HP Smart "Printer Status Unknown"

[pwshi]

Trying to connect with Windows 10. HP Smart finds printer, does a test page. Then reverts to main HP Smart screen and gives yellow box and message "Printer Status Unknown" So nothing works. How can I fix?  Thanks.

[Betty0610 · Accepted solution]

@pwshi

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

Let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which helps in resolving common printing and scanning problems such as missing or corrupt print drivers, connectivity issues etc.

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[pwshi]

Thanks for you help...but I need more. I have tried Print and Scan Doctor, which doesn't solve the problem. When I try your further suggestion, I have trouble.

I can't delete drivers, after the "printui.exe /s" command. I have two drivers installed: the OJ J4680, which I use in my current location, and Envy 5660, which I use at another location. For both, I get the message Driver In Use when I try to delete.

Could this be part of my problem? What next?

Regards. 

[Betty0610]

@pwshi

Thanks for trying out the steps. Please uninstall the Printer in the usual manner and install the Windows built-in driver: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01796879

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[msjube]

I get the message "printer status unknown" from HP Smart app, BUT my printer is printing fine from the web and stand-alone software; I can also check/access everything through the app.  I've updated drivers, reinstalled my printer and ran the scan doctor - all to no avail.  I used to check my ink levels on HP Smart, but for some reason that's the one thing that the app is not allowing me to do.  The upside is that the error is not affecting my ability to print and I can check my ink levels on my printer concole..

[Betty0610]

@pwshi

Please uninstall the HP Smart App and reinstall it. 

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

[pwshi]

Thanks for all your help and sorry for the delayed response. I've been traveling instead of printing. Aided by your suggestions, I did get my printer to work--but never the scanner. Still I was able to fix that with some third-party software. So now I am happy.

Regards

[Betty0610]

@pwshi

I'm glad to hear that and you're most welcome. Do get back to us in future for further assistance.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Have a nice day!:)

[BCB2]

I had the "printer status unknown" problem. I used Windows 10 to reset the HP Smart program and the problem was fixed.