Setting up printer

[Shannon1010]

I have tried several routes to troubleshoot the issue-adding printer/setting up. 

I am not able to finish the process, I get an error message ('error message 3') and/or a pop up stating my printer cannot be located, its offline, or an issue occurred and try again later.  I used the HP smart app and the Drives as recommended.  I went through the diagnosis and detect my device, 3-5 minute attempts to locate printer and I get the same error message! So frustrating! 

[MysteriousMe]

Welcome to HP Support Community, @Shannon1010 

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

Step 1: Decide how the printer is connected
Tell me if the printer is connected by USB cable or by Wi-Fi. The steps are different.
Please reply with either: USB or Wi-Fi.

If you want to try fixes immediately, here are the plain-text steps:

Step 2: Restart Windows printing system

Press Windows + R

Type: services.msc

Press Enter

Find “Print Spooler”

Right-click it

Select Restart

Make sure its Startup Type is Automatic

Check if the printer appears under Settings → Devices → Printers.

Step 3: Clear stuck printer system files

Press Windows + R

Type: services.msc

Stop the Print Spooler service

Go to this folder on your computer:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Delete all files inside that PRINTERS folder

Start the Print Spooler service again

Check again if the printer appears.

Step 4: Completely remove HP drivers

Press Windows + R

Type: printui /s /t2

A window opens

Remove every HP driver shown

Choose “Remove driver and driver package”

Restart the computer

Then try to add the printer again.

Step 5: Test USB or Wi-Fi connection
If USB:
– Disconnect the USB cable
– Restart the computer
– Reconnect the USB cable directly to the laptop (not through a hub)
– Wait 20 seconds, check if Windows detects it

If Wi-Fi:
– Printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network
– Print network report or check printer Wi-Fi light
– If printer not connected to Wi-Fi, it will never appear in HP Smart or Windows

Step 6: Restart network services (for Wi-Fi printers)

Press Windows + R

Type: services.msc

Start these services if stopped:

Function Discovery Provider Host

Function Discovery Resource Publication

Set each to Automatic

Step 7: Disable blockers
Turn off VPN temporarily
Turn off antivirus network protection temporarily
Retry adding the printer

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.