Printer stops halfway through job and then an error message pops up

[JamesRhodri]

I'm currently having problems with printing any size job, the printer starts printing fine, then pauses for a while, starts again and then stops, an error message pops up "An error has occurred" and then I have to cancel the job.

I'm wasting a lot of paper and ink with this. The problem has only just started and I can't think what's changed to make this error happen. 

I've disabled the printer, reenabled it, updated drivers, performed a reset of the printer. Nothing seems to work.

Are there any suggestions or work arounds for this?

Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

@JamesRhodri 

➡️  Make sure the printer is working as best it can.

Known solutions, checks, settings, presented in the order to be checked / completed:

Fixing Poor Print Quality

➡️  If the tests, diagnostics, and settings all pass (are correct / as expected),

If you have not done so, update the Firmware.

HP DeskJet/Ink Advantage 2600/2675/2676/2677/2678 All-in-One Printer series Firmware Update

➡️  If you have not done so, check / install Adobe Reader DC

Adobe Reader DC – Needed Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

Adobe Reader DC software should be installed even if you do not open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

➡️  If the issue is a connection error, missing installation, or setup problem, the Doctor can help...

Offline Doctor V5.0.6

• Download and Save the doctor to your computer
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to the folder in which you saved the file (likely Downloads)
• Execute the doctor – Answer any prompts /  let the process complete
• Restart the computer, log in, and wait for the final steps in the Doctor to finish.
• Check for any difference.

  Version = V5.0.6

  HPPSdr_5.0.6.exe

NOTES – Contributed by ShlomiL

Paraphrased

Connection Issues

• Print and Scan Doctor Version 5.0.6 creates a secondary queue for printing with TCP/IP port.

Loss of Color Printing

• If the color printing is not yet offered, try printing using the newly added print queue. 
• Verify results, then set the newly added printer as the default.

Details: Windows10 - No Color option available when printing to a network connected printer

Check

If necessary, Adjust the “Default” printing device (Default Printer)

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on the printer NOT marked as “Scan Only / DO NOT DELETE”

Set printer as Default

Example – Printers listed in Devices and Printers

Set “Default” Printer = HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3

Keep in Device list = Scan Only -HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3 (Network)-DO NOT DELETE

==============================================================================

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

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

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

HP DeskJet 2600 All-in-One Printer series

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You for the assist.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[JamesRhodri]

Hi there, thanks for your response.

I've tried all the suggestions you listed and none seem to have worked.

There was even a recent software update as of yesterday and this hasn't fixed the problem either.

The printer is also printing duplicates of the same page, and even pages that I haven't even asked it to print!

[Dragon-Fur]

@JamesRhodri 

---

@JamesRhodri wrote:

Hi there, thanks for your response.

I've tried all the suggestions you listed and none seem to have worked.

There was even a recent software update as of yesterday and this hasn't fixed the problem either.

The printer is also printing duplicates of the same page, and even pages that I haven't even asked it to print!

---

You are welcome.

Print Quality - Results

Based on your comments, you have completed the steps to improve / correct Print Quality.

➡️What are the results of Steps 8 and 9 in Fixing Poor Print Quality

Any Additional Information?

Is there any additional context to the error?

For example, are there any accompanying error numbers or indicators or the error type?

Where does the message appear?  Separate popup?

==================================================

What to do?  Can't wait to "do something"...

Assuming all tests are completed and do pass in Print Quality,

If you have not done so, try / consider...

Extended Restart

Printer Turns Off Unexpectedly or Repeatedly

Steps 1 and 2

NOTE:  Step 2 >> Unplug the printer as described - leave it unplugged for a much longer period than indicated.  For example, leave it unplugged for at least an hour before connecting the power to a "known-good" power outlet (do not use a surge protector).

Because you have (just) completed the Firmware Update, skip Step 3.

Continue with Steps 4-6

AND

While the printer is shut off, Restart the computer and your router.

