How to Fix HP Printer In Error State

Last Updated On : June 17, 2023

Finding your HP Printer in Error State can be so frustrating! Especially when you’re in a hurry and want something important to be printed out in seconds.

So, what can you do in such a time, give up? NO! That’s not an option. You’re not a quitter. Then let’s do something. I’ll tell you why the problem occurs and its solution.

And in turn, you have to fix your problem and get on with your day. Is that a Deal? Good!

So, first, let’s start with the CAUSE!! Why does this problem occur in the first hand?

Table of Contents

Why is My HP Printer in Error State

Your HP printer can go into an error state for various reasons. First of all, it could be a problem with the printer itself. However, it could also occur due to an urgent requirement for software on your computer.

Moreover, errors sometimes occur due to loose data cables and sometimes due to poor network connection. However, complications arise when errors occur due to corrupted drivers.

That’s because you don’t understand why the problem is occurring and have to spend hours to solve the problem.

So, it’s better if you learn to fix all the above problems. That way, you don’t have to feel helpless if one solution doesn’t work.

6 Methods to Fix HP Printer in Error State Issue

Now we’re moving towards bringing your HP printer out of the error state. So, read each word carefully, as they’ll help you with your job better.

So, let’s get you the fixes you’ve been looking for all this while and get you out of this sticky situation.

1. Your Printer could be Offline

An offline printer can be a problem with it not working. Hence, it’s better to check its online status and take adequate action if it’s offline.

Things that you can do if you find your printer offline:

First, open your search bar on your personal computer and type “Run”. Once you type the word, it’ll appear on the search option. Now select and open your “Run” box. Next, Enter and search the “Control Panel”.
Once you start searching the control panel, you’ll find an option called “Devices and Printers”. Yes, you’ve to select and open it.
Here, you’ll find your HP printer on the display. Now all you have to do is right-click the printer icon and see if “Use Printer Online” is there. If it’s there, it means your printer is offline, and you’ve to uncheck it. That’s it; your printer will start functioning again.

2. Is Your HP Printer the Default Printer?

At times, when you have more than one printer, it can happen that you’ve made some other printer your default one. Hence, your HP printer is In an Error state on Windows 10 on any other computer.

During such problems, what you can do is:

First, open your Run dialogue box, followed by the Control Panel.
Once your Control Panel is open, you’ve to select your “Devices and Printers” option.
Here you’ll find the number of printers listed with your computer. And from that list, you must right-click on the HP printer and set it as your default one.

3. How Are Your Spooler Services Doing?

Is your printer’s spooler service working fine? You’ve to ensure that your laptop’s spooler service is working fine. And to ensure that you’ve to:

First, type “services.msc” after opening your “Run” box.
Next, find the spooler option in the services and see if it’s running. If it’s running, double-click the “Spooler” option. And once you’re inside the section, you must see if the “Automatic Section” is turned on. If not, turn it on the start-up type, and select Apply.
Then, you’ve to go to the “Recovery” Tab and find the “First Failure” option. Once you locate it, you’ve to select “Restart Service” from its available options.
And after this again try to use your printer. I’m sure it’ll start working if it’s a problem with the spooler.

4. Have Cleaned Your Spooler Files?

Sometimes, piled-up spooler files can also put the HP Printer in an Error State. Hence, it’s important to check and clear your spooler files.

Do you know how to clean it? If you don’t know, then this is what you can do to tackle the error:

Open your start option and find “This PC”. Next, click the This PC option and select the “C” folder. Once there, find the “Windows” section and then the “System 32” option, followed by “Spool” and then “Printer”.
When you go to this section, you’ll find several files. And all you have to do is delete all of these files.
Next, you’ve to go back to the “Spool” option and select “Driver”, followed by “w32x86.”
Here as well, you’ll find several junk files, which you’ve to select and delete. This will solve your problem if your Spooler files are the primary reason behind a faulty printer.

5. Are You Sure Your Printer is Connected?

A disconnected printer can also be the reason behind your HP printer error message. To understand, if it’s your disconnected printer, all you have to do is:

First, check if your printer is connected through WiFi. And if it’s connected through WiFi. If that’s not the scenario, it’s connected through a data cable.
Next, you have to see if the cable is loose from behind. In case of a loose cable, all you’ve to do is replug the cable and restart the cable.
And your HP printer will start working just fine.

6. You Can Try to Reinstall Your Printer Driver

I’ve mentioned above that your printer driver could be the reason behind your printer not working. Hence, it’s better to go to HP support and find out if your printer driver needs an update.

If it does, simply go to the HP support website and download a driver suitable for your HP printer. Next, install it on your computer and restart it. Once the computer is rebooted, the printer will start working smoothly.

Concluding Thoughts

So, there are 6 Sureshot fixes to your HP printer in error state issues. If you continue to find your printer in an error state, maybe it’s time to get a new printer. Or you can also contact HP’s customer care executives.

They’re one of a kind at solving even the most crucial issues. So, do not waste any time; try all these fixes. After all, you’ve so many printouts to take out for your urgent meeting tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Tell Me A Way to Get My HP Printer Out of The Error State?

One simple way of bringing out your HP printer from the error state is restarting your computer and printer at the same time. This simple step might bring your printer out of the error state. Apart from that, there are other ways to get the HP printer out of the error state, which I’ve noted above.

Will You Please Tell Me Why My Printer is Giving Paper Error Signals?

There are various reasons why your HP printer can go out of order. It can be as complicated as a printer driver issue. Or it can be as simple as a loose data cable. Hence, it’s better to try all the fixes and see the problem. I’ve listed the causes and fixes above. So you can read them and take care of your issues.

Will Reinstalling Printer Driver Solve My Trouble?

First, you have to find out whether your cartridge is empty. If yes, then filling ink in your cartridge will solve your problem. So, first, find out the problem behind your HP printer error problem. And then take a step! Let’s hope my answer sorts out your issue.

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