Setting-up 2542

[taleyy]

Hi. I'm setting up my HP Deskjet 2542 Printer, and I don't know the password of the wireless network. My computer is Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit). Also, the cable was already connected to the CPU of my computer and I tried printing something but there is nothing on the paper when it's done printing. There is a prompt that says unable to communicate with the printer.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @taleyy 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the details and screenshots.

The main issue seems to be that your HP Deskjet 2542 printer is trying to connect to a wireless network (HP-Print-07-Deskjet 2540 series) for which you don’t know the password. This is preventing proper communication and printing.

Here’s how to proceed to resolve this:

1. Reset the Printer’s Wireless Settings

On your printer, press and hold the Wireless button (or the Wireless Reset button) for about 5-10 seconds until the wireless light blinks.

This will reset the wireless settings and disconnect it from any previous Wi-Fi networks.

After reset, the printer should create its own wireless network (like HP-Print-07-Deskjet 2540 series) that you can connect to without a password.

2. Connect Your Computer to the Printer’s Wi-Fi Direct Network

On your computer, open the Wi-Fi settings and connect to the printer’s Wi-Fi network (HP-Print-07-Deskjet 2540 series).

Usually, this network does not require a password.

If it asks for a password try the default password: 12345678 and if it does not work, try resetting the wireless settings again or check the printer’s manual for default Wi-Fi Direct password.

3. Use the HP Smart App for Setup

Download and install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store.

Open the app and follow the instructions to set up the printer over Wi-Fi Direct.

The app can help connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network and manage settings easily.

4. If You Want to Use USB Instead of Wi-Fi

Since your cable is connected, you can use the printer via USB without Wi-Fi.

Make sure the USB cable is securely connected between the printer and the computer.

On your PC, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, and make sure the Deskjet 2542 is listed and set as default.

If it’s not listed, try uninstalling any old printer drivers and then reinstall the latest driver from the HP website:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-deskjet-2540-all-in-one-printer-series/5966651/m...

5.  Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool (Windows)

• 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.

Let me know if you need help with any of these steps!

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye