Why do I have to delete and re-add my printer everytime

[jdcalarco]

Almost every time I was to print, my printer goes into an off-line and won't return unless I delete the printer and re-add it using the WEP passcode. This is super frustrating and there have been several times that I've wanted to launch the printer to the moon. It never works when I need it most...

[Dragon-Fur]

@jdcalarco 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

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@jdcalarco wrote:

Why do I have to delete and re-add my printer every time?

Almost every time I was to print, my printer goes into an off-line and won't return unless I delete the printer and re-add it using the WEP passcode. This is super frustrating and there have been several times that I've wanted to launch the printer to the moon. It never works when I need it most...

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I would guess the reason for the constant need to re-add the printer is due to the printer losing track of the network and not being able to find its way back.

Reasons vary widely, of course - "lost, alone, and cannot recover" can be caused by anything from corrupted drivers, weak network connection, or the network printer connection type.  The printer firmware might be outdated.

What to do?

Relatively "hands free" solution first

Run this "offline" version of the Doctor to correct connection issues

Offline Doctor V5.0.6

  HPPSdr_5.0.6.exe

• 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.

Original 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.

After the Offline Doctor completes…

Verify / Adjust the “Default” printing device (Default Printer)

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

OR

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

NOTES – Selecting Default Printer 

1. Do not select the printer marked as “Scan Only / DO NOT DELETE”
2. Do not select the printer marked as “Fax”

Example Default Printer:  Set “Default” Printer = HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3 (Net)

Reference:  HP Printers - Printer is Offline (Windows) > Step 2: Manually set the default printer

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What else?

If the type of connection is contributing to the issue, change the connection type to TCP/IP.

Method - Create TCP IP port

Find printer's IP /  IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on Printer Control / Display Panel

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

 Right-Click on the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

 Select Tab Ports  > Add Port

 Select Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port and follow the wizard.
 Use / Enter IP address for the printer.

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

Video:  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)”

OR

Method – Add printer using TCP/IP

Please try adding the printer using the printer’s IP address

Find the IP Address of the printer on the Printer Control / Display Panel (touch Wireless button)

Control Panel > icon view Devices and Printers

Click in the top ribbon, Add a Printer

Wait till the menu starts…
Select / Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
Select / Click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

Select / Click Next
Device Type > Select in Drop-Down Menu:  TCP/IP Device

Hostname or IP Address > Enter the IP Address of the printer

(Skip Port Name)

Select / Click Next

Complete for any additional information

Reference

HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

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Firmware

Example

Use Embedded Web Server (EWS) to find your printer's Firmware version

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Tools > Printer Information > Firmware Version

Example - EWS - Extract the firmware version from the full firmware version information.

Firmware Version

MANHHIPP1N001.2010A.00

In necessary, that is, your printer firmware is outdated, update the firmware

HP OfficeJet 5200 All-in-One Printer series Firmware Update

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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 OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer 

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