Unable to print

If you're having trouble printing, you can download the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which can troubleshoot this issue for you automatically. To get the utility, click the appropriate link:

Note 

The HP Print and Scan Doctor may not be available in all languages.

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To resolve print issues

Note 

Make sure that the printer is turned on and that there is paper in the tray. If you are still unable to print, try the following in order:

  1. Check for error messages from the printer display and resolve them by following the on-screen instructions.

  2. If your computer is connected to the printer with a USB cable, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable. If your computer is connected to the printer with a wireless connection, confirm that the connection is working.

  3. Verify that the printer is not paused or offline.

    To verify that the printer is not paused or offline

    1. Depending on your operating system, do one of the following.

      • Windows 8: Point to or tap the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, click the Settings icon, click or tap Control Panel, and then click or tap View devices and printers.

      • Windows 7: From the Windows Start menu, click Devices and Printers.

      • Windows Vista: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers.

      • Windows XP: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Faxes.

    2. Either double-click the icon for your printer or right-click the icon for your printer and select See what’s printing to open the print queue.

    3. On the Printer menu, make sure there are no check marks next to Pause Printing or Use Printer Offline.

    4. If you make any changes, try to print again.

  4. Verify that the printer is set as the default printer.

    To verify that the printer is set as the default printer

    1. Depending upon your operating system, do one of the following:

      • Windows 8: Point to or tap the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, click the Settings icon, click or tap Control Panel, and then click or tap View devices and printers.

      • Windows 7: From the Windows Start menu, click Devices and Printers.

      • Windows Vista: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers.

      • Windows XP: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Faxes.

    2. Make sure the correct printer is set as the default printer.

      The default printer has a check mark in a black or green circle next to it.

    3. If the wrong printer is set as the default printer, right-click the correct printer and select Set as Default Printer.

    4. Try using your printer again.

  5. Restart the print spooler.

    To restart the print spooler

    1. Depending upon your operating system, do one of the following:

      Windows 8

      1. Point to or tap the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, and then click the Settings icon.

      2. Click or tap Control Panel, and then click or tap System and Security.

      3. Click or tap Administrative Tools, and then double-click or double-tap Services.

      4. Right-click or touch and hold Print Spooler, and then click Properties.

      5. On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.

      6. If the service is not already running, under Service status, click or tap Start, and then click or tap OK.

      Windows 7

      1. From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, System and Security, and then Administrative Tools.

      2. Double-click Services.

      3. Right-click the Print Spooler, and then click Properties.

      4. On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.

      5. If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.

      Windows Vista

      1. From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, System and Maintenance, Administrative Tools.

      2. Double-click Services.

      3. Right-click the Print Spooler service, and then click Properties.

      4. On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.

      5. If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.

      Windows XP

      1. From the Windows Start menu, right click My Computer.

      2. Click Manage, and then click Services and Applications.

      3. Double-click Services, and then select Print Spooler.

      4. Right-click Print Spooler, and click Restart to restart the service.

    2. Make sure the correct printer is set as the default printer.

      The default printer has a check mark in a black or green circle next to it.

    3. If the wrong printer is set as the default printer, right-click the correct printer and select Set as Default Printer.

    4. Try using your printer again.

  6. Restart the computer.

  7. Clear the print queue.

    To clear the print queue

    1. Depending upon your operating system, do one of the following:

      • Windows 8: Point to or tap the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, click the Settings icon, click or tap Control Panel, and then click or tap View devices and printers.

      • Windows 7: From the Windows Start menu, click Devices and Printers.

      • Windows Vista: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers.

      • Windows XP: From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Faxes.

    2. Double-click the icon for your printer to open the print queue.

    3. On the Printer menu, click Cancel all documents or Purge Print Document, and then click Yes to confirm.

    4. If there are still documents in the queue, restart the computer and try printing again after the computer has restarted.

    5. Check the print queue again to make sure it is clear, and then try to print again.

To check the power connection and reset the printer

  1. Make sure the power cord is firmly connected to the printer.

    Graphic - Check the power connection

    1

    Power connection to the printer

    2

    Connection to a power outlet

  2. Look inside the printer and check for a green light indicating the printer is receiving electrical power. If it is not lit, make sure the cord is fully plugged into the printer, or connect to another power outlet.

  3. Look at the On button located on the printer. If it is not lit, the printer is turned off. Press the On button to turn on the printer.

    Note 

    If the printer is not receiving electrical power, connect it to another power outlet.

  4. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the side of the printer under the cartridge access door.

  5. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

  6. Wait at least 15 seconds.

  7. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

  8. Reconnect the power cord to the side of the printer under the cartridge access door.

  9. If the printer does not turn on by itself, press the On button to turn on the printer.

  10. Try using the printer again.

If the above solutions do not resolve the problem, click here for more online troubleshooting.