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.

Similar Messages

Hi can anyone help me. I have a apple macbook laptop OSX 10.5.8 . When i push print, it shows my printer but says cannot communicate with printer. (epson stylus nx125). Do I need new drivers? Please help . regards Cindy

Hi can anyone help me. I have a apple macbook laptop OSX 10.5.8 . When i push print, it shows my printer but says cannot communicate with printer. (epson stylus nx125). Do I need new drivers? Please help . regards Cindy

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We're users here and do not speak for "Apple Inc."
Some basic printer troubleshooting steps before worrying about a printer driver:
1. Have you tried turning the printer off and back on?
2A. Is the printer attached with a cable?
     If yes, have you tried unplugging and re-plugging both ends of the printer cable?
     If that does not help, can you test the printer with another cable?
2B. If your printer is not connected to the computer with a cable, have you tried restarting your printer (assuming wireless connection)?
     Have you tried restarting your wireless router?
3. Have you tried restarting your MacBook? (Be sure to save your work first.)
4. Does the printer have ink? (Doesn't usually generate a 'communications error' though)
5. Have you updated OS X or the program you're trying to print from recently?

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.

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.

"Unable to Communicate with Printer"

I work at home, dialing into the office through VPN. Windows 7. Been using my HP printer flawlessly for 7 months, including up to yesterday, but today, I get the above error. The printer is connected, the wireless is working in my home for all other peripherals attached to it. My work help desk is talking gobblygook to me and can't help. It's something about an IP address. Can anyone help? Work firewall won't let me download the HR Scan Doctor.

Hey @GinaCh,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I understand that you have been using your HP Officejet Pro 8620 e-All-in-One Printer through the wireless connection to your Windows 7 computer fine for months now. However, recently, when connecting to your VPN to print you are receiving the message 'unable to communicate with printer'. Unfortunately, this error message is the exact reason why your printer is not supported over the VPN connection when wirelessly connected.
When you network the printer it comes down to a numbers game. To explain this better I am going to use an example below. When you have a wireless printer on your network it is assigned an IP Address from your router that allows it to communicate with other devices on your wireless network, such as your computer. The first 3 sets of numbers in an IP Address are the same on every device connected to your network.
As an example,:
Printer IP: 192.168.1.8
Desktop Computer IP: 192.168.1.5
Laptop Computer IP: 192.168.1.3
As you can see, the first 3 sets of numbers are identical and the last digit is different on each device.
When you connect over a VPN your computer disconnects from its local connection (your home network that the printer is connected to) and connects to your business network. This VPN connection will change the numbers so your computer that is connected to the VPN will no longer have the first 3 sets the same as the printer.
As an example:
Printer IP: 192.168.1.8
Desktop Computer IP (On VPN): 10.1.10.19
Laptop Computer IP (Not on VPN): 192.168.1.3
If the Desktop computer 'thinks' it's on a different network when connected to the VPN than your wireless printer will be blocked from communication. The 100% way to resolve this issue would be to connect your HP Officejet to your computer through a USB Cable. If this is not an option than the next supported step would be to log into the VPN and open the document you need to print, then disconnect from the VPN and select file and print and everything should work fine.
Now there may be security settings or port settings that may have changed on the VPN which is why the printer is now being blocked from communicating over the network. To resolve this you would need the IT Department for your company to take a look into this issue for you.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion. Should you wish to connect your printer through a USB Cable connection I can certainly assist you with that. Best of luck!
X-23
I work on behalf of HP
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!

OfficeJet 6700 - "Unable to communicate with printer" message after install

I am on a hybrid network with Windows 7, 64-bit. Printer is hard-wired to the router (ethernet) but laptops are wireless. Installation doesn't allow for a hybrid option, just wireless or wired, so I installed as wired.
I just installed the OfficeJet 6700 - installed OK. I also updated software/firmware during the install process.
Windows' "Devices & Printers" recognizes the HP as being installed.
Printer is able to produce the network configuration page, etc. so we know the printer is functional, but when I try to print I get an "Unable to communicate with printer" message.
Windows' "Devices and Printers" troubleshooter thinks the driver is not installed, but as I mentioned, I just installed software from the CD.
UPDATE: I was able to install & print without problems on my wife's Win7, 64-bit laptop. Something about mine seems to be the issue. Also, HP Print & Scan Doctor reports that everything checks out OK, but when I try to print a test page at the end of the good doctor's diagnosis, I am still "unable to communicate with printer."

