HP printers are versatile gadgets you can use for printing and scanning. However, there are still various problems that users encounter with these printers. The most common one is the HP printer in error state. Every printer user is familiar with this error message. Often, it’s a result of various reasons, such as a loose connection of the printer with your computer, a corrupt printer driver, or a paper jam. However, when the error message occurs and you cannot print any document, it’s hard to determine what to do to resolve the problem. If you are frequently troubled with this problem, this article will give you various fixes.
Troubleshooting HP Printer in Error State
After going through these solutions, you won’t ever find yourself troubled by the issue. Use these easy measures and get rid of the error.
Examine the physical links to your system
It is a preliminary troubleshooting step that helps many people bring their printers out of error state. Ensure that the connection between your system and printer is proper. Your HP printing device and computer should also be switched on. At this point, restart your computer and printer. After that, see if the printer’s cable is damaged at any part. If it is, you must replace it.
Use the Windows troubleshooter.
People reporting the printer is in an error state HP should try using the in-built troubleshooter in their system. The process of running it is straightforward.
- Start by checking that your HP printing device is switched on.
- The cables should also be well connected to your systems.
- Now, hit ‘Start‘ and find the troubleshooting utility.
- To do so, simply input ‘troubleshoot’ in the search area and click on its result.
- In the window that opens up, tap ‘View all.’
- After that, scroll till you notice the ‘Printer‘ option.
- In the next window, click ‘Advanced.’ It will run the troubleshooting process for your HP printer.
- Now, hit ‘Run as Administrator‘ and then hit the ‘Next’ button.
- Now, the problems in your system will get detected, and after a few minutes, you will find the error state message gone.
Check that the spooler services are in automatic mode.
Another way to troubleshoot HP printer in error state Windows 10 is to check the printer spooler services. These services should be running and must be in an automatic mode. You can check the service through these steps.
https://challonge.com/gallenvshodgeslive
- Launch the ‘Run’ box and input’ services.msc.’
- Now go down the windows and locate the ‘Spooler‘ option.
- This option should be ‘Running.’
- Now double-tap on it to ensure they are configured in the automatic mode. They shouldn’t be in manual mode.
- Tap ‘Apply‘ to save all the changes you have made.
- After that, head to the ‘Recovery‘ tab.
- From the option of ‘First Failure,’ choose ‘Restart the service.’
- To save the changes you just made, tap ‘Apply.’
- Check whether your printer still displays the error state message.
Check that the spooler files are clear.
If restarting the spooler service did not yield results, you can try to clean the print spooler files. Here are the points to follow.
- Head to this location: Local Disk (C)>Windows>System32>Spool>Printers.
- Delete the files you see in the printer folder.
- Now, head to Windows, followed by ‘System32.’
- Tap ‘Spool‘ followed by ‘Drivers‘ and then ‘w32x86.’
- Remove the files in the ‘w32x86’ folder.
- Head to the ‘Spooler Service’ option.
- Hit’ Restart.’
Update your printer driver.
Outdated drivers will cause your printer not to function properly. You must ensure that they are updated. Follow these points to update the driver.
- From the Windows’ Start‘ button, go to ‘Device Manager.’
- Choose the option of ‘Expand Printers.’
- See if your HP printer model is on the list.
- Right-tap on it and select the ‘Update driver‘ option.
- The driver will take some time to get updated. When the update completes, reboot your computer and printer.
- Now, run a test print.
Fix the printer in the jammed state
If your HP printer is in a jammed state, it will always show an error state. Here is the series of instructions you should follow to fix the paper jam problem.
- First of all, remove the power cord.
- Next, remove the cartridges.
- Shift the carriage to the right part of your printer.
- Now, take away the paper from the tray.
- Follow this step by removing the rear access door.
- Use your fingers to rotate the rollers up.
- Do it three times.
- Now, push the rear access door into your HP printer till it snaps.
- Install the cartridges again.
- Now, plug the power cord and switch on the power.
Summing up
Measures such as updating faulty drivers, starting the spooler service, and fixing the paper jam problem are enough to tackle the printer in an error state hp issue. These measures will save you time that may otherwise be spent looking for a good resolution. But if they don’t get you results, contact a reliable printer technical support service professional.
