Windows Update apparently removed my HP DeskJet 2742e All-in-One

[RDFrable]

The other year I bought an HP DeskJet 2742e All-in-One, and got it to work very quickly with HP Smart despite not having a smartphone (and no desire to start using one) I have a reconditioned HP CompaQ 6000 computer with additional hard drives and 8Mb RAM. But just in the last week or so, there was a major Windows update (Win10 Pro 22H2) which for reasons not immediately evident, removed the 2742e from the Printers Control Panel. I managed to install a different driver that enabled printing, but not scanning, which for example I do with a utility bill each month for a specific purpose. I have tried to re-install the 2742e using HP Smart, but connecting the printer requires some kind of Wi-Fi connection I'm not sure I can establish. It worked the first time, so I can't see why it shouldn't work again. I have an 802.11n dongle that will enable Wi-Fi connection between the computer and peripherals, at least in theory, but I couldn't remember who to ask or where to look about getting it to work. Is there anything I'm missing (or ignoring)?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @RDFrable,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

If a Windows Update caused your HP DeskJet 2742e All-in-One printer to stop working, and you're having trouble reconnecting it using HP Smart due to Wi-Fi issues, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem:

Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstall and Reconnect Your Printer

Ensure Wi-Fi Adapter is Working:

• Confirm that your 802.11n dongle is correctly installed and working. Go to Device Manager (you can search for it in the Start menu), and check under Network adapters for the dongle. Right-click on it and select Properties to see if it is functioning properly. If there are issues, try updating the driver or reinstalling it.

Connect Printer to Wi-Fi Network:

• Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If it was previously connected, it might have lost the connection. Follow these steps to reconnect:
  • On the printer, press the Wireless button until it starts blinking.
  • Press and hold the Wi-Fi button until it starts flashing blue. This will start the Wi-Fi setup mode.
  • On your computer, open the HP Smart app, and follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your printer to the Wi-Fi network.

Use Wi-Fi Direct if Needed:

• If you can't connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Direct:
  • On the printer, press the Wi-Fi Direct button (usually a button with a wireless icon and "D" shape).
  • On your computer, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and look for the Wi-Fi Direct network (e.g., "DIRECT-xx-HP DeskJet 2742e").
  • Connect to it using the password printed on a label under the printer or in the printer settings page.

Reinstall HP Printer Drivers:

• Go to the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for the DeskJet 2742e. Follow these steps:
  • Uninstall any existing HP software: Go to Settings > Apps > and uninstall HP Smart and any related drivers.
  • Download and install the correct driver and software for your printer model from the HP website.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.  

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @RDFrable,

Please find the remaining steps below.

Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor Tool:

• Download the HP Print and Scan Doctor from the HP website. Run the tool to diagnose and fix any issues with your printer setup.

Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings:

• Sometimes, a firewall or antivirus software may block the printer from connecting. Temporarily disable them to see if that resolves the issue.

Ensure Windows is Up to Date:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.

Additional Tips

• Check Router Settings: Ensure your router allows wireless devices to connect and that there are no restrictions or limits (e.g., MAC address filtering).
• Restart Devices: Restart your computer, printer, and router to clear any temporary glitches.
• Manual IP Setup: If all else fails, consider assigning a static IP address to your printer via your router's admin panel to ensure a stable connection.

These steps should help get your HP DeskJet 2742e reconnected and working properly again. If you continue to face issues,

Check network settings. 

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @RDFrable,

Check network settings. 

To check and adjust your network settings for connecting your HP DeskJet 2742e printer, follow these steps:

1. Verify Wi-Fi Network and Connection Status

Check if Your Computer is Connected to the Correct Network:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
• Ensure your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (the same one you want your printer to connect to).

Check Printer Network Connection:

• On your printer, press the Wireless button or look for the Wireless light indicator. If it is blinking, the printer is not connected to the Wi-Fi network.
• You may need to reconnect it by using the Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer’s control panel, or by using the HP Smart app.

2. Check Router and Wi-Fi Settings

Log In to Your Router’s Admin Panel:

• Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (commonly something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). You can find the exact IP address on a label on your router or in its manual.
• Log in with the username and password (default credentials are often "admin" for both, but check your router documentation).

Verify Network Settings:

• Ensure SSID (Network Name) broadcasting is enabled so your printer can find the network.
• Check Security Settings: Ensure your Wi-Fi is using a compatible security mode (WPA2 or WPA3) rather than older standards like WEP, which might cause compatibility issues.
• Disable MAC Address Filtering: If enabled, ensure that your printer's MAC address is added to the allowed list.
• DHCP is Enabled: Ensure the router’s DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is enabled, so it can assign an IP address to your printer automatically.

3. Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Check Windows Firewall:

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
• Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
• Ensure HP Smart and other printer-related services are allowed on both Private and Public networks.

Check Antivirus Settings:

• If you have third-party antivirus software, check if it's blocking network communication with the printer. You may need to add exceptions for HP Smart or other printer software.

4. Use Windows Network Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
• Click on Network Troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and fix common network issues.

5. Reconfigure the Printer's Network Settings

• Reset Printer Network Settings:
  • Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button on your printer until the Power button flashes, and then release the buttons. This resets the network settings to factory defaults.
  • Use the HP Smart app or HP Easy Start to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.

6. Check Printer IP Address

• Print a Network Configuration Page:
  • On most HP printers, press the Wireless button and the Information button together, or press the Wireless button until it blinks, then print a configuration page.
  • Check the printer’s IP address and ensure it's on the same network as your computer.

7. Configure Wi-Fi Direct (if Needed)

• Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the Printer:
  • Press the Wi-Fi Direct button on your printer or use the HP Smart app to enable it.
  • Use the computer to connect directly to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network.

Following these steps should help you check and adjust your network settings for a stable connection between your HP DeskJet 2742e printer and your computer. If you run into any specific errors, contact phone support. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.