Restart other devices that are connected to the network  (switch off, wait several seconds, switch on)

Limit Connections

Note: Specific document selected at random - see full list:  Product Information

 Product Specifications for the HP DeskJet 2620 All-in-One Printer (Y5H80A)

Note the Power specifications - Limit number of connections (network, phones, computers, etc):

Number of simultaneous users (local + network)

1-3 Users

Restart Print Services

You may complete this action on the computer during the time the printer is shut off.

 Print Job Stuck in Queue - Scroll down to Additional Troubleshooting

1. Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services
2. Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service
3. Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)
4. Navigate to the folder and Delete the files from folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
5. Start Print Spooler Service

Paper and Supplies

Remove all the paper from the printer - check, gently flex, and replace.

The settings should have already been checked - Step 4 in Fixing Poor Print Quality

If you missed that step, complete / check.

For example, 

Set the Preferences - Windows

1. Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Set as Default

1. Select and adjust settings in each category for the Media (kind of paper), source (tray), and paper size.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences

OR

Windows key + S (search for) Printers and Scanners

Left-Click on (your) Printer > Manage > Printing Preferences

Next

Tab Printing Shortcuts > Click / Highlight your preferred shortcut > Click Apply > Click OK to exit

NOTE - Make changes to a Shortcut

• Select a shortcut and adjust the settings for paper, source (tray), other settings
• If supported, save the edited shortcut or use “Save As” or “Create Custom Shortcut” to save under a new name
• Click OK to save the setup

References

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

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

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

HP DeskJet 2600 All-in-One Printer series

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You for the assist.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[JamesRhodri]

Hi again,

Thanks for the latest amount of suggestions for the fix, again, I've tried them all to no avail.

As for the context of the error, the message that pops up, its separate and comes from the Notifications in Windows.

The error message: "Error Printing on HP74A3B7 (HP Deskjet 2600 Series)

                                        The printer couldn't print Microsoft Word - "Document Name" "

The above is the error message that appears when the error occurs. The error occurs at different times of the printing stage. The printer also takes very long to initiate the printing itself, and before the error message pops up, the printer pauses for some time, starts printing again, and then the error message appears.

I appreciate you spending time to help me fix this issue,

Kind Regards

James

[Dragon-Fur]

@JamesRhodri 

OK - completely different, then.

If the issue is only apparent when printing one Word document, the document is suspect - it contains fonts or images or structure that the printer cannot translate.  Document might be corrupted.

If the issue is apparent when printing any Word document but other files / images print, then Office might be having a problem.

What to do?

You need to make sure you are not doing something - or missing something - in the setup when you are preparing the Word document(s) for print.  Check the main print options, check File > Options > Advanced to be sure you haven't preset the page size to shift for A4 and it isn't doing so (just an example - check everything).  Check the Fonts you are using.  While Word is forgiving of odd fonts, the printer cannot translate all fonts - even embedding the fonts into the document might not be enough.  Try a different font, in other words.

One document:  check / correct size, margins, fonts, layout - the usual. 

No joy?

Then try copying the content into a "new" Word document.  For example, copy the first page into a new document, save it, try printing.

All Word Documents:

Your "normal.dotm" template might be thrashed.

Office Word might need to be repaired or even removed and reinstalled (you do NEED your license key to do that).

Microsoft provides lots of 'how-to" to fix Office tools...

Not directly related... Problems (like unreadable fonts) in Word documents might "bleed" over into your PDF documents...

If the file is a PDF file that was translated from a Word document, some of the same reasoning applies - the printer must be able to translate what it sees.  If it cannot do so, it will fail, balk, slow down, and complain.  Consider printing the PDF file as an image.

If the file is a PDF file and you haven't done so for a while, make sure Adobe Reader DC is installed / functional.  Printer software loves Reader DC and likes to have it installed.

Adobe Reader DC – Needed Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

Adobe Reader DC software should be installed even if you do not open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

Just because everyone should know about this website....

Word Tips > Microsoft Word Tips, Tricks, and Ideas

Thank you for participating in our HP Community .

