HP Officejet Pro 8600: "Unable to Communicate with Printer" error message

I receive the error message "Unable to Communicate with Printer" regularly when I print. Sometimes it will print 3 or 4 times just fine before I get this message. Sometimes it happens my first try at printing. I then have to reboot my computer to get it to work again. My OS is Windows 7 and my printer is an HP Officejet Pro 8600. My printer is wired to my computer. I have tried re-installing the printer software but this did not help. I've had this printer for only four months. Started happening after the second month. Any suggestions?

I finally solved it. Reflecting back on previous message boards I decided to try one last time. Some posters have found the problem in the Antivirus, Firewall protections. (By the way, I had even upgraded my router with no luck).I have Norton AntiVirus provided by the cable company.1. I turned off everything in the firewall. Although this left me vulnerable for a few mintues, I needed a fast test.2. It worked! I was able to print something immediately.3. I went back into the firewall, turned everything back on but turned off an individual switch within the firewall that said to "share the printer. "4. After turning it off, I was able to print and still have the most important parts of the firewall.This ultimately met my needs.Perhaps HP could:1. Do a better job at beta testing prior to release, including various brands of firewalls. Is there even a beta test process?2. Provide a better description of the error since all indicators within the drivers say the printer is connected. There should be a message indicating that it's connected but unable to print due to firewall protections.

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HP Officejet Pro 8100 unable to communicate with printer, but still prints

Hello,
I have an Officejet Pro 8100 connected to a Windows XP SP3 computer via USB.
When installing I downloaded the latest drivers off the HP webiste and followed the instructions for installing the printer and connecting via USB. While installing I only installed the basic print driver.
The printer appeared to install correctly.
When printing (test page, or from other programs such as Word or Excell), the printer will actually print the requested document, however, an error box will pop up saying "Unable to communicate with printer". The only option on the error box is the cancel the current print job.
Before cancelling the print job, even though the printer actually printed the document, I can still see the document in the print queue until I click the "Cancel" button on the error box.
I have deleted the printer, uninstalled and reinstalled twice, but the issue persists.
Any ideas?

Hi aconway,
I hate to hear you are having issues. This could be caused by a port issue, bad USB cable/hub/switch connection, or possibly a spooler or driver issue. Click Here to run the print and scan doctor (select OS, then click the + sign beside utility diagnostic tools, click the download button next to print and scan doctor). If you would like to learn more about your product, Click Here.
Suggestions:
1. Run the print and scan doctor to identify any port issues
2. Connect unit directly to PC with new USB cable that meets specifications(no longer than 4-6ft).
3. Remove any hubs or switches if being used.
Hope this helps!
Also, remember a click on the Kudos star to the left is a quick "Thanks" for a helpful post.
Please select the "Accept as Solution" button on the post that best answers your question.
I appreciate your input !
Thank You,
I work for HP.

8600 - unable to communicate with printer error

I bought a 8600 about 6 months ago. The printer worked fine for about a month... then my XP and now my new WIN7 machine keeps getting a connection error (was hopinp the move from XP to WIN7 would resolve). My windows 8 Surface has no problem. The issue will go away very temporarily if I reboot (here is the irony - HP's print doctor app can see my printer - and the "fix" is to reboot - sorry HP, rebooting every time I need to print is no an acceptible fix).
Printer is on. Router is fine (note that the WIN8 machine can print while the WIN7 machine is providing an error). If I update the IP address as noted below (note the IP address has not changed), there is no possitive effect on the issue, but the connection is confirmed durring this process - but still get the error when I try to print.
Full text of error message:
! Unable to communicate with Printer
The print job could not be completed becuase the printer is unavailable or not connected. Check your cable or wireless connection, and make sure the printer is powered on and ready.
If you installed this printer by IP address, then you might need to update the IP address. Us the update IP address item in the Start menu entry for this printer....

After tons of searching, misguided efforts from HP "experts" trying to point at the router - I think I found the solution in bvwjm's post.
his/her comment:::
I changed the port address in Printer Properties that Windows was using to find the printer, from the HP network rediscovery port monitor, to my assigned static IP address with port type "Standard TCP/IP Port".
I am finally able to print - no reboot! I will cycle a few times and see how it does for a week, but allowing "printer pooling" and adding the port - matching my IP address on the printer seems to have solidified things.
Re affirms my posts on other errors like this - it is not a router issue as the HP experts point the finger away from HP

UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH PRINTER error message

When I try and print a document, I keep getting this error message on my screen: UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH PRINTER. And the printer will not print. So, I open the ink cartridge door and then close it, and then the printer prints! How do I fix my printer or its settings so I do not have to keep doing this in order for the printer to print normally? Also, the printer is connected with a USB cable.

