Printer wont connect with computer Now just says default, error

[WadeG]

hAVENT BEEN ABLE TO CONNECT PRINTER WITH COMPUTER FO ABOUT A MONTH - HAD MY COMPANY INTERNAL IT DEPARTMENT WORK ON IT AND ALL THEY CAME UP WITH IS THAT IT SAID SOMETHING ABOUT INK CARTIRIDGES.  NOT SURE IF THATS THE REAL ISSUE OR NOT

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @WadeG ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand multiple issues could affect your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to try to resolve the issue:

1. Check Ink Cartridges

Even if the ink cartridges are not the direct cause of the connectivity issue, they can sometimes cause the printer to enter an error state that affects other functions.

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly installed.
• Check if the ink levels are sufficient. Replace any empty or near-empty cartridges.
• Look for any error messages on the printer display related to the ink cartridges.

2. Restart Printer and Computer

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Turn off your computer.
• Wait for about a minute, then plug the printer back in and turn it on.
• Turn your computer back on and try to connect to the printer again.

3. Check Printer Connection

Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer.

• If using a USB connection, ensure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
• If using a wireless connection, ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a tool called "HP Print and Scan Doctor" that can help diagnose and fix many common printing and scanning problems.

• Download and install HP Print and Scan Doctor.
• Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Reinstall Printer Drivers  Software and Drivers for HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

There might be an issue with the printer drivers on your computer.

• Uninstall the current printer drivers:
  • On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers," right-click your printer, and select "Remove device."
  • On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," select your printer, and click the minus button.
• Download and install the latest drivers from the HP Support website.

6. Check Printer Status

Ensure the printer is set as the default printer and is not paused or offline.

• On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers," right-click your printer, and select "Set as default printer."
• On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," right-click your printer, and select "Set as default printer."

7. Update Printer Firmware  Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure your printer firmware is up-to-date.

• Go to the HP Support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest firmware update.

8. Network Configuration

If you are using a network printer, ensure your network settings are correct.

• Verify the IP address of the printer and ensure it is on the same network as your computer.
• You can print a network configuration page from the printer's control panel to check the IP address and network status.

Refer to this document:  HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer User manual

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. 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @WadeG ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand multiple issues could affect your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to try to resolve the issue:

1. Check Ink Cartridges

Even if the ink cartridges are not the direct cause of the connectivity issue, they can sometimes cause the printer to enter an error state that affects other functions.

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly installed.
• Check if the ink levels are sufficient. Replace any empty or near-empty cartridges.
• Look for any error messages on the printer display related to the ink cartridges.

2. Restart Printer and Computer

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Turn off your computer.
• Wait for about a minute, then plug the printer back in and turn it on.
• Turn your computer back on and try to connect to the printer again.

3. Check Printer Connection

Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer.

• If using a USB connection, ensure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
• If using a wireless connection, ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a tool called "HP Print and Scan Doctor" that can help diagnose and fix many common printing and scanning problems.

• Download and install HP Print and Scan Doctor.
• Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Reinstall Printer Drivers  Software and Drivers for HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

There might be an issue with the printer drivers on your computer.

• Uninstall the current printer drivers:
  • On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers," right-click your printer, and select "Remove device."
  • On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," select your printer, and click the minus button.
• Download and install the latest drivers from the HP Support website.

6. Check Printer Status

Ensure the printer is set as the default printer and is not paused or offline.

• On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "Devices and Printers," right-click your printer, and select "Set as default printer."
• On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," right-click your printer, and select "Set as default printer."

7. Update Printer Firmware  Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure your printer firmware is up-to-date.

• Go to the HP Support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest firmware update.

8. Network Configuration

If you are using a network printer, ensure your network settings are correct.

• Verify the IP address of the printer and ensure it is on the same network as your computer.
• You can print a network configuration page from the printer's control panel to check the IP address and network status.

Refer to this document:  HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer User manual

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.