Printer keeps stopping in the middle of a print run

[ale133]

Post this because the original post is closed:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Printer-keeps-stopping-in-t...

"Printer starts to pritn but stops after the first few lines amd ejects paper. Error message "print failed". Printer re-starts with a fresh sheet of paper. This sometimes happens five or six times before it prints properly (wasting ink, paper, my time and my patience).

This has only started to happen iun the last few days following an automatic update which took effect last week.

Can I go back to previous settings (if that's what has caused the problem) and if so, how? Is this a known issue and if so, are HP doing anything to put it right?"

[wow]

Sorry I inadvertently hit the question

[Max3Aj]

@ale133, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

I understand how frustrating it must be when your HP OfficeJet Pro 6960 All-in-One Printer stops mid-print with a “Print Failed” error, especially after a recent update. Let’s work through this together to get your printer running smoothly again.

Perform a Hard Reset

This helps clear any temporary glitches:

1. Turn the printer ON.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
3. Unplug the cord from the wall outlet.
4. Wait at least 60 seconds.
5. Plug the cord back into the wall and then into the printer.
6. Turn the printer ON if it doesn’t start automatically.

Update the Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues:

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page and enter your printer model.
• Download and install the latest firmware for your printer.

Clean Reinstall the Printer Driver

Corrupted drivers after an update can cause print failures:

1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall all HP printer software.
3. Go to Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select Remove device.
4. Press Windows + R, type printui.exe /s, and press Enter.
5. In the Print Server Properties window, go to the Drivers tab and remove any HP drivers listed.
6. Restart your PC.
7. Reinstall the full feature software from the HP 6960 driver page.

Roll Back Windows Update (Optional)

If the issue started after a Windows update:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
• Identify the most recent update and uninstall it if necessary.

Additional Tips

• Ensure your printer is connected directly to a wall outlet (not a surge protector).
• Try printing from another device to isolate whether the issue is with the printer or the computer

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support

[ale133]

This is the same response as the other post but doesn't solve the problem

[Max3Aj]

@ale133, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support