HP Printer is in an Error State message is a common problem that may occur due to various issues such as a paper jam, empty ink cartridges, poor network connection, or a faulty printer driver.
You can implement a few fixes to resolve the issue and get your printer back up and running. This guide will go through how to fix the HP Printer Is In An Error State message.
You will learn various troubleshooting steps, potential causes, and how to ensure the problem doesn’t happen again, and you’ll be back to printing again when you apply these fixes.
1. Ensure That You Have Connected The Printer Properly To Your PC
You should first verify whether you have correctly connected the printer to your PC.
Check the cables to ensure they are securely attached to the printer. Look for any damage or wear, such as frayed wires or loose connections.
If the cable looks damaged, replace it with a new one.
Also, ensure you have connected the cable to the correct port on the printer. Power on the printer and test it.
2. Use The HP Print And Scan Doctor To Fix The Printer In Error State Issue
The HP Print and Scan Doctor is excellent for diagnosing and solving printer issues.
It can detect problems with the printer and either offer solutions to fix the errors or provide instructions on how to fix them.
It also checks for updates for the printer and provides access to HP support.
The HP Print and Scan Doctor effectively fixes the HP Printer is in an Error State issue because it provides detailed instructions on fixing the error.
Follow these steps to install and use the HP Print and Scan Doctor on Windows 10:
- Download the HP Print and Scan Doctor from http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/patches/HPPSdr.exe
- Wait for the application to download.
- Click on Run, which you will find in the dialog box that will open.
- Click on Yes when the application displays a message stating if you want the application to make changes on your computer.
- Click on Accept on the Data Collection and Consent window that will appear.
- Click on Start once the HP Print and Scan Doctor opens, and select your printer from the list.
- If you do not find your printer on the list, turn it on and off and click Retry.
- Follow the HP Print and Scan Doctor application prompts if there is a connection problem.
- Click Yes if the window prompts you to turn on printer updates.
- Click Yes if the window prompts you to make your HP printer the default printer.
Now check if the error message has disappeared.
3. Reinstall The Printer Drivers
Reinstalling the printer drivers can help clear the error message because the new drivers will overwrite the existing drivers, which may be outdated or corrupted.
They will also replace them with updated drivers that fix any issues causing the error message.
Additionally, reinstalling the drivers can help resolve compatibility issues between the printer and the computer.
Follow these steps to reinstall the printer drivers on Windows 10:
- Open Settings and click on Devices.
- Select the Printers and Scanners category.
- Select the printer you want to reinstall from the presented list.
- Click on the Remove device option.
- Confirm the removal process by pressing the Yes button.
- Disconnect the printer’s USB cable from the computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Connect the printer’s USB cable to your computer.
- Windows will automatically detect the printer and reinstall the necessary drivers.
- Click on the Add a printer or scanner option.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
Now check if your printer is working well again.
4. Set The Print Spooler Service To Run Automatically
The Print Spooler service manages all print jobs sent to the printer. If this service is not running, the printer cannot receive any print jobs and cannot function, which may result in the HP Printer is in an Error State message.
Setting the Print Spooler service to run automatically ensures that the printer is always available and ready to receive print jobs.
Here is how to set the print spooler service to run automatically on Windows 10:
- Type “Services” in the Search Bar.
- Click on Services from the search results.
- Scroll down to locate the Print Spooler from the presented options.
- Right-click on Print Spooler and tap on Properties.
- In the Properties window, set the Startup Type to Automatic.
- Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Check if the HP Printer in an Error State message has disappeared from your PC.
5. Run Printer Troubleshooter
You can also use the printer troubleshooter to clear the printer error message from displaying on your PC.
The feature allows you to troubleshoot various issues and resolve glitches that may be causing the error message.
Follow these steps to run printer troubleshooter on Windows 10:
- Type Settings on the Search bar.
- Select Update and Security from the settings windows.
- Tap on Troubleshoot.
- Tap on Additional Troubleshooters.
- Click on Printer, which you will find on the list on the window’s left side.
- Tap on Run the troubleshooter.
- Wait for the system to complete the troubleshooting process and close the window.
Now check if your printer is working well.
6. Hard Reset Your Printer
Another fix you can use to resolve the error message issue is hard resetting your printer.
Doing so can help clear any stuck or corrupted data causing the HP Printer to display the message.
It can also help clear any software glitches preventing the printer from working correctly.
Additionally, resetting the printer can restore factory settings, thus reducing the likelihood of future errors.
Follow these steps to hard reset your printer:
- Turn on your printer
- Ensure the printer is idle and silent, and remove the cartridges.
- Disconnect the power cord from the printer’s rear side while it is still on.
- Remove the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Wait for at least one minute.
- Reconnect the power cord back to the wall outlet. HP recommends that you connect the printer directly to the power outlet.
- Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
- Turn on your printer if it fails to power up on its own.
Remember, the printer’s light might flash, and the cartridges may also move. Wait for the printer to finish this warm-up process and check if the error message has disappeared.
7. Verify The Paper And Cartridge Ink Levels
The ‘HP Printer is in an Error State’ message on your PC is likely due to low ink or toner levels in the cartridges or low levels of paper in the printer tray.
To fix this issue, you will need to replace or refill the ink or toner cartridges or refill your printer tray with more paper.
The printer should return to a normal working state once you follow these steps:
Check the Ink Cartridge Levels Manually
Open the ink cartridge access door on your HP printer. This will expose the ink cartridges. Examine the ink level on each cartridge to check the amount of ink remaining. Top up the toner or ink if they are below the recommended level.
Check the Paper Tray
Open the paper tray on your HP printer. Examine the tray to check the amount of paper remaining. Add more paper if the tray is empty.
Conclusion
The HP printer error message can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Fortunately, you can take several steps to fix the issue. First, ensure the printer is connected correctly to the computer and the power source. If the printer is still not working, try restarting the printer to see if that helps. You should eventually be able to resolve the HP printer error state by applying the above-highlighted fixes.
FAQs
What is the main cause of the “HP Printer is in an Error State” message?
The main cause of an HP Printer displaying an Error State message is usually an issue with the printer driver or a problem with the printer itself. A misconfiguration of the printer driver, an outdated driver, a faulty connection, a hardware issue, or a software issue can cause an error message.
What should I do if my HP printer is in an error state?
First, try restarting the printer. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Then try to print again. If the error persists, you should check this guide for instructions on troubleshooting the error. You may also check the printer’s settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.
What should I do if the printer does not respond after resetting it?
If the printer does not respond after resetting it, check the connections between the printer and your computer. Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to the printer and the computer. If the printer is connected to a network, check that the network settings are correct. If the printer is still not responding, contact HP technical support for further assistance.