Laptop not recognizing printer via USB

[RArugby]

I have an HP laptop running windows 8.1 and when I connect it via the usb to my hp deskjet 1050 printer, the computer is not recognizing the printer. I have tried 2 different printer cables and another laptop that is also using windows 8.1. When using the othter laptop and printer cable, I am still having the same problem (Also, I know the cable is not bad because I tested one of the laptops on an old printer and it was able to recognize that printer). The printer used to work with both of the laptops that I was trying to get it to connect to.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[X-23]

Hello @RArugby,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums!

I understand that you're not currently able to use your HP Deskjet 1050 All-in-One Printer with your WIndows 8.1 computer as the USB Cable connection is not being recognized. I also see that you have already taken it upon yourself to try 2 different USB Cables and another Windows 8.1 laptop to no avail. At this point I am going to have you check a few things to see if we can get this printer responding again for you. However, I do want you to be aware that there is a good chance that the USB port in your printer is defective and a whole unit replacement may be needed to resolve this connectivity issue. To verify if this issue can be resolved or not, can I please have you follow the steps below.

Step 1: Check Power:

Lack of power can cause HP printers not to respond properly. To ensure that lack of power is not contributing to this USB connectivity issue can I please have you plug your printer directly into a wall outlet. Next, test your printer to verify if everything responds as per normal.

Should the issue persist, please proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Power Reset:

1. With the printer powered on, disconnect the power cable and the USB Cable
2. Leave the power cable disconnected for 60 seconds
3. Plug just the power cable back in
4. The printer will power back on by itself
5. Once the printer returns to the ready state, please proceed to the next step.

Note: Leave the USB Cable disconnected

Step 3: Print a Self-Test Report:

To ensure that your printers hardware is functioning properly, can I please have you follow the steps below to print a standalone report.

1. Press and hold the Start Copy Black button () and the Start Copy Color button () until the product makes some noise.

2. Release both buttons. The self-test report prints.

If this report prints successfully, please proceed to the next step.

If this report fails to print, than you actually may be experiencing a hardware issue rather than a USB connectivity issue. Please do not proceed with troubleshooting at this time. Rather, can you please take note of any blinking or solid lights you may see on your printer.

Step 4: Check Connectivity:

1. Plug your USB Cable directly into your computer. Avoid docking stations or USB extenders as they can cause communications issues.
2. Once your USB Cable is attached, please open your Start screen on your computer by selecting the Windows button on the bottom left of your computer screen or by selecting the Windows key on the bottom left of your keyboard to the right of the Ctrl button
3. Once the Start screen opens type Device Manager
4. Click on Device Manager to open it
5. When Device Manager opens, click on View at the top and select Show Hidden Devices
6. Scroll down the list of entries in the Device Manager. Look for an entry labelled Printers. If you see it, click on Printers and this category will drop down to show entries that fall under this category. Do you see your Deskjet printer? If not, continue to look in the Device Manager for 'other devices' or 'unknown devices'. Should you see either of these, click them and look to see if your HP Deskjet falls under either of these categories.
7. If you see your HP Deskjet, close the Device Manager

If you saw your HP Deskjet listed in the Device Manager it shows that your computer is detecting a USB Cable connection. Please try to print.

Please respond to this post with the result of your troubleshooting. Good luck! 🙂

[RArugby]

Thanks for the help so far. I got to the point of "check connectivity." I am unable to find my printer in the Device Manager.

[X-23]

Hello @RArugby,

Thanks for getting back to me regarding this issue. I'm sorry to hear that the troubleshooting steps I provided failed to resolve your USB connectivity issue. Because your Deskjet is not detected at all within the Device Manager there is the likelihood that the USB port on the printer is defective.

At this point I would recommend that you contact our Technical Support queue by phone to explore additional options.

HP Technical Support can be reached at: 800-474-6836.

If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region.

HP Worldwide Contact

When you speak with the Phone Support agent please advise them of the troubleshooting steps we have already completed and the results of those steps.

It's been a pleasure working with you. I wish you luck going forward with this! 🙂

[Maswazi]

My hp laptop is not recognizing my printer via usb, I did try everything that i know still the same.

[Maswazi]

the last usb connected to this computer is multfuntion is not reconised by this computer