Printer in an error state - HP Laserjet 200

[sp_byz]

My printer stopped working recently. I can't print anything from the web or Word. Instead, I get a message that says "printer is in an error state." I tried updating and installing the firmware, but the printer won't seem to take it. My firmware datecode still reads 20140521, even though the version that was supposed to be installed is from Feb. 2015. My wireless is working fine. Any advice??

[Drakster]

Hi @sp_byz,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums!

I see that your HP Laserjet 200 Printer is stuck in an error state. I would be happy to help you and please remember to return to this thread and mark 'Accept as Solution', if I have successfully helped you resolve the issue. If you wish to say 'thanks' for my effort to help, click the 'thumbs up' to give me a Kudos.

In order to assist you better, I will require more information.

What is the error message you're receiving? 

What is the full name and product number of your printer? How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number?

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color MFP M276

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color MFP M276n

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color MFP M276nw

HP LaserJet Pro 200 Refurbished color MFP M276nw

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color Printer M251 series

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color Printer M251n

HP LaserJet Pro 200 color Printer M251nw

HP LaserJet Pro 200 Refurbished color Printer M251nw

If you need further assistance, please let me know the following information above. 

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum. Have a great day!

[sp_byz]

Thanks for your offer to help. The printer model is HP LaserJet Pro 200 color Printer M251nw.  The messages I receive are "error printing on..." , and "Printer in an error state."  I've tried updating the firmware and drivers, but nothing seems to work.

[Drakster]

Hi @sp_byz, 

Thanks for getting back to me.

Unfortunately that error message isn't helping me determine the cause. 

Is the error message on the printer or the computer?  If the error message is on the computer, please download and run the Print and Scan Doctor, it will likely diagnose and resolve the issue you are experiencing. What were the results when you ran the Print and Scan Doctor? (did it print or scan, any error messages)

Do you see any blinking lights on the printer? 

I would do a hard reset to see if that will resolve the issue.
Leave the printer on and unplug the power cable from the printer and wall outlet for 60 seconds.
Then reconnect the power cable to the printer and wall outlet rather than a surge protector.
This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation.

• Make sure the printer is connected directly to a wall outlet. (don't use a power hub or a surge protector) This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation.

If the issue persists, I suggest you try a NVRAM reset. I can send you that information in a private message.
In the forum beside your handle name just click on the envelope to view it.

Please respond to this post with the results. Good Luck! 🙂

[sp_byz]

Hello, the error message is on the computer. I downloaded and ran the Print and Scan Doctor. It showed the printer was installed. After selecting my printer, I received another error message: "Unsuccessful communicating with your selected product." It advised me to power cycle my router and my printer, then wait for 60 seconds for each to reach a normal state, then hit "retry" or "connect." I tried both. Next I tried to plug the printer's USB cable into a different port on my computer. I even tried temporarily disabling my firewall. No luck.

There are no blinking lights on the printer.

Next I tried the hard reset, then reconnected the power cable to the printer and wall outlet, as you advised. That didn't change anything.

I still can't print anything from Word or the internet on that printer. What do you think? Should I try the NVRAM reset, or is there something else I should do to help the computer communicate with the printer? I still have the original installation CD if needed. 

Thanks for working on this.