Computers say printer not connected

[Lakeone]

I am experiencing the same issue as several others on this forum. I have two printers, one connected to my desktop iMac (25 inch, mid 2014) running OS Sierra 10.12.4 and the other connected to a MacBook (Retina, 12 inch, mid 2015) also running 10.12.4. Both are connected via the LAN in my home. They are now showing the same symptoms. When I attempt to print a document from either one, it tells me the printer is not connected wirelessly, yet a check of the printer says it is. I can force it to print by reconnecting the printer to the network or restarting the computer. It is so frustrating to print a document, then two minutes later have it tell me the printer is not connected. This has been happening for about two or three weeks. I have cleared the printers from the installed list and readded them. I have reinstalled the printer software from the HP website (which apparently has not been updated since 2014). I don't know where to go next. I suspect it is a conflict between the Apple software and the printer software but don't know enough to attempt a fix. Can anyone help?

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Lakeone, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have issues connecting your printer to the MAC?

Don't worry I'd like to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Please try the steps recommended below.

These steps might resolve printing issues that have no other clear cause:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer or scanner in the list of devices, then click Delete (–) to remove it from the list.
Follow the steps in the previous section to add your printer again.
If the issue persists, Control-click anywhere in the list of devices in Printers & Scanners preferences. Then choose “Reset printing system” from the shortcut menu that appears. Resetting the printing system causes all printers and scanners—including their queues, jobs, and custom settings—to be removed from Printers & Scanners preferences.

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.
Control-click anywhere in the list of devices, then choose “Reset printing system” from the shortcut menu that appears.
From the Finder, choose to Go > Go to Folder. Type /Library/Printers/ and click Go.
The Printers folder opens. Choose Edit > Select All to select all items in the folder. 
Choose File > New Folder with Selection to put all of the selected items into a new folder named New Folder With Items. To save storage space, you can delete the New Folder With Items folder after

completing the remaining steps.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot Printer Not Found During Network Driver Setup.

Let me know if this helps!

Have a great day ahead! 🙂

[Lakeone]

I had already performed many of the steps you outlined such as resetting the printing system, etc. Thanks for the link to the article on resetting the system. I'll let you know if it's successful.

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

@Lakeone, I was indeed waiting for your response, thanks for getting back.

I appreciate your efforts for trying out the steps.

I would recommend powering down your computer,  disconnect the power cord from the printer and the power outlet, and remove the power from your router for 60 seconds. 
    
After 60 seconds, plug the router back in.  Once the router has begun broadcasting, plug the printer back in. Ensure you plug the printer directly into a wall outlet. Make sure to bypass any sort of surge protector or power bar. 

After the printer is on, re-run the wireless setup.

If the issue still persists uninstall the printer software from your MAC and install the printer software using the apple software update.

Click Finder in the Dock.
In the menu bar, click Go, click Applications, then open the HP or Hewlett-Packard folder.
If HP Uninstaller is in the folder, double click it, then follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.
If HP Uninstaller is not in the folder, continue to the next step.
Click and drag the HP or Hewlett Packard folder to the Trash icon in the Dock.
In the menu bar, click Go, click Go to Folder, type /Library/Printers, then click Go.
The Printers folder opens.
Click and drag the HP or Hewlett Packard folder to the Trash icon in the Dock.
Restart the Mac.
Right-click or Ctrl + click the Trash icon, then select Empty Trash.

Refer this article to know how to install printer software using apple software update.

Let me know how it goes!

Cheers! 🙂

[Lakeone]

Actually, I had already done that, but I found that by deleting the printers and reinstalling the printer software, that fixed the problem. Thanks.

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Lakeone! You're welcome and thanks for the response,

I am glad to hear that your issue got resolved.

If you have any queries in future related to any HP products, you can always reach out to us.

We will try our best to help you out.

Take care,            

Have a great day! 🙂