Printer won't print anything - not even a test page - on light is blinking but no others

[derby-sage]

Tried to print - got error message ' error printing on HP8100'. I have unplugged all cables, taken out and reinstalled ink catridges, which HP software indicates still have ink and have been working fine up to now. Went through diagnostic software and have uninstalled and reinstalled software but no change. I don't know what to do next. Please help.

[Echo_Lake]

@derby-sage

Thank you for posting on HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:  

Step 1: Reset the power module and test the wall outlet

Unplug the printer to reset the internal power module, plug another appliance into the wall outlet to test the power, and then reconnect the printer.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, power strip, or surge protector.

3. While the printer is unplugged, plug another appliance into the wall outlet, and then turn it on to make sure the outlet works.

   • If the wall outlet does not work, plug the printer into an outlet that does work. Do not use a power strip or surge protector.

   • If the wall outlet works, continue with these steps.

4. After the printer has been disconnected for at least 60 seconds, reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

5. Plug the power cord directly into the wall outlet. Do not use a power strip or surge protector.

6. Check the rear of the printer and the ink cartridge access area to see if the internal power module has an indicator light.

   • If the internal power module has a light, the light is on, and the printer turns on, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the internal power module has a light and the light is on, but the printer still does not turn on, continue to the next step.

   • If the internal power module has a light and the light is off, skip to the step to Test the power with another compatible power cord.

   • If the internal power module does not have a light, continue to the next step.

   Internal power module indicator light on the rear of the printer:

   1. Screw

   2. Indicator light

   Internal power module indicator light in the ink cartridge access area:

   1. Indicator light

   Internal power module without an indicator light:

   

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[derby-sage]

Hi Echo

It is not a power supply issue. The green standby light is dimly illuminated. If I press it the the ink level screen comes on showing there is ink and the power light flashes green. I have it connected to my pc with a USB cable. I have tried the unplugging and switching back on routine, changed the USB cable and used a different USB slot on my pc. I have even tried a different pc and laptop. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software and checked the driver is up to date. It has been working fine for a few years but now won't print anything from any program - I just get an error message. I have tried printing from notepad but nothing happens. Is there a hard reset (factory reset) that can be done?

[Echo_Lake]

@derby-sage

Thank you for posting back. 

Let's try this:

• 1) Take out the cartridges.  
• 2) Unplug the power cord from the printer & wall.  
• 3) Wait for 30 seconds.   
• 4) Plug the power cord back into the printer and wall, ensure the printer is plugged into the wall & not to a surge protector.  
• 5) Insert the cartridges back into the printer. 
• Remove the cartridges > Unplug the power cord > Wait for 30 seconds > Plug the power cord back > Insert the cartridges.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[derby-sage]

Hello again Echo

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have tried what you suggested to no avail. I still have a flashing green power light and an error message when sending a document to print.

[Echo_Lake]

@derby-sage

Thank you for posting back. 

Let's try these steps to resolve the issue: 

Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor: Follow steps from the link: Click here

Root level uninstall and reinstall printer drivers: 

• Go to Control panel – Programs and feature – Select all the HP DeskJet printer entries and uninstall them.
• Now go to Control panel – Devices and printer – Select all the printer entries and remove the device.
• Then press the "windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - Type "printui.exe /s" and press enter.
• Under print server properties, go to drivers - remove any entry there as well.
• Again, go to run window, type – “c:/programdata” – Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

To reinstall, click here.

• If the issue continues, uninstall and reinstall printer Basic drivers from the link: Click here
• If the issue still continues, install using the Windows Built-in Print Driver: Click here

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[derby-sage]

I have already run the printer and scan doctor before contacting HP. Running it again now it is has stopped on Device Status and is stating 'device error detected' and suggesting I check that the cartridges and printheads are the correct ones. They are HP original cartridges and printheads and have worked OK before. Before the machine stopped working it did print 2 printhead alignment pages of its own accord. As the print quality seemed fine i thought this was a bit odd. There have been no messages saying ink is low and I am a bit reluctant to spend a lot of money on new ink cartridges if it will not fix the problem.

It also states to clear any error message on the printer display after checking the cartridges and printheads but my printer does not display any error messages.

I'm not sure if it is worth proceeding with your other recommendations if i can't get past this stage. Also, I have a HP 7610 printer connected to the same pc (working fine) - when you talk about removing HP folders, files, drivers etc, will I be able to retain the HP7610 files or will I have to delete every HP file?

[Echo_Lake]

@derby-sage

Thank you for posting back. 

I appreciate your efforts to try to resolve the issue. As we have limited support boundaries in the support community as of now.

I would request you to contact our Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance. Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.