# 1-866-203-7571 HP DeskJet 4255e Not Printing (How to Fix)

(**1-866-203-7571**).
📞 **For Instant Help: Call HP Support at 1-866-203-7571**

The **HP DeskJet 4255e** is a reliable all-in-one printer designed for home and small office use. It offers high-quality printing, scanning, and copying features. However, even the most efficient printers can sometimes stop working correctly — and one of the most frustrating issues users encounter is when the **HP DeskJet 4255e is not printing**.

Whether you are facing problems like:

* The printer showing “ready” but not printing,
* Blank pages coming out,
* Paper jams, or
* Connectivity issues,

this comprehensive guide will walk you through all possible reasons and detailed solutions to get your printer up and running again.

If you want **quick assistance**, you can **call HP printer support at 1-866-203-7571** for expert help.

## Common Reasons Why HP DeskJet 4255e Is Not Printing

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s important to identify what might be causing your printer not to print. Here are the most common reasons:

1. **Low or Empty Ink Cartridges**
When ink cartridges are low or empty, the printer may refuse to print or print faint or blank pages.

2. **Paper Jam or Misalignment**
A small piece of stuck paper or incorrect paper alignment can stop the printing process.

3. **Driver Issues**
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can prevent communication between your printer and computer.

4. **Printer Offline or Not Connected**
If your printer is disconnected from Wi-Fi or your computer, it won’t receive print commands.

5. **Software Conflicts or Print Queue Errors**
A stuck print job in the queue can freeze the printer’s functionality.

6. **Firmware Issues**
Outdated firmware can cause printing errors or compatibility problems.

7. **Wrong Printer Settings**
If the HP DeskJet 4255e isn’t selected as the default printer, the system might send print jobs elsewhere.

## Step-by-Step Fixes for HP DeskJet 4255e Not Printing

Let’s go through the troubleshooting process one step at a time.

### 🧩 Step 1: Check Power and Basic Setup

Before going into advanced troubleshooting, make sure the basics are in place.

1. Ensure your printer is **powered on** and the **power cable** is securely connected.
2. Check that the printer’s **display panel** is active and not showing any error codes (like “E” or blinking lights).
3. Ensure the **USB cable** or **Wi-Fi connection** is properly set up.
4. Restart your printer and computer to reset any temporary software glitches.

### 🖋️ Step 2: Check Ink Cartridges

1. Open the printer’s cartridge access door.
2. Wait until the carriage moves to the center.
3. Inspect the **black and color cartridges** — make sure they’re not empty or leaking.
4. Replace any cartridge that’s low or empty.
5. Use **genuine HP ink cartridges** for best performance.
6. After installation, print a **test page** to confirm ink flow.

If you still get blank pages, try cleaning the printhead (explained in Step 7).

### 📄 Step 3: Check for Paper Jams or Obstructions

Paper jams are a common reason for printing issues.

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Remove all paper from the input tray.
3. Open the access door and carefully check inside for **jammed or torn paper pieces**.
4. Gently pull out any stuck paper.
5. Close the door and reload paper into the tray properly.
6. Turn on the printer again and try printing a test document.

> 💡 Tip: Always use high-quality paper that meets HP’s recommended specifications.

### 🌐 Step 4: Check Printer Connection (Wi-Fi or USB)

If your HP DeskJet 4255e is not printing wirelessly, verify your connection:

#### For USB Connection:

* Make sure the **USB cable** is connected securely to both the printer and the computer.
* Try connecting the printer to another USB port.
* Avoid using USB hubs.

#### For Wireless Connection:

* Check that your printer is connected to the same **Wi-Fi network** as your computer or mobile device.
* Restart your Wi-Fi router.
* Use the **HP Smart App** to reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi:

1. Open the HP Smart app.
2. Tap “+” to add a printer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect.

> If Wi-Fi setup fails, reset the printer’s network settings by pressing and holding the **Wireless** and **Cancel** buttons together for 5 seconds.

### 🧰 Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Driver problems are one of the most common reasons the HP DeskJet 4255e won’t print.

#### On Windows:

1. Press **Windows + R** → type `control printers` → Enter.
2. Right-click on your HP DeskJet 4255e → select **Remove device**.
3. Visit **HP’s official website**.
4. Download and install the **latest printer driver and software package**.
5. Reconnect your printer and restart your PC.

#### On macOS:

1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select the HP DeskJet 4255e printer and click **Remove (-)**.
3. Re-add the printer by clicking the **+** button.
4. macOS will automatically install the correct driver.

If you face difficulties installing drivers, **call 1-866-203-7571** for technical assistance.

### ⚙️ Step 6: Clear the Print Queue

Sometimes, a stuck print job blocks all others.

#### On Windows:

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll to **Print Spooler**, right-click, and choose **Stop**.
3. Open `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS` and delete all files.
4. Go back and **restart** the Print Spooler service.
5. Try printing again.

#### On macOS:

1. Open **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Choose your printer and select **Open Print Queue**.
3. Delete all pending jobs.
4. Restart the printer and computer.

### 🧾 Step 7: Clean the Printhead

If your printer prints blank or faded pages, the printhead might be clogged.

#### Automatic Cleaning (via HP Smart App):

1. Open HP Smart App → Choose your printer.
2. Go to **Printer Settings > Maintenance > Clean Printhead**.
3. Follow the on-screen steps.

