Printer can't print anything but a test page despite being connected

[xw3]

Printer is connected to the internet, displays as online in windows settings/HP Smart desktop app, and will print test papers without problem. But I receive an error code when attempting to print anything else.

Working from a work provided laptop, so cannot access admin controls. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @xw3,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is connected to the internet, displays as online in Windows settings and the HP Smart app, and prints test pages but fails to print other documents and shows an error code, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Printer Error Codes

Identify the Error Code:

• Take note of the specific error code or message displayed when trying to print documents.

Look Up the Error Code:

• Search for the error code on the HP support website or in the printer’s manual to understand the specific issue.

2. Check Print Queue and Status

Open Print Queue:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click on your printer and select See what’s printing.

Clear Print Queue:

• If there are stuck print jobs, select them and click Cancel. Clear the print queue to ensure there are no issues with pending jobs.

3. Update Printer Drivers

Check for Driver Updates:

• Visit the HP Support website and enter your printer model.
• Download and install the latest drivers for your printer model.

Reinstall Drivers:

• Uninstall the existing printer drivers from Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Reinstall the latest drivers downloaded from the HP website.

4. Check Printer Settings

Verify Default Printer:

• Ensure that the correct printer is set as the default printer in Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Check Printer Preferences:

• Open Printers & Scanners in Windows Settings.
• Select your printer, click on Manage, and then Printer Preferences. Ensure settings are correctly configured.

5. Run Printer Troubleshooter

1. Use Windows Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
   • Select Printer and run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.

6. Verify Connectivity

• Ensure that your printer is connected to the correct network and has a stable connection.
• This can be done from the printer’s control panel to verify the network settings and connection status.

7. Check for Print Service Issues

• Open Run (Win + R) and type services.msc.
• Locate Print Spooler, right-click on it, and select Restart. This can resolve issues related to the print service.

8. Check Document Format and Application

• Try printing different types of documents (e.g., PDFs, Word files) to see if the issue is specific to one document or file type.
• Try printing from different applications to rule out application-specific issues

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support