1505N Printer disappears on Windows 7

[MWES01]

I've a new installation of Windows 7 pro. The printer installs fine and work OK. Occasionally though and maybe after printing a pdf or certain other documents the printer will disappear from the list of devices. Restarting the pc brings it back but this can happen several times a day. Printing from othe pcs on the network which all run XP give no problems

[Gemini02]

Welcome to the HP Forums MWES01,

I see by your post that the printer disappears from the list of printers.
I can help you with this issue.

Usually if the print spooler on the operating system is stopped, it will cause the printer to disappear.

Run all the Windows updates on the computer. Install Windows updates in Windows 7.

Clear the Printer Spooler Files and Enable the Spooler Service.

1. Hold down the Windows Logo key () on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box, type Services.msc .
2. Double-click Printer Spooler in the Services list.
3. Click on the Stop button and click OK.
4. Hold down the Windows Logo key () on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box, type"%WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers, then delete all files in this folder.

5. Go back to services by holding down the Windows Logo key () on the keyboard and the 'R' to open the run box, type Services.msc again.
6. Double-click Printer Spooler in the Services list.
7. Click on the Start button. In the Start up Type list, make sure that Automatic is selected and click OK.

If you need further assistance, let me know.

Have a nice day!
Thank You.

[MWES01]

Hi Thanks but no didn't solve it. There was nothing in the print queue or the folder. I've re installed the printer now showing as Copy 1. This time as not sharing and up to now it hasn't disappeared. I can see the documents going to the spooler which attempts to print twice but most times nothing happens. I can make it happen by changing a parameter in the printer properties but this is only good for one or two print jobs then changing it back. Not very helpful if you are trying to print say stamps which cost every time they don't print. Any other ideas? Thanks Mike

[Gemini02 · Accepted solution]

Hi MWES01,

Thanks for providing that information.

Download and run the Print and Scan Doctor. It will diagnose the issue and might automatically resolve it.

Find and fix common printer problems using HP diagnostic tools for Windows?

Set the driver to print directly to the printer to see if you have the same results.

Go to start, devices and printers, right click the printer, left click printer properties, click on the advanced tab,

select print directly to the printer, apply and OK.

If you are still having issues, then I would ran the scrubber on the CD to remove all the printer file and start fresh.

Make sure the printer USB cable is disconnected. If using USB connection. I wasn't sure if you are connected now or on using the Ethernet connection to the router.

Remove the drivers first from the Print Server Properties.

How to Locate Print Server Properties for Windows 7.

On the Driver tab, highlight and remove the printer.

Then open the files on the CD/utility folder/scrubber.

If there is no scrubber on the CD, please try one of the following options:

Here are the steps to run the uninstall from the computer files or the CD.

To uninstall from program files:
Touch the Windows key and the E key to access the computer window.
Select the C drive.
Select program files or program files x86.
Open the HP and printer name folder.
Select uninstall.

Uninstall the software from the CD:
Touch the Windows key and the E key to access the computer window. Right click on the CD for the printer, left click open in a new window, double click on uninstall.

Unregister and reregister Microsoft Windows Installer

1. Click Start (), and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type msiexec / unregister, and then click OK.
3. Click Start and then click Run.
4. In the Open box, type msiexec / regserver, and then click OK.

Disable all the start up programs and temporarily turn off the Antivirus Software.

How to use MSCONFIG . Click on the start up tab and click disable all.

Then download, save and run the newest driver. HP LaserJet P1505n Printer Drivers.

Then you will need to go back in and enable the start up programs and turn the Antivirus Software back on again.

 How is the printer connected? (USB/Ethernet)

Where is it connected to?

Let me know how that goes.

Thank You.

[MWES01]

HI

Seems to be OK now thanks, been OK for 2 days no problems

Connected ethernet, no scrubber on CD

Had to go right to the full long way uninsall to remove everything and start again.

if I printed direct instead of spooling everything locked up.

Thanks for your help

Mike