#### Manual Cleaning:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Remove the ink cartridges.
3. Gently clean the printhead area with a **soft lint-free cloth** and distilled water.
4. Reinstall the cartridges and power on the printer.

After cleaning, print a **test page** to verify improvements.

### 🔧 Step 8: Reset the Printer

A full reset often resolves unexplained errors.

#### Soft Reset:

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Unplug it from power for 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and restart.

#### Network Reset:

1. Press and hold the **Wireless** and **Cancel** buttons for 5 seconds.
2. The wireless light will blink — indicating network reset complete.
3. Reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi using HP Smart App.

#### Factory Reset (if nothing else works):

1. On the printer control panel, press **Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults**.
2. Confirm reset and wait for completion.

### 🖥️ Step 9: Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows Only)

HP offers a free tool called **HP Print and Scan Doctor** to automatically detect and fix issues.

1. Download the tool from HP’s official support site.
2. Install and launch it.
3. Select your printer from the list.
4. Click **Start** to scan for issues.
5. Follow any recommendations to fix errors.

This tool can resolve:

* Offline printer status
* Communication errors
* Missing drivers
* Stuck print jobs

### 📱 Step 10: Use HP Smart App for Diagnostics

If you’re using a mobile or desktop version of the **HP Smart App**, you can:

* Check ink levels
* Manage Wi-Fi connection
* Update firmware
* Print diagnostic pages
* Run printhead cleaning cycles

Download HP Smart App from the **Microsoft Store**, **App Store**, or **Google Play** if you haven’t already.

### 🧩 Step 11: Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause functionality issues.

#### To Update Firmware:

1. Open HP Smart App.
2. Go to **Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Printer Updates**.
3. Check for and install available updates.

> Keeping your firmware updated ensures compatibility and improved performance.

### 🔄 Step 12: Check Default Printer Settings

Make sure your computer is sending print jobs to the correct device.

#### On Windows:

1. Go to **Control Panel > Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your **HP DeskJet 4255e** → choose **Set as default printer**.
3. Print a test page.

#### On macOS:

1. Open **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select the HP DeskJet 4255e.
3. Click **Default printer** drop-down and choose your device.

### 🧮 Step 13: Check for Software Conflicts

Third-party software or antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with printing.

* Disable any active VPN or firewall temporarily.
* Try printing again.
* If it works, whitelist HP printer software in your firewall or antivirus settings.

### 🖨️ Step 14: Perform a Test Print

After applying the fixes:

1. Load paper into the tray.
2. Go to printer settings and select **Print Test Page**.
3. If the page prints correctly, the issue is resolved.

If not, continue with further troubleshooting or call support.

## Advanced Troubleshooting for Specific Issues

### 🧠 Case 1: HP DeskJet 4255e Prints Blank Pages

* Clean printhead.
* Check ink levels.
* Ensure cartridge vents aren’t clogged (remove and gently wipe).
* Run a **printer alignment** from HP Smart App.

### 🧠 Case 2: Printer Offline or Not Responding

* Restart router, printer, and computer.
* Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
* Reinstall printer drivers.
* Disable VPN connections temporarily.

### 🧠 Case 3: Slow or Partial Printing

* Check for outdated drivers.
* Reduce print resolution settings (from Best to Normal).
* Avoid duplex printing for speed.
* Ensure your network is stable.

### 🧠 Case 4: Printer Showing Error Codes

Common HP DeskJet 4255e error indicators:

* **E1 or E2:** Paper jam or feed error
* **E3:** Carriage jam
* **E4:** Ink cartridge problem
* **E5:** Alignment failed

Refer to HP’s manual or use HP Smart App for exact meanings.

### 🧠 Case 5: Wireless Printing Problems

If your HP DeskJet 4255e isn’t printing wirelessly:

* Reconnect to the correct Wi-Fi network.
* Move printer closer to the router.
* Use **2.4GHz Wi-Fi band** instead of 5GHz.
* Update printer firmware.

## Preventive Maintenance Tips

To avoid future printing issues, follow these preventive tips:

1. **Use Genuine HP Ink Cartridges** — counterfeit inks can clog printheads.
2. **Print Regularly** — prevent ink from drying.
3. **Keep Firmware Updated** — enhances compatibility.
4. **Clean Printer Periodically** — avoid dust and paper debris.
5. **Use Proper Paper** — check HP’s recommended paper list.
6. **Keep Printer in a Cool, Dry Place** — avoid humidity and direct sunlight.

## When to Contact Support

If your HP DeskJet 4255e still isn’t printing after trying all these steps, it may require professional help.

Contact **HP Printer Support** at:

📞 **1-866-203-7571**

They can assist with:

* Driver reinstallation
* Hardware diagnostics
* Warranty repairs
* Remote troubleshooting

Support is available for both **Windows** and **macOS** users.

## Conclusion

When your **HP DeskJet 4255e isn’t printing**, it can be caused by several issues ranging from simple paper jams to software malfunctions. This comprehensive guide covered every step — from checking ink levels and clearing print queues to reinstalling drivers and updating firmware.

Most problems can be resolved by:

* Ensuring proper connections,
* Using HP Smart App for diagnostics, and
* Regular printer maintenance.

If none of these solutions work, don’t waste time — call **HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for immediate professional assistance.

-