HP8710 printer no longer responds to commands

[LHS8]

have 8710 printer that isnt responding to software. have deleted software and reinstalled multiple times. happening over time. printer is 5 years old

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @LHS8 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for the clear rundown—sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 is experiencing a deeper communication breakdown between the software and the printer, especially if reinstalling hasn’t helped and the issue has worsened over time. 

Let’s walk through a more advanced recovery strategy:

Step 1: Full Root-Level Uninstall

1. Disconnect the printer (USB or network)
2. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
   • Uninstall all HP-related software (HP Smart, OfficeJet drivers, etc.)
3. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
   • Remove all instances of the 8710
4. Open Device Manager
   • Click View > Show hidden devices
   • Expand Printers and Print queues
   • Right-click and uninstall anything related to HP
   • Check the box: “Delete the driver software for this device”

Step 2: Clear Print Spooler

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter
2. Find Print Spooler, right-click > Stop
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files
4. Go back to services.msc and Start the Print Spooler again

Step 3: Reinstall with Full Feature Software

• Download the full driver package from HP’s official 8710 support page
• Right-click the installer > Run as Administrator
• Avoid HP Smart during setup—use the full feature installer for better control

Step 4: Manual TCP/IP Port Setup (if networked)

If the printer is on Wi-Fi or Ethernet:

1. Get the printer’s IP address from its control panel
2. Go to Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > Ports tab
3. Click Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port
4. Enter the IP address and select the correct driver

Step 5: Firmware Update via USB

• Connect the printer via USB
• Download the latest firmware updater from HP’s site
• Run it to ensure the printer’s internal software is current

If the printer wakes up but doesn’t respond to jobs, this method often resolves spooler or driver corruption that builds up over time. 

Let me know if you want help setting up a test print via Embedded Web Server—happy to dig deeper.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye