can't get it properly connected

[nvragn]

Won't connect without MAC address being entered, and everything but the MAC shoes up on any of the information pages. Yes, I did hold the network button and info button down at the same time - it's not on the network info it printed out. So the router has a print server built in and I connected it thru the USB on the router. I followed the info on the router to enter and windows saw it , I could print but it doesn't see the scanner. I installed the USB drivers and it recognized it, but want me to chose between network and USB connection - I end up with 2 scanners. Then HP support forums say if it's hooked to the router I can't ruse the drivers for USB printing. So I uninstalled them and now the printer shows but wont print, and the scanner has disappeared again. 11 hours wasted, it wont connect via WPS with mac filters off, I've managed to print 1 page and scan nothing of 32 pages I need to scan by tomorrow. I turn the power on and it only stays on about 3 minutes, then turns off and I can't get access to change the power settings, I'm wasting time trying to get it to connect when it's turned itself off again. Is there any hope? Or just take it back for a Brother all in one?

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@nvragn, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

You're dealing with a frustrating tangle of printer connection issues,  let's cut through it step by step to stabilize your setup without losing another 11 hours. Based on what you've described, the main problems are:

• Missing MAC address, preventing network-based connection
• Scanner not working when printing via USB-to-router
• Driver confusion between USB and Network modes
• Auto-power-off interfering with troubleshooting

Let’s walk through a clean, stable setup that works — preferably over USB directly to the PC to avoid network complications, unless wireless is absolutely needed.

Reset the Printer

To eliminate conflicting settings:

• Hold the Cancel (X) and Wi-Fi buttons together for ~5 seconds until the printer resets or the Wi-Fi light blinks.
• Then unplug it for 30 seconds, plug back in.

Fully Uninstall HP Drivers and Apps

You need a clean driver environment:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall: Remove all HP printer software.
• Use HP Print and Scan Doctor to remove leftovers: https://support.hp.com/us-en/topic/printscandoctor
• Restart the PC.

Choose the Most Stable Setup Option

RECOMMENDED: Direct USB to PC (for both printing & scanning)

Skip the router completely for now — it’s adding layers of complexity you don't need today.

• Connect printer directly via USB to your PC.
• Download and install full driver/software package for HP Smart Tank 5102: HP Smart Tank 5102 All-in-One Printer Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
• During install, select USB when prompted.
• Test printing & scanning from HP Smart App or Windows Fax & Scan.
• This will guarantee full feature access (print + scan) without network complications.

(Optional) If you must go wireless

• Use HP Smart App on your PC or phone.
• Open HP Smart > Add Printer > Set up a New Printer.
• Let it detect and configure the Wi-Fi from the app, bypassing WPS.
• If it asks for MAC filtering and the MAC is still not on the info page:

1. Print a Wi-Fi Direct info page: Press and hold the Information (i) and Wi-Fi Direct buttons (not just Network + Info).
2. Or log into your router's web interface to find the printer’s MAC under connected devices.

Fix Auto Power-Off

You can only change power settings from:

• The Embedded Web Server (EWS) if networked — open printer’s IP in a browser.
• Or from HP Smart App, under Advanced Settings > Power Management.
• If using USB and this still auto-shuts down, try this:

1. Install HP Smart, click the printer image > Advanced Settings (opens EWS locally).
2. Navigate to Settings > Preferences > Energy Save Mode and adjust timer.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support