Printer Problem

[IanM10]

Hi. I have a n HP 7000 series inkjet printer. Since I installed it every now and again all the lights on the display and the buttons on the unit are flashing. Turning on and off with the power button is unresponsive and ineffective and the only way to clear it is to pull the plug out of the sockets for a few seconds and reboot it. I leave the printer powered on all the time if this is relevant. 
Can you help as it is annoying 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @IanM10 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can understand how unsettling it feels to see all the lights flashing and the buttons unresponsive, especially when you’ve already discovered that only unplugging the printer clears it. 

Thank you for sharing the detail about leaving the printer powered on—that helps narrow down the situation. Let’s go step by step to stabilize your HP 7000 series inkjet printer.

 

Steps to Resolve Flashing Lights and Unresponsive Controls

Perform a Full Power Reset

• With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the rear.
• Disconnect it from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the cord back into the wall and then into the printer.
• Turn the printer back on. This clears temporary memory and resets the hardware.

Check Power Source

• Ensure the printer is connected directly to a wall outlet, not through a surge protector or extension cord.
• A stable power source prevents voltage fluctuations that can cause flashing lights.

Update Firmware

• On your Windows 11 PC, open the HP App.
• Select your printer.
• Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Firmware Update.
• Install any available updates to ensure the printer’s internal software is current.

Restore Factory Defaults

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore > Restore Factory Defaults.
• Confirm the reset.
• The printer will restart and clear saved settings, which can resolve recurring flashing light issues.

Run Diagnose & Fix

• In the HP App, go to Printer Settings > Tools > Printer Maintenance.
• Select Diagnose & Fix.
• Follow the on‑screen instructions to automatically check for hardware and connection issues.

Flashing lights usually indicate the printer is stuck in a hardware loop. A full reset, stable power connection, firmware update, and restoring defaults typically clear the condition and prevent recurrence.

Would you like me to also share how to print a self‑test report directly from the printer’s control panel? It’s a quick way to confirm whether the printer hardware is functioning correctly after these steps.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[IanM10]

Hi 

Thank you for your response. That is very helpful and I'll try the methods you advised. 
On a further note, is it okay to leave the printer poweredon, or can this cause issues.  It does seem to go into a sleep status but is it better to turn it off at the power button when not in use. 

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @IanM10  

I completely understand your concern—it’s natural to wonder whether leaving the printer powered on all the time might be contributing to the flashing lights issue. Thank you for raising this point, because it’s an important part of how the printer behaves day to day.

Here’s some guidance:

Sleep Mode vs. Power Off
Your HP 7000 series inkjet printer is designed to safely remain powered on and automatically enter sleep mode when not in use. In sleep mode, the printer consumes very little energy and keeps itself ready for quick wake‑up.

Leaving It On
It’s perfectly fine to leave the printer powered on continuously. This won’t harm the hardware, and in fact, it can help the printer perform background maintenance tasks such as keeping the printhead primed.

Turning It Off
If you prefer, you can power the printer off using the power button when it’s not needed for long periods. This is safe as well, but avoid unplugging the printer directly unless it’s unresponsive, since pulling the plug bypasses the normal shutdown process.

Best Practice
For everyday use, leaving the printer on and allowing it to enter sleep mode is recommended. If you won’t be using it for several days or weeks, turning it off with the power button is a good option.

So, to answer your question: leaving the printer powered on is not harmful, and the sleep status is designed to protect the printer while saving energy. Turning it off occasionally when not in use for extended periods is also fine—it’s more about your convenience than preventing issues.

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 😊

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye