Persistent networking issue: every time I must restart the printer, remove it and re-add it to my PC

[wfo944]

Hi all,

I got a laserjet pro MFP 3301 cdw earlier this year from costco.  I don't use the printer a lot, but when I do, I need it to print quickly.  Every time I try to print from my PC, the printer shows up offline.  I check on the printer and it shows connected to the network.  To fix it, I have to restart the printer, remove it from my devices, and re-add it to my laptop.  It wouldn't be an issue if it happens once.  However, the last ten times I have attempted to print, I have had to go through these steps.  It prints great and I would like to keep it, but printing on demand is important enough to me that I am considering a change if this persists.

Has anyone had this issue and identified a sustainable fix?

[Jerry_57]

Hi @wfo944,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

To address the issue of your HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3301 cdw frequently showing as offline on your PC, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this recurrent problem:
 

Update Printer Firmware:
 

• Ensure that your printer's firmware is up-to-date. Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues. You can check for firmware updates by visiting the Official HP® Support and downloading the latest version for your printer model.

Check Printer and Network Configuration:
 

• Verify that the printer is properly connected to your network. If your printer is wirelessly connected, ensure that the signal is strong. Consider moving it closer to your wireless router if possible.
   
• Use a static IP address for your printer to avoid any IP conflict issues. You can manually set this through the printer's control panel or web-based configuration page.

Restart Your Router and Printer:
 

• Occasionally, simple issues can be solved by restarting your router and printer. Turn off both devices, wait for a minute, and then power them back on.
   

Update Printer Drivers:
 

• Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your PC. You can download the latest drivers from the Official HP® Support.
  
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support

[wfo944]

Thanks,

I validated that the firmware and drivers are up to date.  Restarting the printer, router, my computer etc. fixes the connection, and that is the problem I am trying to solve.  I don't want to have to restart them to get it to connect, it takes to long and defeats the purpose of being able to print something when I am on my way out the door.

It took me a while but I setup a static IP for the printer.  I am hoping that solves the problem.  I will report back in and let you know if that works.

[wfo944]

Unfortunately the static IP did not address the issue.

The printer is showing it is connected and provides the statice IP address while my PC is showing that the printer is offline.

[Jerry_57 · Accepted solution]

Hi @wfo944,

Thank you for sharing the details.

We have shared steps to restore the printer to factory settings and check.

Kindly check the private message.

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number, because we value your privacy.
 

Jerry_57

HP Support

[wfo944]

Thank you.  restoring the factory settings has worked.  I was able to open my laptop and print right away without needing to restart the printer or troubleshoot the connection.

Any idea what could have caused it to need a reset of settings?

[Jerry_57]

Glad to hear it’s working smoothly again! Sometimes settings get ‘cluttered’ over time—like dust on a lens—and a reset clears out hidden conflicts so everything feels crisp and connected again.