Top 7 HP Printer Troubleshooting Methods | Printer Tales

While printers are a reliable and fastest source of loads of paperwork, they also have their downside. After some time, they can get issues or require maintenance, which is common among machines. You will encounter various types of errors, such as Setup & Installment Issues, the Printer being Offline, Corrupt or Faulty Print Driver, Paper jams, and the list goes on. So, here are some common troubleshooting methods that you can try for all types of errors. 

What are the Common Causes of Printer Errors?

Usually, you will find an uncountable number of errors and reasons behind them. Here is the list for you to understand common reasons. 

• Paper Jam
• Driver Issues (Corrupt, Missing, Outdated)
• Clogged Ink
• Empty Ink or Toner Cartridges
• Wireless or Wired Connection Error
• Improper Paper Settings
• Incorrect Settings of Cartridges or Rollers
• Printer Not Set as Default
• Use Printer Offline Mode Enabled
• Corrupt Files or Print Job Stuck in a Queue 

And the list of print problems continues. You will find many errors while working on print jobs. However, if you do not know how to fix the issue on the spot, try some of these ideas. These methods will instantly fix the error, and if it doesn’t, connect with a support service to help you out. Let’s check out all of these solutions. 

Method 1: Set as Default Printer

Setting your print system as the "Default Printer" is required by the PC. It helps your system to recognize the printer as the default one and get started. Follow these troubleshooting steps to reset the print system to default settings:

• First, enter "control panel" into the search tab.
• Then, open the "run" dialogue box on your computer.
• After that, choose "devices and printers" from the control panel.
• On the next screen, choose your HP model.
• Next, right-click on it, and select "set as default printer" to continue.
• If a green checkmark below the print icon appears, the process is complete. 

Method 2: Cancel All Print Jobs

Another reason for a print error could be a corrupt or blocked print queue. The print queue can become unresponsive. When it happens, you won’t be able to print anything. In order to fix the blocked print queue, it is required to cancel them. Here is how to do that.

• Go to the Control Panel and select Devices and Printers.
• Then, open the Printers section and right-click on your model.
• After that, you have to choose “See what's printing.”
• Go to the Printer menu and choose “Open As Administrator.”
• Again, open the Printer section.
• Now, you have to select “Cancel All Documents.”
• In the next step, confirm the process.
• You have canceled all of the print jobs.
• Now see whether the print system is working properly or not.

Method 3: Update Faulty and Outdated Printer Driver

The best method is to update or reinstall the printer driver when it doesn't print documents or is stuck in between the procedures. Here are the instructions to update the driver:

• First, open the dialogue box.
• Go to the “Search” tab and enter "run.”
• Then, type "devmgmt.msc" in the dialogue box.
• In the next step, press the "OK" button.
• Now, the Windows device manager will appear on your screen.
• After that, double-click the "print queues" category to open it.
• Right-click your model name that appears under the queue category.
• Select the Update driver option from the menu.
• Finally, wait for the update to be finalized.
• Lastly, complete the on-screen instructions as shown.

Method 4: Check Print Spooler Service

The print spooler makes it easy for the PC to interact with the printer. Also, it handles the print jobs in the queue. If you are dealing with the "printer spooler error" message, it means a print job is stuck in the queue. You can fix it with the following instructions. 

• First, close all of the programs, like Word and any others.
• Do not command any other print job to the system.
• Now, go to the "Search" tab and enter "Administrative Tools.”
• In the next step, you have to select "Services."
• Then, locate the "Print Spooler" by scrolling down the list.
• Right-click on the Print Spooler service, and click on "Stop."
• After that, double-click on "Local Disk (C:)” and open "My Computer."
• Next, you have to choose the "Windows" folder.
• Thereafter, the Folder "System32" will open.
• Click on the "spool" option and tap on "Printers."
• Next, delete all print jobs included in this folder.
• Go back to "Services" and search for "print spooler."
• Finally, right-click on the option.
• In the end, select the "Start" option.

Now try printing a test page to see if the error has been resolved after restarting the spooler.

Method 5: Clear the Print Command

Due to a backlog of previous print commands, the printer frequently cannot accept the command. According to the troubleshooting manual for HP printers, you need to clear any previously stuck commands first. Then, you can issue a new print job. Here, follow the instructions to cancel the previous print queue.

• Go to “Start,” then open the Control Panel.
• Next, click on "device and printers" in the control panel.
• Then, right-click the HP printer icon.
• Now, you have to choose the "What's print" option.
• After that, go to the "Printer" menu and choose "cancel all documents."
• Here, clear the previous print queue.
• To confirm the step, tap on "Yes."
• In the end, you can finish your print job.

Method 6: Check for Hardware Issues

Follow the instructions in the below section if the print system is refusing to print. Sometimes, a clogged print head or cartridge may cause the issue and block the movement. So, you should check for dirt, debris, or ink clogged in the nozzle. Here is what you should do. 

• First, check if your printer has enough paper, ink, and toner supply.
• Then, open the machine and check if there is a carriage jam.
• You can also connect with a printer expert to resolve internal issues.
• Try to replace an outdated print driver with an updated and compatible one.
• Check for dust or debris in the internal parts of the machine and clean them.
• If you want to prevent future issues, use genuine cartridges and other parts.

Method 7: Clear Corrupt Files With SFC Scan

You can run a system file checker is a useful feature in Windows. It helps to scan the system files and repair the missing or corrupt system files. Here is how to do it.

• On your keyboard, tap the Windows logo key.
• Then, you need to enter “cmd” in the search tab. 
• Next, right-click on Command Prompt.
• Tap the Run as administrator option.
• Tap the Yes button in the next step.
• In the prompt box, enter the “sfc /scannow” command.
• After that, press the Enter button.

Read More:- 5 Ways to Fix HP Printer Won’t Print Error | Printer Tales 

• In the next step, restart the PC to restore the changes. 
• Check if the print system is working properly now.  

These seven methods are the easiest and most effective for fixing errors. For an HP printer, you can easily perform them and get rid of the problem. However, if you have to fix any specific printer error, visit us at Printer Tales and connect with skilled professionals. Give us a call at +1-877-469-0297 or +44-800-054-8150 or drop an email at (info@printertales.com).