can an hp printer be locked from printing?

[mattsplat]

I don't want anyone to print or copy from my printer, so I want to lock the printer with a password so printing and copying is not possible when locked.  Does the HP officejet 8620 have this capability?  

Thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@mattsplat

The easier option is to assign a password to your network that you do not share.   This is the password you use to log into your home network.  Without the ability to access your network, users cannot get into the network (computers, printer, router).  This is the network password mentioned in the following document:  Find Your Wireless WEP, WPA, WPA2 Password

If you need additional control, you can assign a password to the printer.  I use this level of control on my printers.

Lock the printer using the Administrator password feature.

There are two parts:

1. Assign the password for the printer
2. Enable / Disable print functions

KNOW and Be Aware of the following:

• Once assigned, do NOT (repeat NOT) lose the password.  If you do so, the password cannot be retrieved nor can it be reset without having to complete a Semi-Full reset on the printer. 
• Semi-Full Reset instructions are available from HP agents, but are not shared publicly (on the forum). 
• We do have HP agents that work on the forum; their service is voluntary and subject to availability.  If necessary, you can open a thread (new post) and request reset help here on the community forum.
• Instructions you (might) find on the Internet might work - or they might lock your printer permanently.
• Assign a password that you can remember and write it down.  Save the information in a place you can access.  Ordinarily we do not recommend writing down passwords - this is one of those exceptions where the risk is outweighed by the hassle of losing the password (and losing use of the printer).

If the printer is on the network, use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to manage and configure your printer.

For example:

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

Tab Settings

Category Security

• Password Settings (to assign the password)
• Administrator Settings (to enable / disable security features)

Visuals:

HP_8630_EWS_Settings_Security_1EWS_Security_Admin-Settings_1 

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and information for your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

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

HP Officejet Pro 8620 e-All-in-One Printer series

 User Guide

 Using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)

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

[mattsplat]

Hi Dragon.  I used EWS to set a password and applied it to all print options, but I was still able to use the printer even when I wasn't signed in.  I even confirmed it by doing a refresh on the EWS page and I was asked for the password.  Then I logged out again but was still able to print.  I am not sure what I could have done wrong.  Would I need to reboot the printer and/or computer after setting a password?

[Dragon-Fur]

@mattsplat

The EWS password protects the printer directly (walk up) but cannot prevent authorized users from printing from the computer or other devices.

The Wireless password used to access the network protects Wireless access to the computer, router, printer, and other devices on that network.

What you can do depends on how much control you have over the environment.

For example, I believe it is possible to install the Full Feature Software on your computer and indicate that you wish it only usable by the author, that is, the person installing the software.

Before you make changes, consider:  Create a Restore Point

Stop all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

Options include (and may not be limited to):

You can lock the C:\\Windows\temp folder on the computer - remove "unwanted" users from the Security list of allowed users.  There is also a Temp folder in each user's AppData folder hierarchy - this is harder to control simply because users generally retain control over files and folders in their own account.

A widely used option is to lock the printer in the Printer Properties and remove Print access to "Everyone".   The procedure is explained in this article:How to Password-Protect a Printer

Example - Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on your printer > Printer Properties 

Tab Security

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

[mattsplat]

I don't think any of these solutions will work for me since I don't even want anyone in my home to be able to copy pages.  Nor do I want them to be able to plug their laptop directly into the printer with a USB cable to print without my authorization.  

Thank  you for trying to help

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@mattsplat

You are welcome.

Perhaps your easiest option is to lock the printer in a closet.  Sounds a bit extreme - it may be necessary if you cannot secure the printer on the network (SSID / passphrase) and you cannot prevent the phyiscal access (someone sneaking in and connecting via USB cable).

Or, you could remove the printer tray (if it is removable) and lock up the tray.  

Good Luck.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

[mattsplat]

Yes, I can't prevent physical access to the printer - but I could lock the paper tray.  What a great idea.  Thanks!