Printer not workind with Windows 10

[vernasue]

never had trouble before with this printer. Works great on the mac but for some reason all of a sudden it does not want to work on my PC. Getting real frustrated here. Deleted it and tried to reinstall it when I install full version wants me to use the HP Smart app. Would not have a problem with this but why does it want me to create an account to use my own printer? When I do get the basic software installed tells me I am not connected to the internet when I know I am. 

I have had this printer for couple years now and it always worked with both computers before but not my PC now, driving me nuts

[Andr-1611]

Hello @vernasue ,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

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@vernasue wrote:

... Deleted it and tried to reinstall it when I install full version wants me to use the HP Smart app. ...

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You need not ... follow the instructions below.

The HP software must be completely uninstalled and removed of the system.

This installation is only valid for a USB connection!

First download only this complete package: "HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution ",

1) File name: LJM278-M281_UWWL_4_1_Full_WebPack_44.7.2713.exe (250.2 MB)

Then proceed as follows:

Check the system for

• TuneUp`s
• Optimization Tools
• Cleanup Tools

disable them, better uninstall them. Next...

1. Disconnect printer/scanner from computer- Disable WLAN, WiFi and/or remove the USB or LAN cable.- Do not switch off the printer >> unplug the power cord from the socket!
2. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Programs and Features"
   uninstall all HP printer software > via "Programs and Features"
3. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Devices and Printers"
   In the "Devices and Printers" window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
4. Restart the PC
5. Close all programs
6. Change File-Explorer-Settings:View > Options > "Change folder and search options" > Tab "View"
   • enable > Show hidden files, folders and drives
   • uncheck > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
   OK
7. search for "HP [printer name]" and delete all this folders
8. Empty the TEMP folders
   A) C:\Users\[Your user account]\AppData\Local\Temp\
   B) C:\Windows\Temp\
system files cannot be deleted!
9. Reconnect the printer to the power supply and switch it on (if this does not happen automatically)
10. Please note: WLAN has to be deactivated!
11. Restart the PC
12. Close all programs
13. Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo > in folder Downloads click on the EXE 1), see above.
14. This installation needs longer time, patience
    Via USB, means wait until the installation asks to connect the printer/scanner.
    
15. The installation was completed successfully, now you must ...
16. Restart the PC again
17. Now the installation is complete.

Via USB, means wait until the installation asks to connect the printer/scanner.

Document error messages accurately, even better is to take a screenshot of it and upload here.

Important information:

Change back the File Explorer settings -
• enable > Don`t show hidden files, folders or drives
• click button > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
OK

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Andreas

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