printer will not make a copy error printer not connected to a network

[gyiyg]

I was making copies for my taxes when it stopped and said that my printer was not connected to a network

[Sneha_01]

Hi @gyiyg 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your printer has lost its network connection while you were trying to make copies. This can happen if there’s an issue with the Wi-Fi or the printer's settings. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check the Network Connection

• Confirm Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your printer is still connected to your Wi-Fi network. If the printer is connected to a wireless network, you should be able to check the Wi-Fi status on the printer’s display.
  • On the printer screen, go to the Wireless or Network settings.
  • Check if it shows a Connected status to your Wi-Fi network. If it’s not connected, follow the steps below to reconnect it.

2. Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi

Using the Printer’s Control Panel:

1. On the printer screen, go to Settings or Network.
2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard or Wi-Fi Setup.
3. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password if required and confirm.
5. Wait for the printer to connect to the network. The printer should show a Connected status once it’s successfully connected.

Using the Printer’s Software on a Computer: If the printer is not responding through its control panel, you can use your computer's printer software to reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi.

• For Windows:
  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  2. Right-click on your printer and select Printer Properties.
  3. Under the Ports tab, verify that the printer is set to use the correct network port.
• For Mac:
  1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Select your printer and click Options & Supplies.
  3. Ensure the correct network settings are selected.

3. Restart the Printer and Router

Sometimes, resetting the devices can help re-establish the connection:

• Restart your printer: Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
• Restart your router: Unplug it for 10-20 seconds and plug it back in.

4. Check the Printer’s IP Address

If your printer is not automatically reconnecting to the network, try manually setting the IP address:

• Go to the printer’s menu and print a network configuration page (usually under the Wireless Settings).
• Find the IP address of the printer on that page.
• If it’s not valid or doesn’t match the network range of your router, update the network settings accordingly.

5. Use HP’s Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

If the issue is still unresolved, try using HP's diagnostic tool:

• Download and install HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s website.
• Run the tool and follow the instructions to detect and fix any network issues.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[gyiyg]

ok but it still does not print etc.  Is there a way I can plug the usb cable into it?  This wifi is not reliable and I have a cable.  

[gyiyg]

Is there a way I can get the printer to work with a cable?  It has a slot for one and I have a cable that will reach it.  

[gyiyg]

How can I hook up to my printer??   Say for example when there is no wifi.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @gyiyg,

Thank you for yuour response, Yes, you can connect your HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer directly to your computer using a USB cable to make it work without relying on a network connection.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Check for USB Port Availability

Make sure that your printer and computer both have a USB port available. The HP DeskJet 4255e supports a USB connection, so you should be able to connect the printer directly to your computer using the USB cable.

2. Connect the Printer to Your Computer

• Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on your printer.
• Plug the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.

3. Install the Printer Drivers

Once the printer is physically connected via USB, your computer should automatically detect the printer. If the drivers are not installed automatically, you can do the following:

Windows:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
2. Click on Add a printer or scanner.
3. Your printer should show up in the list. Select it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers.

Mac:

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the + button to add a printer.
3. Your printer should appear in the list. Select it and click Add to install the drivers.

Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers directly from HP’s official website:

• HP DeskJet 4255e Drivers

4. Set as Default Printer

After installation, you can set your HP DeskJet 4255e as the default printer:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and click Set as default.
• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click Default printer.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.