HP LaserJet M209dw "Printer cannot print"

[jewett]

I'm trying to print to my printer and everywhere I look tells me it can't not print .

For instance:

A problem has occurred and you will be unable to print, except for printer reports, until hte issue is resolved. Check your HP account for more information.

When I check the account is tells me nothing, other than the printer is offline. But I know it is online as I can reach the web interface and I can ping it.

This printer has been nothing but a constant headache.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

Hi @jewett, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

The "Printer cannot print" error on your HP LaserJet M209dw—especially when you can access the web interface and ping it—suggests that the issue might be related to HP+ / Instant Ink, a driver problem, or a firmware restriction. Let's troubleshoot step by step:

Check if HP+ or Instant Ink is Blocking Printing

If your printer was set up with HP+, it might enforce certain restrictions. You mentioned that the printer can print reports but not documents, which is a common issue with HP+ devices if there’s an account-related problem.

Actions to take:

1. Log in to your HP account → HP Smart
2. Check if your HP+ subscription or Instant Ink status has an issue (like a billing problem).
3. If Instant Ink is enabled, try disabling web services:
   • Open the Web Interface of the printer (via its IP address).
   • Navigate to Web Services and turn them Off, then On again.
   • Restart the printer.

Verify Printer Connectivity (Even If It Pings)

Even if the printer responds to pings, Windows might still see it as offline due to a driver or connection issue.

Actions to take:

Restart the Print Spooler:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Restart.

Re-add the Printer:

• Remove the printer from Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Reinstall it using "Add Printer" (try both network and USB options).

Try an Alternate Connection:

• If using Wi-Fi, test with USB or Ethernet.

Reinstall Printer Drivers

There could be a driver issue. Let’s fully remove and reinstall them.

Actions to take:

1. Remove old drivers:
   • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers and remove the printer.
   • Run printmanagement.msc, go to Print Servers > Drivers, and delete any HP M209dw drivers.
2. Download and install the latest driver:
   • Go to HP support page. And install the latest drivers

Reset the Printer

If nothing else works, reset the printer to factory settings.

Factory Reset Instructions:

1. Open the Printer's Web Interface (via its IP address).
2. Navigate to General Settings > Restore Factory Defaults.
3. Set up the printer again.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a Print and Scan Doctor tool to detect and fix issues.

• Download it from HP Print and Scan Doctor.
• Run the tool and follow the instructions.

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[jewett]

finally got around to it, but a factory reset through the printer's web interface allowed me to start printing again.  Hopefully this is a one time thing.

[Max3Aj]

@jewett, Thank you for letting us know. 
We are glad the printer is up and running. 

If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' so I can do a virtual happy dance! 

If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know! 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Max3Aj