Laptop no longer sees HP 6970

[melnmetoo]

Laptop does not see connected printer to network

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @melnmetoo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I know how frustrating it is when your printer shows up on the network, but your laptop just won’t see it, especially when you need to print something urgently. This usually happens due to driver issues, IP conflicts, or Windows firewall settings after a network change.

1. Confirm Printer is Online

• On the printer control panel: 
  • Network Settings → Print Network Configuration Page.
• Check that the printer has a valid IP address (not 0.0.0.0 or 169.x.x.x).

2. Ping the Printer

• On your laptop: 
  • Open Command Prompt → type: 
  • ping [printer IP address]
• If it responds, the printer is on the network.

3. Add Printer Manually

• Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add Device → Add manually.
• Choose Add a printer using TCP/IP address.
• Enter the printer’s IP address from the configuration page.

4. Update Drivers

• Download the Full Feature Software and Drivers for your model: 👉 HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer | HP® Support
• Install and restart your laptop.

5. Check Firewall & Antivirus

• Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus.
• Then try adding the printer again.

6. Use HP App

• Download HP’s official troubleshooting tool: 👉 HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
• Run it to fix connectivity issues automatically.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat