HP Printers - Using HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

What if HP Print and Scan Doctor cannot find my printer?

If the tool cannot find your printer, read the following lists of troubleshooting tips to connect your printer.

For detailed information on how to connect your printer or if you get an error message when trying to connect, go to the HP Customer Support page, type your printer model, and then search for the document on installing your printer for a USB, wired (Ethernet), or wireless connection or for the error message that displays.

Wireless network connection

Use these recommendations and procedures to troubleshoot and avoid wireless connectivity issues.

Restart the printer and the computer: Restarting the computer and the printer can clear error conditions.
Confirm the printer connection and network name: On the printer, make sure the blue light next to the Wireless icon is on and steady. Open the Wireless network menu to make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
Move the printer and router closer together: Move the printer and the computer closer to your wireless router, to within 6 ft (1.8 m). Wireless signals are weaker at greater distances between the printer and the router.
Manually connect the printer to the network: Many HP printers have a Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer control panel network or wireless settings menus. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to the network.
Restart the router: If you are experiencing a slow or intermittent wireless connection, restart your router. Consult your router manufacturer, Internet service provider, or network administrator for instructions on how to restart the router.
Check the router band setting: Many routers operate in both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands, but not all HP printers support both bands. Make sure the 2.4 GHz router band is turned on and broadcasting. If the router broadcasts separate network names (SSIDs) for each band, connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band SSID.
Check your firewall software: Your firewall software might prevent the printer from accessing the computer. Accept or allow any firewall messages that display during the printer software download and installation. You can also configure the software to allow HP downloads and installations.
Check for obstructions between the printer and the router: Remove any metal objects between the printer, the computer, and the access point (router). Objects such as refrigerators or metal bookcases can interfere with wireless signals.
Check for other devices that emit radio and wireless signals: Move any devices that emit radio signals, such as microwaves and cordless telephones, farther away from the printer.
Set the IP address on the printer: Your printer can bypass automatic IP address assignment by DHCP and use any valid IP address you choose. Use the control panel menu to type an IP address that is valid for use on your local area network.

Wired (Ethernet) connection

Use these tips and procedures to troubleshoot and avoid wired network connectivity issues.

Restart the printer and the computer: Restarting the computer and the printer can clear error conditions.
Confirm the network connection: Confirm that your printer is connected to the wired network by checking the cable and the lights on the printer’s Ethernet port. The green link light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink when the cable is connected.
Check the cable: Examine the Ethernet cable attached to the rear of the printer to make sure that it is not a phone cable (Ethernet cables and phone cables look similar but are different sizes).
Ethernet Cable

Phone Cable
Reconnect the cable: Disconnect, and then reconnect the Ethernet cable to the rear of the printer, and then plug the cable into another valid port on the router.
Use a different cable: Connect a different Ethernet cable.

USB connection

Use these tips and procedures to help troubleshoot and avoid USB connectivity issues.

Restart the printer and the computer: Restarting the computer and the printer can clear possible error conditions.
Reconnect the cable: Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
Connect to a different USB port: Connect the cable to a different USB port on the computer.
Disconnect from a USB hub or docking station: If you are using a USB hub or docking station, try connecting the cable directly to the computer.
Try a different USB cable: Use a different USB cable. HP supports USB cables less than 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in length.
Disconnect other USB devices: If you have several USB-connected devices, such as another printer, the computer might not have sufficient power supplied to the USB ports to detect all of them. Disconnect any other USB devices that are not in use.

How do I resolve issues if I have a Mac?

HP Print and Scan Doctor is not available for Mac. However, select one of the following links to resolve common printing, connection, or scanning issues.

Printer wireless connection issues: If you have successfully connected your printer to a wireless network, but the connection drops, go to Printer Does Not Maintain Wireless Connection.
Printer offline issue: If you see an offline message as the status for the printer or a Printer not responding message when attempting to print, go to Printer is Offline (Mac).
Print jobs stuck in the print queue: If your printer doesn't print or is unresponsive, go to Print Jobs Stuck in Print Queue (Mac).
Print quality issues: If the quality of a printed document or photo is not as expected, go to HP Customer Support, type your printer model number, and then search for print quality to find the Fixing Poor Print Quality document for steps to resolve the issue.
Scan connection issues: Go to Network Scanner Connection Error (Mac) or USB Scanner Connection Error (Mac), depending on your printer connection type.
Scan quality issues: If the computer file or printout has vertical lines, incorrect colors, color bands, or poor resolution after scanning, go to Improving Scan Quality.

I have already installed the printer software. Why am I being prompted to install it again?

HP Print and Scan Doctor detected missing printer software or problems that might be resolved by installing the latest software.

HP Printers - Using HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

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