my computer blocks me from making changed to Network

[JWE72]

How do you unlock a printer to change the wireless network

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JWE72 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for sharing that—it sounds like you’re hitting a wall both with your computer’s network settings and the printer’s wireless configuration. Let’s narrow it down with a couple of quick questions so I can guide you through the exact solution:

1. When you say your computer blocks you from making changes—does it show a specific message or require an administrator password?
2. Are you trying to change the printer’s wireless network from your computer or directly from the printer’s control panel?
3. Which printer model are you using?
4. Have you recently changed your Wi-Fi network (like a new router or SSID)?
5. Is the printer currently connected to any network, or completely offline?

Once I know that, I’ll tailor the next steps. But in the meantime, here’s a general path forward if you're trying to update the printer’s wireless settings:

🛠 Recommended Steps to Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi

Option A: From the Printer Control Panel (if available)

1. Power on the printer and go to its control panel.
2. Navigate to Network Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard.
3. Select your new Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
4. Once connected, print a Wireless Test Report to confirm.

Option B: Reset and Reconfigure via Software

1. Restore the printer’s wireless settings:
   • On the printer, go to Settings > Restore Network Defaults.
2. On your Windows 7 PC:
   • Remove the printer from Devices and Printers.
   • Download and install the full driver/software package for your model from the official support site.
   • During setup, choose Wireless Connection and follow the prompts to reconfigure.

If You're Blocked on the Computer:

• Right-click the installer and choose “Run as Administrator.”
• If account control prevents changes, you may need administrator access or log in from an admin account.

Let me know what the system is showing when it blocks you, or what you see on the printer—I'll guide you from there. You're almost through it!

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye