Printer randomly prints out Printer Status Reports

[Helmarbro]

Hi,

I've tried posting this to anothe place but got no response so trying again here.

My HP Officejet Pro 8620 randomly activates itself (in the middle of the night usually) and prints off Printer Status Reports, Fax Logs, Digital File Setp instructions and other stuff, in quantities randomly ranging from half a ream of paper to 1 sheet.  

It's driving me nuts.  

Does anyone know what is going on here, and how do I stop it?

Many thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Helmarbro

I saw your original inquiry -- and I don't have a known solution.

Printer:

HP Officejet Pro 8620 e-All-in-One Printer

Full Feature Software:

OJ8620_198.exe

(162.0 MB)

The printer is not supposed to send you alerts unless you have configured it to do so -- and the configuration steps are not something you could have done without knowing what was happening.

For example, this printer (at least the 8630 model) can be configured using EWS (Embedded Web Server and your printer's IP address) to send you alerts -- this setup does not print the alerts and use up all your paper.  Open favorite browser > enter printer's IP address > Settings > Email Alerts

You can also read Usage Reports (EWS > Tools > Reports > Usage Report) -- this does not wipe out your paper, either.  The Report shows up on the browser screen.

Double Click the Printer Assistant shortcut icon on your Desktop > Click the Estimated Ink Levels icon >

wait for the processing of the data > Advanced Settings > CHECK / select Show all printer alerts only when I print > Close  (This setting does not spew out printed pages; the alerts show up on your computer screen...)

My personal opinion is that either someone is really messing with you OR the printer is not behaving properly.

Assuming the issue is the printer, some Ideas:

• Reset the Power on the printer and make sure the printer is plugged into a wall socket (as opposed to a Power Strip.  The power reset procedure is included in this document:  Printer Does Not Turn On

• You can try setting the printer back to factory settings

• Reinstall the printing software

Warning:

Factory Reset wipes out all your settings, including the printer's connection to the network, the fax setup, and pretty much everything else that was not on the printer when it came out of the box.

Restore Factory Defaults:

Open your favorite Browser > Enter the printer's IP address in the URL address bar >

tab Settings > Category Restore Defaults > Restore Factory Defaults

--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --

After that, remove (uninstall) any existing printer software from Apps and Features > reboot and log in > install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software.

Help, suggestions, and examples:

Install Full Feature Software - Printer

Operating System recently migrated to Windows 10 and / or to re-install the printer software:

1. If using a USB cable to connect the printer and computer, disconnect the cable
2. Create a Restore Point >
3. Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC / Foxit)
4. This works best if the computer's Windows (10) Updates are current - check if you are unsure
5. Update your HP Drivers (or other vendor computer) - printer software likes updated Drivers
6. Open Printer Website Driver Support Page >
7. Download a fresh copy of the Full Feature software >
8. Remove existing Printer Software from Programs and Features / Apps and Features / All Apps / Devices and Printers >
9. Shut down the computer > boot, and log in >
10. Install Full Feature Software (find in your Downloads folder > Double-Click on the file) >
11. Restart the computer and log in to finish the installation

Section(s) of interest include:

• Start Here: HP Print and Scan Doctor – Help Resolve Printer Issues
• Preparation
• Extras, Advice, and Cool Stuff > HP Information, Diagnostics, and Installation Help
• Create a Restore Point
• Remove Printer Software (two parts)
• Download and Installation
• Embedded Web Server (EWS)
• Windows 10 Updates (check)
• Restart Everything
• Scan Program Options **

** Cool stand-alone scan programs (Thanks to greenturtle for the links to HP Scan Extended !)

Reference:

Scanning Program Options

Document Sections Include:

• HP Extended Scan – Single, Multiple scans, Auto-Crop!
• NAPS2 -- Not another PDF Scanner
• And others…

When you see a Post that helps, inspires, provides fresh insight,

or teaches you something new, click the Thumbs Up on that Post.

Fixed / Answered? Click that post Accept as Solution to help others find Answers.

[rhemata]

This does not work for me:

"

Double Click the Printer Assistant shortcut icon on your Desktop > Click the Estimated Ink Levelsicon >

wait for the processing of the data > Advanced Settings > CHECK / select Show all printer alerts only when I print > Close  (This setting does not spew out printed pages; the alerts show up on your computer screen...)

"

I have had that option selected and am getting many copies of the same report continually, wasting paper and expensive ink (makes you wonder whether HP cares about fixing this problem)

What can be done to stop the printing of the status report to paper using ink?  

I'd prefer to select it on demand or have it printed to a file.

Please help and resolve this anoying and costly  problem.

Allen