Changed network and now printer is offline or "unable to communicate.."

[arch75]

I moved and can not set up my printer to print on my new network. The wireless set up wizard says it is connected to my network but when i try and print from my mac it says it is "offline". The help page said to delete the printer and re-add. I deleted it and downloaded a new driver and started the set up process on my mac and now it says "Unable to communicate with the device." My modem is new and so is my Apple Airport Time Capsule.

[MKazi]

@arch75

Welcome to HP Support Forums. 

Let me take a moment to thank you for posting on the HP Support Forums. 

I understand that your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Printer is no longer able to print and appears offline. This started after you moved places. I'll be glad to assist you with this case.

During my research, I came across the following steps that should help to print without any issues:

• Disconnect the power cable from the printer while the printer is still ON.
• Disconnect any other cables if connected the printer.
• Press and hold the printer’s power button for 15 seconds.
• The printer should be directly connected to the wall outlet and not to a surge protector.
• Reconnect the power cable to print and the printer should power ON by itself. If the printer doesn’t power ON then please manually power it ON.

Step 1: Remove multiple printers from the printer list

Check for multiple devices in the Printers list, and then remove any extra entries other than one in idle status.

1. Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners in the list of results.

2. Find the printer names that match your printer from the list of devices.

   Figure : Printers and Scanner window with multiple names of a printer in the list

   

3. If you see multiple printer queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers by selecting them one at a time, and then clicking the minus button  at the bottom of the list. Leave one 'idle' printer in the list that matches your printer if available and use this printer as the Default printer.

4. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the printer remains offline or displays an error, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Delete the existing print queue and add the printer

Remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE: If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

I sincerely hope this fixes the issue. Keep me posted for further assistance.

All the best! 

[arch75]

Thank you @MKazi but I did all those steps. Once I complete step 6 (selecting airprint) I then get the message

"Unable to connect to ‘Officejet Pro 8600 [C9A81F]._ipp._tcp.local.’ due to an error. Would you still like to create the printer?"

[MKazi · Accepted solution]

@arch75

Thank you for your reply. I truly appreciate your patience and efforts.

Let us re-connect the printer to the wireless network. First, let us restore the network defaults on the printer by following the below steps:

Then once again run the wireless setup wizard on the printer by following the below steps:

Once the printer appears to be connected to the wireless network, you may once again perform the steps to add as Airprint printer. 

Hope this information helps. Let me know.

Cheers! 

[arch75]

This worked! Thank you!!

[MKazi]

@arch75

Great news!

I'm glad that the solution worked. You have been fabulous to work with considering your superb technical skills and valuable patience. Kudos to you for that. 

Happy printing!