OfficeJet 8600 frequently needs printer and laptop reset/reboot for network printing

[topicam]

We have an OfficeJet 8600 connected via Ethernet for network printing. 

Very frequently the printer "disappears" from the network, i.e. in Windows it shows the printer is not available. The only solution so far seems to be to reset both the printer (power off/on) and the computer attempting to print (2 laptops connected via Wi-Fi). 

I have previously removed the printer and re-added it to Windows several times already. Even this process suggests that HP's network printer software is buggy: often times the HP software doesn't detect it, even when I provide the exact IP address of the printer. However, Windows itself finds the printer, and this seems to be the only way to re-add the printer.

I'm an IT specialist so very familiar with troubleshooting these types of problems, but other than restarting both printer and computer every day when printing is needed, I'm out of ideas. I'm hoping there's some possible fix I'm unaware of. As it is I'm assuming this is just poor software on HP's part (in which case, this will certainly be our last HP printer). 

Any help appreciated. 

[Kumar0307]

@topicam, Welcome to the HP Support Community! I’m here to help.

Are you using the HP Smart app to print?

Does it show the printer is offline on this app?

Kindly reinstall the app and check if that helps.

If the issue persists, click here to download the HP Full-feature driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Try printing and scanning. Open File > print.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click on the YES button to reply that the response was helpful and/or to say “Thank You”.

Have a great day! 

[topicam]

The HP smart app is installed, yes. I assume that's what you mean (I don't know how one would print *through* the app). 

It may show the printer as being online and then offline, hence the need to reboot laptop and printer. 

The app has been reinstalled before more than once, as has the full driver package. 

I tried to make clear: all the obvious steps have already been done (multiple times). The problem persists, and it occurs with more than one laptop. 

[Nirvana_95]

Thanks for your response.

I see that the issue persists. Let's try the steps below and check if that makes any difference.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor to check connectivity 

Download a special version of HP Print and Scan Doctor specifically created to help with printer offline conditions.  

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor.  

2. Run HPPSdr.exe from the download location on your computer.  

3. Once HP Print and Scan Doctor opens, click Start, and then select your printer.    

o If your printer in not in the list, turn it off and on, and then click Retry.    

o If there is a connection problem, follow the instructions in HP Print and Scan Doctor.  

4. If a screen prompts you to turn on printer updates, click Yes.  

5. If a screen prompts you to make your printer the default printer, click Yes. 

Set a manual IP-   

To set a manual IP and try the steps below -  

--->Touch on the wifi icon ((i)) on the printer, and take down the IP address  

--->Open a web browser (ex Chrome or Mozilla) and type in the printer's IP 

--->then go to network ---> general ---> network protocols ---> select IPV4 only-->apply  

--->go to wireless ---> wireless 802.11---> select manual ip ---> apply --->Enter 8.8.8.8 for the first DNS and 8.8.4.4 for the second DNS.   

--->then go to settings on the main ews page --> power management ---> select sleep mode to max 15min

Try the above steps and let me know the outcome of it.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

Click the “Yes" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping.