Photosmart c309a can't find access point to Mac Mavericks OS

Question

I've owned probably ten HP printers.  I've been thru five of them in five years and I'm beginning to think I need another brand.   I have a 2010 Mac running Mavericks OS, a Netgear 802.11 wireless router, an Apple Air Port and Norton.  I installed the c309a All-in-One printer last year for the first time.  By spring of this year, the scanner function stopped working.  The other day, the printer wouldn't print.  I think the power plug might've come undone but I'm not sure.  I selected a new print queue as I've done in the past and still no connection with the printer.  I made sure connections were secure.  No luck.  I turned the printer off and restarted.  Still nothing.  I ran diagnostics: "Your HP printer cannot find your access point."  The Network Name (SSID) was not found.  I unplugged everything.  I uninstalled the software, I reinstalled the software.  Each time, the installation process would hang up at the configuration stage and the disc would spin and spin.  I tried connecting via USB to my Mac, but that failed too.  I rebooted my AirPort.  I even tried to manually enter the IP address on the AIO keypad.  No success getting the printer to recognize my Mac.  I succeeded at making an ad hoc connection using the wireless radio with hpsetup as the SSID.  The next day, when I needed to print, the hpsetup network option was unavailable and diagnostics told me the wireless radio wasn't working!  Per online forum suggestion, [edited reset instruction by Moderator]  That trick reset my wireless radio but still the c309a is unable to find my access point and I can't print using my 802.11 wireless.  If I can't solve this problem, I will not buy another HP printer.  I hope someone can help.  Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

Hi @CluelessPackard ,
I see that you are unable to setup the printer over the wireless network. I would really like to be able to help you resolve this issue.
Restore the printer defaults.
Go to Setup, Network, Restore Network Defaults.
Print the Wireless Network Test.
Go to Setup, Network, Advanced Setup, Wireless Network Test.
If it passes, then it isn't a hardware issue with the printer.
If it passes, setup the Adhoc connection again.
Click the Airport on the top right corner on the Mac.
Click on the HP printer from the list. (you won't be on the internet till this procedure is finished)
Add the printer and try and print to see if the wireless is working properly.
Check the Configuration Page for the printer's IP address.
Go to Setup, Network, View Network Settings, Display Wireless Summary.
If you have a valid IP address for the printer then try and access the Embedded Web Server for the printer.
Type the IP address into your web browser's address bar. (Safari)
When setting up the printer, it has to be setup on the main router not the extension.
Go to the network tab along the top of the EWS.
Click on Wireless Setup Wizard along the left hand side to begin configuring the printer.
Apply your settings.
You have now completed the Wireless configuration.
Click the Airport on the top right corner on the Mac and select your network name.
Click on the Apple.
Click System Preferences, click the Printers and Scanners icon, then click the + sign, then select the printer from the list, make sure the printer listed beside use: shows the proper printer name, click on the add button. You might have to click on the drop down to select your printer.
Test the printer.
If you need further assistance, just let me know.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank You.
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Gemini02
I work on behalf of HP