PhotoSmart 310a doesn't print using wireless connection

Question

First... I have to say that if I had known what a HUGE pain in the butt this printer was I would never have bought it.  On top of that, the thing apparently doesn't have an option to "hard wire" connect it to my computer... which the guy at the store didn't bother to point out.  On top of that HP's customer service is, apparently, non-existent, as attempts to reach by phone are useless.
They can't even seem to get the model number on the machine where you can find it... so the instructions on "how to find your model number" are useless.
That said... here is my problem... which if I can't fix, I'm simply returning this and getting something else.
I have my printer all set up.  Wireless is set up.  ePrint is set up.  Test pages print fine.
I have actually been successful printing with it ONE time.... so I know that it can do it.
It does give me a "low signal" message - however it seems to have no problem printing using the email option, or downloading from the web for the "reports."   It scans and my laptop "sees" the scanned image, which is transmitted over the wireless network.   If it is truly a low signal problem it seems like it would have issues with other functions regarding the internet.  
BUT... when I send something from my laptop (MacBook OSX 10.5.8) to the printer it says...
.. connecting
.. idle
.. priinting (%)
.. then the print job disappears from the queue in the dialog box ... yet nothing actually prints out.
.. it then say's "Printer Ready" - I guess ready for another print job that it won't perform.
.. It does NOT give any kind of error code... say it's "paused" or anything like that.  It's as if it THINKS it is printing... but it does not.  It makes no sound like it's trying to print either.  Paper is loaded in fine and it will print test pages with no problem and doesn't indicate any problems on those other than "low signal"
... When I use the "printer utility" to print a test page - also goes wireless - it prints just fine.
I've tried to use this printer only 4 times now for various jobs... and each time has been an ordeal lasting from 30 minutes to several hours.    I've managed to get it to print on one occasion... though I can not remember how I did it.
It has NO problem printing from an email... so I guess I could just always do it that way... but it involves several extra steps to do so and I'm not even sure it would work for every type of print job I need.
It works fine scanning
It works fine photocoping
It works fine printing from ePrint (email)
It just DOES not print via the wireless connection
I don't understand how a company can make something this sophisticated and not have it give you an ERROR CODE when it fails to complete a function... and frankly, I'm fed up with this thing.  It's a big, oversized, shiny paperweight and I've wasted way too much of my time trying to figure it out.  This is one last ditch effort.
Can anyone help?    THANKS so much if you can!
Sue

Answer 1

It is more likely a network problem, so please tell me about your network - router brand/model, encryption type (WEP, WPA, etc) and ISP type (DSL, Cable, etc).
In the mean time, you could try this quick trick; resetting the printing system:
- Sys Prefs, Print & Fax
- Right (control) click in the rectangle listing your printers and select Reset Printing System.
WARNING - this will delete ALL of your printers!
- Select the plus sign to re-add it. Look for the printer, select it and wait until the "Add" button becomes available. Click it.
Oh, and indeed this printer does have a USB port for connection directly to your computer.  It does NOT have an Ethernet port for connection directly to your router.
Say thanks by clicking "Kudos" "thumbs up" in the post that helped you.
I am employed by HP