HP Office Jet 9018e "Unknown error"

[sjlee1]

My printer will not print a document.  I get an error message "Unknown error". However, I can print the "Printer Status Report" and the "Printer Hardware Information" without problem. The error message is apparently useless. Help!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @sjlee1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e is working mechanically (since it can print internal reports), but the issue lies in the connection or software path between your Windows 11 computer and the printer.

Here’s a step-by-step to resolve the “Unknown error” when trying to print documents from your computer:

1. Restart Everything

• Turn off the printer
• Restart your PC
• Unplug the printer’s power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power on

2. Check the Printer Queue

1. Press Windows + R, type Control Printers, and hit Enter
2. Right-click your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e → See what’s printing
3. If any documents are stuck in the queue, click Printer > Cancel All Documents
4. Close the window and try printing again

3. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP's diagnostic tool can often identify and fix common issues:

• Download here: Official HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows | Free Download hppsdr.exe.
• Run the tool and follow the prompts for your printer

4. Reinstall the Printer Driver (Clean Slate Method)

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager
2. Expand Printers → Right-click your HP printer → Uninstall device
3. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
4. Remove the printer from the list if still present
5. Restart your computer
6. Download and install the latest full driver/software package:
   👉 HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e All-in-One Printer | HP® Support

Important: Avoid using only the Windows Update driver — it may be generic or outdated.

5. Clear the Print Spooler

Sometimes a corrupt job gets stuck in the spooler:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
2. Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click → Stop
3. Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete any files inside (admin permission may be required)
4. Go back to Services → Right-click Print Spooler → Start

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @sjlee1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Please try the steps shared above and let us know how it goes.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support