I finally solved it. Reflecting back on previous message boards I decided to try one last time. Some posters have found the problem in the Antivirus, Firewall protections. (By the way, I had even upgraded my router with no luck).I have Norton AntiVirus provided by the cable company.1. I turned off everything in the firewall. Although this left me vulnerable for a few mintues, I needed a fast test.2. It worked! I was able to print something immediately.3. I went back into the firewall, turned everything back on but turned off an individual switch within the firewall that said to "share the printer. "4. After turning it off, I was able to print and still have the most important parts of the firewall.This ultimately met my needs.Perhaps HP could:1. Do a better job at beta testing prior to release, including various brands of firewalls. Is there even a beta test process?2. Provide a better description of the error since all indicators within the drivers say the printer is connected. There should be a message indicating that it's connected but unable to print due to firewall protections.

Unable to Communicate With Printer error

I have an HP Office Pro 8600 Plus that is connected wirelessly. After I start the computer, I can print fine for a day, but when I try to print the next day, I get the error message 'Unable to Communicate With Printer'. I am running Windows XP 32 bit on a Dell computer. I have changed the settings on the network card to not power down and the computer to not shut off the disks to try to fix the problem, but the problem is still here. If I reboot, I can print again.
I run Norton antivirus.
I have another HP printer connected by a network cable and that printer works fine. I have a Canon MG printer connected wirelessly that experiences the same issue of unable to communicate.
I can ping both wireless devices (192.168.1.74 and 192.168.1.73) even though I cannot print to them.
Thanks,
Andrew

Try setting the printer to a static IP like 192.168.1.10. Change your routers wireless channel to a fixed channel like 1,6 or 11 not auto. Now try.
Say thanks by clicking the Kudos Thumbs Up to the right in the post.
If my post resolved your problem, please mark it as an Accepted Solution ...
I worked for HP but now I'm retired!

Unable to communicate with printer error with HP Envy 4500

Hi I am having trouble printing with my Envy 4500 printer. My computer system is Windows 8.1. I installed the driver per instruction from the website and use the usb cable to connect the printer. However when I tried to print a pdf document it says "Unable to communicate with printer" and I can't get the test page to print either. Please help! Thanks in advance!

Hi @Casey_Z , and welcome to the HP Forums!
I see you're having issues printing. I would like to help!
I'd recommend removing the ink cartridges, and performing a power reset. Disconnect the power cord from the printer and the power outlet, then wait 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug the printer back in. Ensure you plug the printer directly to a wall outlet. Make sure to bypass any sort of surge protector or power bar.
I'd then suggest downloading and running the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
Good luck and please let me know the results of your troubleshooting steps. Thank you for posting on the HP Forums!
Please click “Accept as Solution " if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks" for helping!
Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
"Remember, I'm pulling for you, we're all in this together!" - Red Green.

Unable to Communicate with Printer Error - Officejet Pro 8600

My printer was working fine last week... printing from my Mac desktop via wireless.
Now, when I try to print, the progress window is just hanging... trying to find the printer.
I deleted the printer in my settings and tried to reinstall. Now, I am getting an error message that says: Unable to Communicate with the Printer at this Time.
Help, please!
Comuputer: Mac OSX Version 10.9.3
Printer: Officejet Pro 8600 Plus... only about 3 months old!

Hello K_D123, and welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience!
I see you are having wireless issues. I would like to try and help.
I would recommend powering off your computer and printer. Once they are both off, I would unplug the power from the back of your wireless router, wait 60 seconds and plug it back in. After the router has begun broadcasting, power on the printer and computer.
I would also recommend following the steps in this document on Wireless printing center Troubleshooting Issues.
Good luck and please let me know the results of your troubleshooting steps. Thank you for posting on the HP Forums!
Please click “Accept as Solution " if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks" for helping!
Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
"Remember, I'm pulling for you, we're all in this together!" - Red Green.

HP Officejet Pro 8600 unable to open scan / printer options to scan

This was working last week. Trovi.com got on the computer and has since been taken off by Spy Hunter. Now I am unable to scan. I have uninstalled and installed using the disk twice but it still does not let me scan, only print. I am using Windows 8. What else do I need to do? Usually this goes really smooth. What am i doing wrong?