Sorry this is so long, but I tried to be through in my testing.
Followed your suggested steps.
I had previously set a static IP address, but just to be thorough, re-set it again with the same address.
I unplugged the USB cord from the laptop.
I began with the device labeled "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)," which was set as the default printer.
After entering the IP address & clicking Next, it searched the network and returned this message:
Additional port information required
The device could not be identified.
The device is not found on the network. Be sure that:
1. The device is turned on.
The network is connected.
The device is properly configured.
The address on the previous page is correct. (re: the page where the IP address is entered)
If you are sure the address is correct, select the device type below.
I selected Standard (Generic Network Card) and clicked Next.
Summary dialog appeared and I clicked Finish.
Clicked OK/Apply.
Attempted to print. Like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing.
Right-clicked on the "Copy 1" device and selected Troubleshoot. Returned the message: Make printer "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700 the default printer" - even though this copy is already the default printer. (Usually when the original copy is set as the default, this copy is automatically re-named "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700.") I chose "Apply this fix."
Summary page said "Troubleshooting has completed." I closed the troubleshooter and attempted to print. I closed the Devices & Printers window so it could refresh. Re-opened Devices & Printers. Now the default printer is named "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700." The other device is grayed out and is simply named "HP OfficeJet 6700."
Attempted to print. (I'm testing w/ Notepad and .txt files)
I have 3 choices in the Notepad's printer dialog box but only 2 devices showing in the Devices & Printers window:
~ "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700" - This is the default printer in the Devices and Printers window. I clicked on Print & rec'd an error message: "Send Fax - HP Officejet 6700. There is a problem communicating with the Printer. Check your USB connection & verify that the printer is ready." Notepad's print dialog box shows status as Offline. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700." When I choose this printer option, Notepad's print dialog box shows status as "Paused - Offline." I clicked on "Print" anyway, and like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. This is the printer that shows as grayed out in the Devices & Printers window. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)." There is no printer by this name in the Devices and Printers window even tho' it shows in Notepad's print dialog box. Notepad's print dialog box shows status as "Ready." In Devices & Printers, when I right-click on the one labeled "Fax OfficeJet 6700" (the default device) and choose "See what's printing," 2 HP devices are listed - the one labeled "Copy 1" and the one labeled "Fax." I clicked on "Print" and like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
I plugged in the USB cord again and re-ran the same series of tests.
~ "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700" - This is still the default printer in the Devices and Printers window. Notepad's print dialog box shows status as "Ready." The fax window opened, waiting me to enter the recipient's name, add a cover sheet, etc. I closed the fax window. The .txt file was in the print queue for the "Fax" device, so I canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700." When I choose this printer option, Notepad's print dialog box shows status as "Paused - Offline." I clicked on "Print" anyway, and like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. This is grayed out in the Devices & Printers window. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)." Again, there is no printer by this name in the Devices and Printers window even tho' it shows in Notepad's print dialog box. This is one of 2 choices in the device labeled "Fax" - the default device. Notepad's print dialog box shows status as "Ready." I clicked on "Print" and like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
Next, I used the printer's touch screen interface and turned the wireless connection off, leaving the USB cord plugged in.
~ "Fax HP OfficeJet 6700" - Status: Ready. The fax window opened, same as before. I closed the fax window & canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700 - Status: Paused - Offline. I clicked on "Print" anyway, and like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. This one shows as grayed out in the Devices & Printers window. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
~ "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)" - Status: Error. I clicked Apply, then Print. Again, this is one of 2 choices in the device labeled "Fax" - the default device. Like before, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. I canceled all documents in the print queue.
Reconnected to the wireless network & verified that the IP address had not changed.
Tried again to print using "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)" - Status: Ready. I clicked Print and again, it sent the file to print queue - then nothing. This is still listed as one of 2 choices in the device labeled "Fax" - the default device." Like before, I canceled all documents in the print queue.
Next, I right-clicked on the one labeled "Fax OfficeJet 6700" (the default device) and choose "See what's printing" and selected the device labeled "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)." In the print queue window, when I click on "Printer, one of my options is "Set as Default Printer." As soon as I did that, the device in the Devices & Printers window was renamed as "HP OfficeJet 6700 (Copy 1)" - no longer named "Fax." I tried to print again. Once again, file was sent to the print queue but never printed.

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.

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 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

HP 5510,windows 7, new setup of printer, "unable to communicate with printer" when i try to print

HP 5510, Windows 7, new printer, just picked it up!, "unable to communicate with printer" when I try to print a page, all network conections check out OK with Print Diagnostic Utility.

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 product message when installing laserjet cp1525nw printer

I have a cp1525nw wireless printer that use to work fine wirelessly. I changed my router password (linksys router) and now can't connect. I have tried changing the password back to the original password and it still will not connect. So I when back to the changed password.
I have tried resetting the printer to the default settings, removed all HP software, deleted all temp files, rebooted machine and attempted to reinstall the printer. The software loads fine, I've connected the USB cord and then get the dreaded "Unable to communicate with product" message. I have previously tried to connect by WPS and that didn't work either.
The Wireless Network Test Report shows that the Network Name Found test is Fail. The Network Summary report shows a different Network Name under the wireless Network Configuration section than my network's SSID.
What do I need to do?

