Printer constantly going offline - HP 6970

[bloxy10]

My printer is constantly going offline, despite being connected to the same network as the computer

It works sporadically then chooses when to drop out, I end up having to remove it the reinstall - then it works for a short while and drops out again

Infuriating - I've tried a few fixes from here but nothing works yet...

HP - can you help?

[Dragon-Fur]

@bloxy10 

Cannot imagine what you have already tried - the list is long and life is short.  Smiling.

In general, printers go off line due to a number of reasons, including (and not limited to)...

• A conflict in IP address assignment can cause odd dropouts and connection problems.  That is, more than one device is trying to use the same IP address.  First device works fine until second device (that is trying to use that same IP address) comes online.  Poof.  First device goes down.
• Uncommon, an IP / Mac Address pair mismatch on the router can cause all sorts of weird problems, including disconnections, software installation issues, and other chaotic business.  This is something you check and fix on the router > Log into router, > find mismatch entry and remove > restart router and other devices.  Poof.  Fixed.
• Unrelated to incorrect configuration setup (IP conflict or IP / Mac pair mismatch), the network router might be dropping the signal.  The router itself might be at fault (old, outdated firmware, weak)
• The issue might be distance and/or angle of placement from the printer to the router (even a few inches this way or that can help or make the situation worse), obstacles (walls, cabinets, metal), or other types of interference (electronic, for example).
• An actual fault in the printer can cause trouble, though this is not on the top of the list for things that go wrong.  Printer Wireless tends to work or not work to the extend that the Wireless card is functional or not working at all.  Printer wireless can, of course, be weaker than needed to meet the needs of the placement and the network to which it is connected.
• Less obvious, and perhaps generally less common, an "offline" status of the printer as noted from the computer might have something to do with whatever is going on with the computer.  For example, if the printer is connected directly to the computer using Wi-Fi Direct (Wireless without the use of a router), and / or if that computer is busy streaming movies or battling monsters (gaming), then the printer may just drop out of the mix.
• Printer software can become corrupted.  Generally, this is  not precisely an "off line" problem; printer software may drop connection and think (due to the coding in the software), "Hmm.  I am offline."  Error messages, in other words, are limited to what the software knows about what is happening.  Programs are imperfect.

What to do?

• Read the documentation and follow the instructions in Category Troubleshooting.  For example, try using the Print and Scan Doctor.  Although what it can fix is limited, the tool can help and is pretty much point and click. 
• Doctor Not helpful?  Look up and try other solutions in Troubleshooting (select subject / subtopic)
• If necessary, try more than one fix.  
•  Be persistent.  Don't get upset if a posted solution that worked for someone else does not work for you.   Common and yet misunderstood - "my" fix may not be your fix - "his" fix may not work to resolve your problem. 
• Generally, change one thing at a time.  If, for example, moving the printer around does not work, move the printer back where it was located and move on to something else.
• Static IP addresses work well for printers and for other devices on your network.  Tidy and no issues with one device tripping over another.
• Positioning, that is, distance and angle of the printer from the router is important.  Check to see if this makes a difference in your situation.
• If necessary, upgrade / update your router.  A weak, old, and / or outdated router is the bane of many home offices.
• Restart everything, including the router.  For a time, leave other devices off the network (if you can stand it) to help determine whether there is a crowding / conflict issue.
• Completely remove (uninstall) the existing printer software, including the bits hiding in your own user account > Restart the computer > Reload the printer software > Restart the computer.
• Reset the printer - this is not likely the actual root of the problem - it is one of the "things to try" (and may actually make a difference).

References 

Printer is Offline (Windows)

Wireless Troubleshooting

Find Your Wireless WEP, WPA, WPA2 Password

Reference and Resources – Places to find help, solve problems, and learn how to use your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

➡️  HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Printer series

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