Hello kldv,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I see that you have uninstalled and installed the Officejet Pro 8600 software in an attempt to fix a scanning issue. Have you had a chance to run the Print and Scan Dr on the computer?
Print and Scan Dr<---
It will look into the possible causes and report back if it is able to fix it or what other troubleshooting can be done. Let me know the results.
Cheers,
JERENDS
I work on behalf of HP
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HP 2510 "Unable to communicate with Printer" error.

Greetings,
I've recently bought a HP 2510 Deskjet All-in-one. I am running on Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit.
When I attempt to print any documents, the printer comes up with the following error:
http://i.imgur.com/uwK8MNq.png
On Attempting to use Print and Scan Doctor tool, I find a report of a driver conflict:
http://i.imgur.com/B9NCkTQ.png
So, after following the instructions, I've uninstalled and reinstalled as directed (taking very special care to do exactly as stated in the installation instructions). The errors still occur.
I've attempted to remove the printers from the device manager, uninstalled the drivers of the various associated devices on there, uninstalled the Full Feature software using Add/Remove....then tried reinstalling again. I've even tried just foregoing the CD and website installations (yes, I did try both) and let Windows automatically install drivers. Still the same original two errors.
This has sucked up my entire Sunday. Does anyone have any insight?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hello GdaTerry,
Thank you for your response, I am sorry to hear the issue persists and you are unable to install the printer driver on another computer as well. The USB connection might be the issue as you mentioned and trying a different USB cable would be a good idea.
As you posted above, I understand you have been downloading the Full Feature Driver which is also correct. I am going to post you a link to the correct driver for Win 7/64 below so you can compare to ensure this is the driver you are using.
I am also curious to know how the printer functions as a stand-alone machine. Will it copy successfully? Have you seen any other errors on the printer or computer screen?
I recommend trying a couple of copies, and if they are successful, the printer hardware tests to be alright.
As well, try a different USB cable and run the installation again.
If you are still having the same issue, at that point, I recommend calling HP's Technical Support. If you are within your first year of purchase, you will have warranty on the printer. If you are within North America, call toll-free at 1-800-474-6836 or for all other locations, click here.
HP Deskjet Full Feature Software and Drivers - Win 7 - 64 Bit
Good luck to you!
Take care
R a i n b o w 7000I work on behalf of HP
Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" at the bottom of this post to say
“Thanks” for helping!
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HP Officejet 6700 "unable to communicate with printer".

Before I left on vacation, the wireless printer was working fine. Now I get this error message. I have disconnected and reconnected everything. I have run the diagnostic tests and the wireless network checks out fine. I have tried everything in the troubleshooting guide to no avail. I think it's probably a setting somewhere, but I can't figure out where. Help!!!!

I have the same problem with an HP OfficeJet 8600 Plus.
It worked last week, this week it gives "Unable to communicate with printer" on both of our PCs (XP, Vista).
I have tried all of these:
Rebooting router
Rebooting printer (5 times)
Rerunning the wireless setup wizard on the printer (3 times).
Start menu > HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 > Update IP Address (3 times)
Download & run latest HP Print and Scan Doctor (connected via USB cable) (once)
On the print & scan doctor, it gave no errors or warnings, and appears to have completed successfully. Nonetheless when I clicked on 'print test page' from within the HP Print and Scan doctor, I still get the "Unable to Communicate with Printer" popup box.
On the 'HP Hardware DIagnostic Utility 3.1 "Wizard" tab, Connectivity and Device Status bogh gave green checks, and, the 'Print Test' WAS SUCCESSFUL in printing a page from within that utility. Hardware DIagnostic Utility 3.1 completed with all tests marked successful. All other printing still fails, e.g. regular printing and Windows 'Print Test Page' still fails with the Unable to Communicate with Printer error.
The HP Hardware Diagnostic Utility 3.1 'Printer Data' tab says I am running Firmware Version CLP1CN1232AR, Born On Date 10/3/2012, Software Version 25.0.169.0, Printer Driver Version 06.64.00.994.
My printer is less than 1 year old -- has it died/shoud I start up the warranty process, or is there something yet to try?

Unable to print/scan- unable to communicate with printer message

I am unable to print due to a unable to communicate with printer error messaege. I was previously able to print just fine( a few hours a go) the IP addy has not change. The printer is connected to the network and able to download updates etc just fine. The printer is connected but they just wont recognise each other. Print and scan doctor was a complete waste of time, it showed the printer insatlled but then could not connect. Can someone please help getting so very frustrated with these products. Printer is the 6700 All in one series and laptop is Hp Envy.

