How to connect two printers to one computer and get them both to function fully

[Piskers]

Hi,

I have had an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 inkjet printer for some 4 years.  Recently I bought an identical printer, since the old one was having problems printing blue ink.  Both printers are connected to my HP Pavilion HPE desktop computer via ethernet cables (using an ethernet hub).  I'm running Windows 10 (64-bit).

My question is:  how can I get the computer to recognize both printers as fully functional and online (as needed)?  When I go to "Devices and Printers", I see the new printer listed twice:  one listing simply says "HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 PCL-3; the second listing indicates the same title but instead of "PCL-3" it gives the host name, and says it is offline, whether I designate it as the default printer or not.  The new printer is the default printer now.  I would appreciate any guidance you could offer.  As you provide help, please use simple terms, since I'm not too technically savvy.  Thanks

[Repairatrooper]

Manually assign an IP address to each printer and then manually install each printer using a standard TCP IP port  and the correct driver.. What has likely happened is one of your printers is connected with a WSD port and is not being recognized properly by Windows.

[Piskers]

Hi Repairatropper,

Thanks for the kind response.  Since I'm not very savvy concerning techincal terms, I need further help. 

Both of my printers are connected to an ethernet hub which, of course, is plugged in to the only ethernet port on my desktop computer.  Therefore, I don't know how I would use your suggestion to install each printer using a TCP IP port, and not a WSD port.  Also, I assume that in order to check the correct drivers, I would go to 123.hp.com, is that correct?  Also, I don't have a clue as to how to manually assign an IP address to each printer.  Thanks.

[Repairatrooper]

Up front, I do not specialize in Deskjet products, but can make a few suggestions.

This video shows how to set a manually address https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llYNMNKJMX4

Once you have the printers set for manual address you can simply edit the current printer instance.

On your PC, go to control panel>devices and printers and right click on the printer you want to edit and select "printer properties" from the drop down menu.  On the next window that opens, click on ports and then click on "add port"

On the next window highlight Standard TCP/IP Port and click New port

Click next

Enter the IP Address that you set on the printer and click next

Click finish and then apply

Hopefully this gets you where you need to be.