Why is the '?' lit up on my printer control panel?

Pattinsonelle · ‎08-21-2019

I am unable to find out why the '?' is lit up on my printer. I have run tests using the HP Print and Scan Doctor. First of all it said there was something in the printing queue, so I cancelled that. Then I ran another test and I was told that some issues were found and were fixed with your product. I have printed test papers, status reports, and even a .pdf from HP Smart that I've just downloaded onto my mobile phone. So why is it lit up? I have noticed though that I am unable to now print from the .pdf software I use, Soda PDF, for no apparent reason. Any ideas on what is happening will be grateful received. Thank you.

Dragon-Fur · ‎08-21-2019

@Pattinsonelle

According to the User Guide (Page 8) the "?" lights when there is help available.

Item #5

Help button: Opens the Help menu when on the Home screen, or shows contextual help content if it is available for the current operation when on other screens.

There might be another use for the "?", of course. My quick check might have missed something relevant.

Printing - PDF

Even if you do not use it directly, The Full Feature Software requires that you have Adobe Reader DC installed.

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

HINT: Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

I cannot offer anything on "Soda PDF" - I have never used it. You could try removing the software (from Programs and Features or from Apps and Features) > Restarting the computer and log in > Download-Save-Install a fresh copy of the "Soda" software. The Soda website also appears to provide a Support section.

Still need help? Want more information? Search for solutions...

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

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Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP OfficeJet Pro 7720 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series

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Dragon-Fur

Pattinsonelle · ‎08-22-2019

@Dragon-Fur Thanks for the quick response to my question. I'll have a go at re-installing Soda pdf and double check that I still have the Adobe software on there too. I'm still unsure why this '?' is still illuminated as it never has been before, it's usually the 'home' icon. Only other thing I can think of is that there's been an update and it's letting me know i.e. HP Smart. I'll persevere and see what happens after checking Adobe/Soda as you've suggested. Many thanks, Pattinsonelle.

Dragon-Fur · ‎08-22-2019

@Pattinsonelle

You are welcome.

You could try the printer reset option (referenced in '0xc19a0005' Error or Similar Error Displays).

NOTE: The reference to this document is not intended to give you the idea that the printer is having hardware issues; the document is just one of the sources that provides the "reset" option.

Step 1: Reset the printer

In some cases, removing the ink cartridges and resetting the printer can clear the error message.

Turn on the printer.
Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
Disconnect the USB cable from the rear of the printer. If your printer has a network or wireless connection, leave it connected.
Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and from the wall outlet or power strip.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
note:
HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to a wall outlet.
Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.
Reinsert the ink cartridges, and then close the ink cartridge access door.
If you receive a prompt to print a calibration page, do so.
If you disconnected the USB cable, reconnect it to the rear of the printer.
Try to print.

The fact that you can print with other than the Soda software is good news - not for your Soda software, of course - it does suggest the issue is not wide-spread.

You could also try Restarting everything, including your Router and everything connected to your network. This is a bit of "overkill" in that your phone (for example) is not likely interfering with your printer software on the computer. There might be a communication issue (something stuck somewhere) - restarting everything gives the network a chance to clear and start over.