Printer Error: Printer Cannot Print

[Liciab21]

Hi! I get the following error when I try to print. I don't see additional information in my account. Thanks for your help!

Printer cannot print. 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. To learn more, open the HP Smart app or visit www.hpsmart.com and sign in to your account

[Raj_05]

Hi @Liciab21,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your HP printer is encountering a system-wide error that prevents printing except for printer reports. This type of error usually indicates a communication issue between the printer and HP Smart services, or an internal printer issue.

Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

Restart the Printer

• Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in and turn it on.
• Check if the error persists.

Check HP Smart App

• Open the HP Smart app on your device (PC, phone, or tablet).
• Sign in to your HP account.
• See if any specific error messages or troubleshooting steps are provided in the app. The app may also prompt you to update your printer's firmware, which could resolve the issue.

Printer Firmware Update

• If your printer's firmware is outdated, it may cause printing errors.
• In the HP Smart app, navigate to Printer Settings > Advanced Settings and check for any available firmware updates.

Reinstall the HP Smart App

• If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the HP Smart app to reset communication with your printer.

Check HP Instant Ink or Subscription Service

• If you are enrolled in HP Instant Ink or any subscription service, check if there are any payment or subscription issues by logging in to your HP account at www.hpsmart.com.
• Make sure your ink levels are sufficient, and there are no cartridge issues.

[Raj_05]

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows users)

• If you're using a Windows PC, download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s support site. It can diagnose and automatically fix many printing and scanning issues.

Perform a Hard Reset on the Printer

• With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the printer and from the wall outlet.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord to the wall outlet and the printer.
• Turn the printer back on.

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!

Alden4

HP Support 

[Liciab21]

Thank you for your reply. However, my printer still will not print. The ink is not low, and it has no problem printing the error page. It will not print anything other than the error page. Neither HP Smart nor the HP Print and Scan Doctor can identify the problem.

Do you have another solution?

Thanks!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Liciab21,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is still unable to print after the initial troubleshooting steps you've shared, here are some advanced troubleshooting techniques you can try.

Check the Printer Queue

• Clear the Print Queue: Sometimes, documents can get stuck in the print queue, causing errors.
  • Go to Devices and Printers on your computer.
  • Right-click on your printer and select See what's printing.
  • If there are any documents listed, right-click and select Cancel.

Change Printer Settings

• Set the Printer as Default: Ensure your printer is set as the default printer.
  • In Devices and Printers, right-click on your printer and select Set as default printer.
• Use a Different Port: Sometimes changing the port used by the printer can resolve communication issues.
  • Right-click your printer in Devices and Printers and select Printer Properties.
  • Go to the Ports tab and try switching to a different port (USB, TCP/IP, etc.).

Check for Windows Updates

• Ensure your operating system is up to date. Sometimes, printer issues can be resolved with the latest OS updates.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Uninstall the Printer:
  • Go to Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select Remove device.
• Download the Latest Drivers:
  • Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
• Reinstall the Printer: After downloading the drivers, follow the installation prompts to add the printer back to your system.

Check Network Connection

Wired Connection: If using a USB connection, try a different USB port or cable. If connected via Wi-Fi, ensure the printer is on the same network as your device.

Network Reset: Reset the network settings on your printer:

• Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to reset network settings to factory defaults.

Disable Security Software Temporarily

• Sometimes, security software or firewalls can block printer communication. Temporarily disable your security software to see if it resolves the issue. Make sure to re-enable it after testing.

Factory Reset the Printer

• As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset on your printer. This will reset all settings to default, so be sure to note any custom settings you may have.

By following these advanced troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get closer to identifying the underlying cause of the printing issue.

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!

Alden4

HP Support