my printer all of a sudden stopped working with error printer error / failure

[Cher59]

My printer 7520 e is not printing.  Printer failure error message . Did all the trouble shooting and it did not fix problem.  Any suggestions appreciated.  I am low on ink however it doesn't tell me that in error message  just problem with printer or ink system.  I did all the steps to clean printer head and cartridges but it won't even connect to a print job.  Somehow I see many of these same problems in the community chat, so I feel it may be an update in drivers of HP printing and our system is out of date and probably now obsolete?  I hate to purchase more ink or a print head and it still may not work.  It wasn't used for 4 mos and when I used it for first time it did print, however ink was light but now it doesn't complete print jobs.  

Hope someone has some insight to whether I should try and fix or replace.  Thanks

[Max3Aj]

@Cher59, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Given the symptoms (printer failure error, no specific error code, not completing print jobs, not responding even after cleaning, and possibly outdated firmware or drivers), here are the steps you can try, 

Diagnosis Summary

Common Error: “Printer error or printer failure” is often a general hardware fault message, commonly tied to:

• Ink system failure
• Printhead failure or clog
• Faulty cartridges (especially third-party ones)
• Firmware corruption after being idle for a long time
• Electrical issues inside the printer

Step-by-Step Fix Attempt

Here’s everything you can try:

Basic Reset (Hard Reset)

• Turn on the printer.
• While on, disconnect the power cord from the printer (not just the wall).
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and turn it on.
• This clears some firmware faults or electrical glitches.

Check for Ink System Issues

• Even if ink is not reported low, very low or dried ink can trigger system errors.
• Remove all cartridges.
• With the cartridges out, power on the printer. It should prompt “missing cartridges”  if it doesn’t, it may be a deeper hardware problem.
• Reinsert the cartridges one at a time, and watch for the error returning this may isolate a faulty cartridge.

Inspect the Printhead (Physically and Software-Wise)

If you haven't removed the printhead before, try this (Photosmart 7520 has a user-removable printhead😞

• Power off the printer.
• Open the cartridge access door.
• Remove all cartridges.
• Lift the latch to remove the printhead.
• Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to clean the printhead contacts.
• Let it dry completely, then reinstall.
  Note: If the printhead is permanently damaged (common after long storage or drying), it will cause recurring errors no matter what you do.

Firmware Update Check

• Go to the HP site: https://support.hp.com
• Search for HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One
• Check for the latest firmware and drivers for Windows 11.
• Uninstall any HP drivers from “Apps and Features” in Windows.
• Reinstall using the HP Full Feature Software or try HP Smart from the Microsoft Store.

Try Connecting via USB Instead of Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi issues can look like “printer failure” if the job never gets sent properly.
• Try connecting via USB and printing a test page from Windows.

 If All Else Fails – Testing Hardware

Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool (on a Windows PC):
Official HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows | Free Download hppsdr.exe

This will sometimes force deeper diagnostics. 

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