Resolving the “Error – Printing” Status in Print Queue

HP OfficeJet printers are popular for their reliability and performance. However, users may sometimes encounter the “Error – Printing” status in the print queue, halting tasks and causing frustration. This issue occurs when a print job cannot proceed due to a problem in communication, setup, or configuration between the printer and the computer.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of this printer is in an error state and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve it.

Understanding the “Error – Printing” Status

The “Error – Printing” message in the print queue typically means that a print job cannot be processed. This error could be due to:

• Communication problems between the printer and the computer.
• Outdated or corrupt printer drivers.
• A stuck print job in the queue.
• Paper jams, low ink, or hardware issues.
• Software conflicts or settings misconfigurations.

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Common Causes of the “Error – Printing” Issue

1. Connection Problems

• USB or wireless connection issues can prevent the computer from sending print jobs correctly.

2. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Drivers

• Drivers are essential for enabling communication between your computer and printer. Corrupt or outdated drivers often result in printing errors.

3. Paper Jams or Low Ink/Toner

• Hardware issues like paper jams, empty paper trays, or low ink levels can stop a print job mid-process.

4. Print Spooler Issues

• The print spooler is a service that manages print jobs in the queue. When this service encounters an error, print jobs may get stuck or fail.

5. Incorrect Printer Settings

• If the HP OfficeJet is not set as the default printer or misconfigured, it can result in errors during printing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve the “Error – Printing” Issue

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the error:

Step 1: Restart Your Devices

A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.

1. Turn off your HP OfficeJet printer.
2. Unplug it from the power source and wait for a minute.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Plug in the printer and power it back on.

Attempt to print a document and check if the error persists.

Step 2: Check Printer Connections

For USB Printers:

• Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.
• Test the USB cable with another device to rule out damage.

For Wireless Printers:

• Verify that the printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.
• Restart your router and reconnect the printer to the network if needed.

Step 3: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job may block new tasks.

1. Open Control Panel on your computer and navigate to Devices and Printers.
2. Locate your HP OfficeJet printer and right-click it.
3. Select See what’s printing.
4. Right-click any pending print jobs and select Cancel to clear the queue.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service

Restarting the print spooler can fix issues with the print queue.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, locate Print Spooler.
4. Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
5. Close the window and try printing again.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers can lead to errors.

Update Drivers:

1. Go to the HP Support website and search for your OfficeJet model.
2. Download the latest driver compatible with your operating system.
3. Install the updated driver and restart your computer.

Reinstall Drivers:

1. Open Device Manager on your computer.
2. Expand the Printers or Print queues section.
3. Right-click your HP OfficeJet printer and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer and reinstall the printer driver from HP’s website.

Step 6: Check for Paper Jams and Ink Levels

Paper Jams:

1. Open the printer’s access panel.
2. Check for and carefully remove any stuck paper.
3. Ensure there are no torn pieces left inside the printer.

Ink Levels:

1. Open the HP printer software or app to check ink or toner levels.
2. Replace any low or empty cartridges.

Step 7: Set Your Printer as Default

If your HP OfficeJet isn’t the default printer, print jobs might fail.

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your HP OfficeJet printer and select Set as Default Printer.

Step 8: Perform a Test Print

Performing a test print helps verify if the issue is resolved.

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your HP OfficeJet printer and select Printer Properties.
3. Go to the General tab and click Print Test Page.

Step 9: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Antivirus programs or firewalls may block communication between your computer and printer.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software or firewall.
2. Attempt to print a document.
3. If it works, adjust the settings to allow printer communication while keeping security intact.

Step 10: Reset Your Printer

A factory reset can resolve deeper configuration issues.

1. Refer to your HP OfficeJet printer’s manual to access the Reset or Restore Defaults option in the settings menu.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the printer.
3. Reconfigure the printer after the reset and attempt to print again.

Step 11: Check for Firmware Updates

HP frequently releases firmware updates to address bugs and improve performance.

1. Visit the HP Support website.
2. Search for firmware updates for your specific printer model.
3. Download and install any available updates.

Conclusion

The “Error – Printing” status in the print queue can be a frustrating obstacle, but it’s usually solvable with the right approach. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and fix the root cause of the problem, ensuring your HP OfficeJet printer operates smoothly. Remember, regular maintenance and software updates are key to avoiding similar issues in the future.