Hello,
I see that you are having issues setting up the printer over the wireless network. I will certainly do my best to help you.
The password might not be recognized by the printer, if there are spaces or special characters in it.
Restore the printer defaults. Press the OK button, select Network Config, then select Restore Defaults.
Print a configuration page to make sure the SSID and the IPv4 address are cleared.
Printing a Configuration Report.
Run the printer software again and select Add a Device to setup the wireless again.
If you are having issues, then uninstall and reinstall the software to configure the wireless.
Uninstalling the Printer Software.
HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Printer Drivers.
If you need further assistance, just let me know.
Have a nice day!
Thank You.
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!
Gemini02
I work on behalf of HP

Error: Unable to Communicate with Printer

i can print a test page from the hp deskjet 3510 series : hp printer assistant application on my laptop and I can print to the printer by sending an email so I know that it is connected to the network and I know my laptop can print to it. But when I try to print from Word or any other application I get an error: Unable to Communicate with Printer
Any ideas?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Download and run this: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03286146&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en
What does it say?
Say thanks by clicking "Kudos" "thumbs up" in the post that helped you.
I am employed by HP

HP 7520 All in One "Unable to Communicate with Printer" msg

We have a HP all in one Photosmart 7520 printer- it is USB connected to a mac (OS Snow Leopard I believe). This was the original set up. When I moved back here I was able to set up a wireless network with the mac as the host computer (connecting the modem to a Linksys router). I was able to set up my windows 7 PC to this network and to the printer with no problems and was able to print to the printer for months. Now I am getting this error "Unable to communicate with Printer" and says it is unable to to be completed because the printer is unavailable or not connected.
The printer IS connected and on. My PC can see the printer listed in the control panel (I in fact uninstalled and reinstalled to see if that would fix the problem- it didn't). The only thing that has changed since I originally set this up was that I added my second PC (Windows XP) to the network but I don't think that's the cause of my print job requests failing to print.
I do know that the modem itself has been reset a couple of times due to the cable deciding to drop out a couple of times. Could this be the reason why?
What else can I look at to try to get my PC to communicate fully with the printer. I've tried printing from googlemaps as well as a short notepad file.
Thanks!
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Let’s try this.
1. Verify in the printer that 'Auto Off' is disabled. Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by going to the
    printers IP address in your browser, Settings Tab/Auto Off. Or use the Printer Assistant, Printer Home
    Page (EWS).
2. Set a static IP in the printer outside the DHCP range of the router.
In the router:
3. Use a fixed wireless channel like 1,6 or 11, never 'auto', try channel 1 first then the rest.
4. Set router to 20Mhz only, or 145Mbps depending on router.
5. Always use WPA2-AES (Personal) encryption, but you can try ‘mixed’ mode.
6. For the routers security, disable WPS and never use it and disable UPnP so nobody can hack your
   system (if you want to know why, search the web).
7. If you have a dual band router (2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz bands), make sure the SSID’s are NOT the same,
   they must be different for all bands, even for any Guest networks.
8. Save all settings. Power off both, wait 5 mins. Power on router wait 3 mins.
9. Power on printer and verify it reconnects to router.
Windows 7/8/8.1   Is Network Discovery on or off?
Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings.
Under Home or Work (current profile) \ Network Discovery.
Select "Turn on network discovery" and save changes.
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 message, but still prints

I installed a new ENVY 4500 printer on my Windows XP system. and it there are two problems:
1. when I try to print, it tkes some time, then a message window appears with "unable to communicate with printer", but it still prints. I have uninstalled the printer and the drivers and reinstalled, but to no avail.
2. I have a Seagate GoFlex USB backup drive attached. However, when the printer is connected, the Seagate drive disappears. It happily coexisted with my former HP C4100 printer for years, but the new one seems to cause problems.

I solved the problem. I purchased a new USB cable for the printer. I deleted the printer, uninstalled the print drivers, and completely reinstalled the printer. At first the installation did not work, but I discovered the USB cable was not completely inserted into the printer. Initially it felt like it was, but I gave it an extra push and it clicked into place. At that point the installation completed successfully. Now the printer and the Seagate drive work properly.

Unable to communicate with printer via WiFi

Laptop is not recognizing printer, stating "unable to communicate with printer at this time. ! No Printer Selected".
There is only one printer and only one to select from.
All other laptops, iphones, etc communicate FINE!
It is just THIS puter unable to print. Printer is HP Photosmart C410 All-In-One Premium Fax.
Router, modem, etc all functioning properly. PRINTER functions properly.
This has gotten VERY old! Brand new MacBook Pro!
OS X 10.9.5

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 print/scan- unable to communicate with printer message

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