printer won't connect

[lysbar]

printer just stopped working.  won't load preview won't connect to network.  worked for a year.  me and microsoft tech have tried everything to no avail.  tech said to contact hp.  VERY FRUSTRATED.  8138e officejet pro

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @lysbar,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 8138e printer just stopped working and won’t connect to the network or load previews, even though it worked for a year and troubleshooting with Microsoft hasn’t helped. Let’s go through steps to troubleshoot this.

Power cycle printer and network
Turn off the printer, unplug it for 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
Restart your router as well to refresh network connections.

Check Wi-Fi connection
Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Use the printer’s control panel to view network status or print a network configuration page.

Use HP Smart app to reconnect
Open HP Smart, remove the printer if listed, and add it again using the wireless setup wizard.
Make sure to select the correct network and enter the Wi-Fi password carefully.

Reset printer network settings
On the printer:
Settings → Printer Maintenance → Restore Network Defaults (or similar).
Reconnect to Wi-Fi after reset. This clears old network conflicts.

Check firmware and driver updates
Even if drivers were previously updated, check HP’s website for latest firmware for the 8138e.
Install using USB connection if wireless updates fail.

Try a different device
Use a phone or another computer to see if the printer is reachable.
This helps determine if the issue is with the printer or your primary PC.

Assign a static IP
If the printer keeps dropping off the network, assign a static IP via the router or printer settings.
Update the printer port on your computer to match this IP.

Test USB connection temporarily
Connect the printer via USB to verify it prints.
If it works via USB but not Wi-Fi, the problem is likely a network/communication issue.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[lysbar]

Thanks for trying to help me.  I am done with this thing.  After the many frustrating hours of trying myself and then the microsoft tech going over and beyond to try (I let her take over my computer and I followed along, seeing she repeated all I tried and more.)  Then you come along with what looks like more repetition, going in circles, getting nothing but more frustration.  I am old and can't tolerate this.  FYI-- My printer is for personal use, 10 to 20 copies per month with occasional copying.  I decided to buy a new one(same model), now on sale at Costco where I bought this one.   Buying a new one was much easier than trying to get this one to work. I also have a new HP laptop waiting to be set up.  I have 90 days to return these items.  I hope this resolves my printer issue.  I'm sure you know how very frustrating technology issues are for us non tech users and even worse for us seniors.  Thanks again for your responses and follow up, 5 stars to you.  I guess maybe these personal printers are short term, disposable near junk.