Error response: printer not ready

[Mariette3]

The printer and computer ( notebook) are both on the same network. 

I have turned printer and computer off and on multiple times. 

I have turned the router off and on several times. 

There are no documents in queue. 

I AM able to print a document using HP SMART.  but only if I first convert it to pdf. 

Seems like an unnecessary step

[Asfiya03]

@Mariette3,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like your HP Envy 4520 printer is having trouble processing direct print jobs from your computer, except when they are first converted to a PDF. Since HP Smart can print PDFs but not other formats, this suggests an issue with the print driver or spooler. Try these steps to fix it:

1. Set the Correct Printer as Default

Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

Right-click your HP Envy 4520 and select Set as Default Printer.

Try printing again.

2. Reinstall the HP Printer Driver

Since HP Smart is working but regular printing is not, there might be a driver issue.

Uninstall Old Drivers:

Open Control Panel → Programs & Features.

Uninstall all HP printer software.

Open Device Manager, find the HP Envy 4520 under "Printers," right-click it, and select Uninstall device.

Restart your laptop.

Reinstall the Latest Driver:

Go to the HP Support Page.

Download and install the latest HP Envy 4520 full-feature driver.

Restart your computer and test printing.

3. Clear and Restart the Print Spooler

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Stop.

Open C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files.

Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.

Try printing again.

4. Change Printer Properties (RAW Format)

Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

Right-click HP Envy 4520, select Printer Properties.

Go to the Advanced tab.

Under Driver, make sure HP Envy 4520 is selected.

Check Print directly to the printer.

Click Apply and OK.

5. Try a Different Print Format

If you're printing from Microsoft Word, try a different format (DOCX vs. RTF).

If it only prints PDFs, test printing a plain text file from Notepad.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Asfiya03

HP Support