > Common Questions > Printer no longer works on network

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Printer Software - Full Driver - Windows

If you have not done so,

Consider installing the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

Why? 

All else equal, 

If you do not like -- or cannot use -- the HP Smart application,

The full driver printer software supports print and scan features and provides full access to the Printing Preferences.

Caveat: 

The printer must be stable on the network - software might not install and certainly will not work as expected if the printer is constantly disconnecting.

Following is the simpler - no frills and no "Check and Remove Section" - version of reloading the software.

Printer Software

Next,

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

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software - Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

Easy Start can be used to install your printer software.

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the installation procedure.

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

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

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

• If after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

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NOTES

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

 “Things that are your printer”

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

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 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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[DeloskyGA]

Thanks @Dragon-Fur.  Insightful, helpful and thorough.  And explains my frustration perfectly.  No consumer should have to think about this much stuff when they try to print, especially those who are not technically inclined like we are.  I will try to walk through these when I have time.  Unfortunately, time to figure out why my printer is randomly offline is never really available.