Why did printer print its Network Configuration Page?

[vintage42]

Overnight, while the computer and I were sleeping, the printer printed out 4 copies of its Network Configuration Page. 

I had never done this myself, and had to look up how to make the printer do it.

It must be done by manually navigating the control panel on the printer.

I don't know if it can be done from the computer.

Why and how could the printer have done this by itself?

Is it evidence of hacking?

Is there anything I should do now?

Apple iMac 21

macOS 12 HIgh Sierra

HP ENVY 5660

Airport home network

[RichAnt]

Hello Vintage,

Thanks for a complete listing of your components; good work.  I doubt this is hacking as it happens to others infrequently.  You have received no response, possibly because this is not solvable?  It would have helped from the several posts by others relating to this to have come back and  posted  as to success. 

Unfortunately, unless the problem recurs immediately, you won't know what worked.

In the future, please reply with the steps taken for any success for future reference and Forum users, including no success.  I will monitor this thread.

If you are not successful, provide several items of information.  Provide such info for Apple Support Forums, as well.  Has this recurred more than once.  Is the printer still under warranty.  Conversely, is it fairly new or has this just cropped up after a long  period of use.  Did anything change recently, such as Mac OS update?  Does the printer perform all its functions:  copy, print, scan to i-Mac?  Do you have more than one device using the Airport wirelessly.  Can you hook up the printer to the Airport with cable and hook up the Airport with ethernet to router/modem. 

Certain corrective actions will reset the printer.  This post has a thorough reply by Mkazi with several steps; however, it's unknown if success.  These steps are: running a Hard Restart of the printer and restoring the Network  settings (when done the wi-fi needs to be reconnected, as described).

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Inkjet-Printing/HP-6960-configuration-page-keeps-printing/td-p/6017563

Suggest you may consider posting your problem on Apple support; Mac OS & System can detail your Mac iOS 12 High Sierrra; Desktop Computers has i-Mac support for your  device.  https://discussions.apple.com/welcome  and https://support.apple.com/airport entitled Airport Support.  If solved, please post here, as well.

Possibly using a USB cable from the printer to Airport would work; and is discussed herein:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00710847  entitled  Setting Up Your HP Printer on a Network with Apple AirPort

If you use AirPrint, can it be disabled or reinstalled.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02623193  entitled  HP Printers - Printing with Apple AirPrint (iOS)

I use no Apple products and am not an expert.  I am not an HP employee; just searching for helpful answers for queries on the forum.  Good luck.

[RichAnt]

One added question, Vintage, for any needed troubleshooting is:  are you enrolled in HP Instant Ink?

[vintage42]

No, not enrolled in Instant Ink. I looked at it, and thought it was too intrusive. I think it even wanted my contacts. 

I take all and any updates. HIgh Sierra when it came out, and one or two since then. 

I am on a home network with an Apple Airport router -- serving the HP printer, three Mac computers, an iPad and an iPhone. 

I received an email from HP Help saying that this issue could not be resolved in the Forum and I should call their 24/7 Help number.

I called, and it sounded like a contracted service abroad. A person said it was a driver issue and sent me an applet that gave them a cursor and they started looking around my computer. I felt uncomfortable with that, so I ended that, and  they turned me over to their supervisor. We had a conversation where he noted that something must have placed 4 copies of the Network Config Page in the printer's queue. While the computer, the printer and I were sleeping. I didn't think we were getting anywhere, so I said I could call if it happened again. 

I may try some of the ideas mentioned in your post.

[RichAnt]

Hello again vintage,

I again point out that, unless the printer does that again, we don't know if we changed/improved.

Definitely upgrading the software is needed, regardless.  Since you may have upgraded the Mac iOS , which should call for removing/reinstalling the printer's software onto the i-Mac.  It may not solve the printing pages problem.

Please do the Hard Reset prior to software downloading:

• Disconnect the power cable from the printer while the printer is still ON.
• Disconnect any other cables if connected the printer.
• Press and hold the printer’s power button for 15 seconds.
• The printer should be directly connected to the wall outlet and not to a surge protector. Reconnect the power cable to print and the printer should power ON by itself. If the printer doesn’t power ON then please manually power it ON.

Recommeded to uninstall the printer's software, if you have such on your i-pad.

This link takes you to 123.HP.com for software download. 

- Enter that EXACTLY into your brower address window (there are similar web sites that could be problematic, such as 123.HP.com/download, and many more; ignore them). 

- Also scroll down to Envy printer list, find the 5660 and click the HP Easy Start.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05666213  entitled macOS 10.13 High Sierra Compatible Printers

It's a help, if you please answer other questions, I pose them as important issues.  Such as warranty status, does it perform correctly (copy, print, scan, etc.) and others.  Also, seek help on the Apple support sources.  Good luck.

[vintage42]

OK, have added your advice to a Word doc I have been building, and will do if the spontaneous printing happens again. 

The printer has worked perfectly since bought in Feb 2017, and still does. The spontaneous printing is an isolated anomaly. 

[RichAnt]

That's a good approach.  Best of luck.  Bye.