Hello @leilee , and welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience!
I see you're experiencing connectivity issues. I would like to help!
I would first recommend a power reset. Disconnect the power cord from the printer and the power outlet, then wait 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug the printer back in. Ensure you plug the printer directly to a wall outlet. Make sure to bypass any sort of surge protector or power bar.
I would then recommend utilizing this document on Wireless printing center Troubleshooting Issues.
Good luck and please let me know the results of your troubleshooting steps. Thank you for posting on the HP Forums!
Please click “Accept as Solution " if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks" for helping!
Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
"Remember, I'm pulling for you, we're all in this together!" - Red Green.

Unable To Communicate With Printer HP Officejet Pro 8600 (Network)

I recently purchased an HP Officejet Pro 8600. One morning a couple weeks ago I tried to print something and I received a prompt saying "Unable to Communicate with Printer (Network)". I turned off the printer and turned it back on which did not help, I then turned off my wireless network, turned it back on and still nothing. I finally figured out that I first have to turn off the printer, then turn off my wireless router wait thirty seconds, turn the router back on and the turn the printer back on. After these steps my printer was working. The next morning the same thing happened "Unable to Communicate with Printer (Network)" and I've been replaying Groundhog's Day ever since.
Please help!

Hello msheehy-
I would like to help you with this issue. It sounds like the router is changing the ip address of the printer. This could be caused by a couple reasons. (ip lease time, power loss to the router) I would recommend looking at the following link. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03781399&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=4323648&tmp...
I think if you would set a static ip address in the printer EWS you would better off. I hope this helps.
Also, remember a click on the Kudos star to the left is a quick "Thanks" for a helpful post.
Please select the "Accept as Solution" button on the post that best answers your question.
I appreciate your input !
Thank You,
Donald

Unable to Communicate with Printer. HP Officejet Pro 8600 N911g

Unable to Communicate with Printer. HP Officejet Pro 8600 N911g {Removed for privacy}
I cant even connect to the printer on IE, Firefox I get in just fine.
I have it set to only warn of ink when printing so what fix won't work
I noted my Firmware
I am on Win 7 64 bit

Are you receiving any error messages when you print from the desktop? Its possible the print spooler is having issues which is not pushing the jobs to the printer. Lets restart the print spooler to get any old jobs that could be stuck in the queue removed.
1. Press the start orb in the bottom left on the screen.
2. Click on "Run"
3. Type "services.msc" (without the quotes)
4. Locate the Print Spooler service in the right column
5. Click restart on the service link on the left
After it restarts the spooler go ahead and retry printing. Let me know if this works.
Thanks,
Sean
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Unable to Communicate with Printer-OfficeJet Pro 8500 A910g

I have used this printer for two years. I suddenly started getting the "unable to communicate with printer" message. I have turned printer on and off, turned wireless on and off, turned computer on and off and uninstalled and reinstalled the printer. It keeps happening. The printer window shows that it is offline, but there is no option to make it online. I used the IP address the printer shows when I set it up. I am at my wit's end. Help!

Please provide the following relevant information so someone can help including:
Detailed Problem Description - Done
Printer Model - Done
Operating System of computer (including service pack revision) -
Connection Method - USB, Hardwired LAN, Wireless? -
Make and model of router -
Error messages - on printer screen and/or computer, any blinking light patterns.
Status of Blue Wireless light on printer, on, off or blinking? -
Say thanks by clicking the Kudos Thumbs Up to the right in the post.
If my post resolved your problem, please mark it as an Accepted Solution ...
I worked for HP but now I'm retired!

HP Officejet 7500 E910 Network. When asked to print "Unable to Communicate with Printer"

My printer has been functioning well for some time. When my some installed a new wireless modum I would often receive the error message "Unable to Communicate with Printer" but it would blink a few times, then connect and print. As of three days ago I receive that message when trying to print from both of my laptops. I am wireless and have checked the wireless signal and it is strong, The wirless connect symbol is lit on the printer. I ran a wireless Network Test Report on the printer and the results indicated no problems.
The printer woks if I use it manually to print or scan. Neither printing nor scanning work when command is sent from my computer. The Wireless Network Test Report printed fine. Interesting though the Wireless Network test Report had the following date: Jan-00-00 00:00AM.

Hello @Dalead,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand you're receiving a message stating "Unable to communicate" when printing a document using the Officejet 7500 E910. I will do my best to assist you! I would recommend following this entire HP document on Printer Does Not Maintain Wireless Connection.
Try assigning a static IP address and let me know if this resolves your issue or not. I will be looking forward to hearing from you. Have a great night!
I worked on behalf of HP.

HP Officejet Pro 8600: "Unable to Communicate with Printer" error message

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