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[JamesRhodri]

Hi again,

After seeing your last message, I created a new Word Document and attempted to print from the new document.

Beforehand, I'd looked at the print settings in Word and they were fine. I also made sure Office 365 was up to date as well as Acrobat PDF Reader.

Next, I started printing from the brand new document. It was very slow to start to print, paused for long periods of time and then finally the error message showed up. After the error message appeared, it spat out half of a printed page and then attempted to continue to print (It's done this every time - but prints multiple duplicate documents) so I then cancelled the print job.

I'm not sure what else it could be - the message doesn't actually state what the error is, or why it's happening. I first assumed it was due to too much data being printed in one job, but having massively reduced the amount I'm printing in one go, it doesn't make any difference.

Apologies that you're spending time trying to fix something so silly!

Thanks

James

[Dragon-Fur]

@JamesRhodri 

Forgive any delays - I am attending a conference this week...

=====================================================

Not sure.

Consider (you can do this first) > Reset the printer queue...

 Print Job Stuck in Queue - Scroll down to Additional Troubleshooting

Short Version:  Stop print service, clear the print folder, Start print service

Details…

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the folder and Delete the files from folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Start Print Spooler Service

Next...

If you have not done so, it is time to uninstall the printer software > Restart the computer > and then install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software.

Download and Save:

HP DeskJet / Ink Advantage 2600/2675/2676/2677/2678 Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

Some details...

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Start - “All the bits”

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed “but not”

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

Check and Remove Section

NOTE:  After all checks > If any devices are removed, Restart the computer and log in

Check / Remove - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

(Top Ribbon) Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Select each unwanted entry > Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Check / Remove – Print Server Properties  / Printers in Print Manager

Method – Print Server Properties (easier)

Windows key + r (opens "run" window) > type/paste printui.exe /s /t2

 Left-Click on each unwanted printer entry in the list > Highlight and Remove

Click OK to save changes and exit the menu

OR

Method – Print Management (moderately advanced)

Windows key + r (opens "run" window) > type printmanagement

Open Section Print Servers > Subsection Your computer (Local) > Subsection Drivers

Right-Click on each printer entry to Highlight and Delete

Delete / remove every instance of every printer entry you find in the list 

Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Contributed by HP Support Agent  Betty0610

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

Check / Remove - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Check / Remove  - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account

Clear HP / files in Temp folder

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (Ignore files that cannot be removed)

Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks > If any devices are removed, Restart the computer and log in

======================================================

Installation – Full Feature Software

• Open Category Software and Drivers (possibly subcategory Software-Utility) in your printer Support Website  
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software / Print and Scan Driver and Accessories or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Both the HP Smart Application and the Full Feature Software can be installed on the same computer – when available, the Full Feature Software should be installed first (and the computer should be restarted).

Consider:

 Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminders

• Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
• If there are continuing installation issues, try updating the Firmware first.
• Firmware does not have to be updated if you change computers.
• Firmware does not have to be updated when you reinstall the printer Software.

 HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

TCP/IP can resolve odd connection, scanning, and installation problems.

Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[JamesRhodri]

Hi there,

I've just gone through your last list of suggestions for fixes and I was nearing the end of the list and feeling defeated having tried everything.

However, the last suggestion, with the Port Issues seems to have had an effect. I've printed a few very small print jobs with no issues, as well as a 40 page document and there's been no issues for the most part, until further into the print job (its pausing for quite a while, printing half a page, but with no error message). But its then continued printing normally again.

I'm not sure if this means the original error is fixed, or if there's something else going on?

Thanks

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@JamesRhodri 

OK - It's  likely fixed as much as software can fix it.

The printer may not like printing forty page documents all at once.

The printer may not like the content within the document.

Try printing the document - just that one "problem" page (if you know the page number).

Convert to PDF > Open in Adobe Reader DC > Print as image

Print 1/2 the document at one time (page range 1-20, then separate job page range 21-40)

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.