HP LaserJet MFP M235dwe Printer suddenly stopped working, just says unable to print

[eposic]

I was doing some printing, and the printer was working. I was printing a couple of pages, and I've had issues with the printer before when it was low but not out of paper. To try to avoid that issue--and I have no idea whether this was the cause of the subsequent problem that arose--I slipped some extra sheets under the existing sheets in the paper tray while the printer was in the process of printing the first page. The second page did print just fine. But after the second page had printed, the light on the front of the printer turned yellow.

I've tried all the diagnostic things I can find to try, and I've been told different things by the various tools, some of them simply saying the printer is offline. But when I print out the report on the printer itself, it says it's connected, gives the correct network name, gives an IP address, and says the signal strength is very good. I've tried reconnecting to Wi-Fi, and that makes zero difference.

The report from the printer itself says, "A problem has occurred and you will be unable to print, except for printer reports, until the issue is resolved. Check your HP account for more information." When I do that, It just claims the printer isn't connected. I go round in circles with all the other diagnostic stuff I've tried, all of them telling me either I'm not connected or I'm unable to print. Neither of those statements are of any benefit to me in this situation.

I checked for paper jams, and don't see any. I unplugged the printer and plugged it back in. I left it unplugged for a week, and plugging it back in after that didn't change anything. I've reset router and modem and did the whole setup for Wi-Fi on the printer. I have automatic updates for drivers turned on for the printer, and when I manually checked if the driver needed updating, I was informed it did not.

I really don't know what is wrong or how to determine what is wrong, so I'm here to seek help. We've had this printer for two years and haven't even had to replace the ink cartridge once, because we just don't print that often. I do have a backup cartridge from the ink subscription, but I've not replaced it yet because I thought HP would inform me when that needed to be done. I mean, the report from the printer says the status of the cartridge is Normal. I'm really at a loss. I'd like to get more than two years of use out of this printer, so I'm really hoping someone on here will suggest something that gets my printer out of this "unable to print" situation. I can't call support, because this printer only had a one-year warranty.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @eposic,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for sharing such a detailed account of what you’re experiencing with your HP LaserJet MFP M235dwe printer. It’s clear you've invested a lot of effort and patience trying to resolve the issue, and I can imagine how frustrating it must be to go in circles without a solution, especially when your printer used to work perfectly and you just want to get the most out of it. You’re not alone in feeling this way; printers can be unpredictable, and sometimes the error lights and diagnostics seem to speak a language of their own.

Below, I’ve laid out some focused steps along with a bit of sensory guidance to help you get to the heart of the issue and hopefully restore your printer’s function.

Step 1: Check for Physical Obstruction. Feel for Misaligned Paper

Gently slide your fingers along the edges of the paper stack inside the tray. Sometimes, when paper is added mid-print, sheets can become misaligned or slightly curled. Listen for a faint crinkle or resistance when you move the tray or the stack; these subtle cues may help identify if sheets are jammed deep inside, beyond quick visual inspection. Remove all sheets and reload them carefully, making sure the stack is flat and the guides are snug but not tight against the paper.

Step 2: Inspect the Cartridge and Access Door Satisfying Clicks

Open the toner/access door slowly and feel for any resistance. Sometimes, if the door isn’t closed perfectly, the printer will refuse to print but allow reports. Press down gently until you hear a satisfying click. Try reseating the toner cartridge even if it reports "Normal", remove and return it, feeling for a firm setting.

Step 3: Power Cycle with Sensory Calm

Power off your printer with a slow, steady press and unplug it from the wall. Wait at least 60 seconds, allowing the quiet hum of the room to settle before plugging it in again. Sometimes, allowing the printer’s internal components and sensors to completely reset can resolve stubborn yellow-light errors.

Step 4: HP App & Account Listening for Network Signals

Log in to the HP app or HP website from your Windows 11 device. Refresh connections and ensure the device shows up on your HP account. Pay attention to any new error messages or notifications you haven’t seen before. Sometimes, unlinking and then re-linking the printer in your HP account can reset back-end communication a subtle sound in the background as your device pings for a connection could be reassuring.

Step 5: Network and Offline Status Sniff Out Network Glitches

Given your printer says it’s online but your PC reports it’s offline, there may be a network conflict. Open Windows "Devices & Printers," right-click your HP printer, and make sure it is ‘Set as Default.’ If you spot a greyed-out printer icon, right-click and choose "Use Printer Online." If possible, connect via USB to rule out network issues entirely; sometimes, the solid thunk of a USB cable connecting can confirm a solid link.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[eposic]

Thank you for your response. I've tried nearly everything you mentioned--even letting the printer sit unplugged for a week. There was one thing I didn't know to try, but it no longer matters, since I have stopped my instant ink subscription and am looking for another printer now. I couldn't let the instant ink subscription continue with the printer not working, as they would keep billing me, even when I couldn't print pages. I read something about "pausing" my subscription, but it's too late for that now. I didn't feel like prolonging the frustration anyway, especially when they're going to charge me for this past month during which my printer hasn't been working.