# 1-866-203-7571 8 Ways to Fix HP Printer in Error State | Printer Tales ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** If your **HP printer is showing “Error State”**, you’re not alone. This common issue can stop printing tasks suddenly, whether you’re using **Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS**. The error state message typically appears when your computer cannot properly communicate with the printer or when there’s a hardware, driver, or connection issue. At **Printer Tales**, we understand how frustrating this can be—especially when you need urgent prints for work, school, or business. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through **8 proven ways to fix HP printer in error state** and get your printer back to working condition. If you need expert assistance, call **1-866-203-7571** for quick support. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** ## What Does “HP Printer in Error State” Mean? When an HP printer enters an error state, it means your system has detected a problem preventing the printer from functioning properly. This may include: * Printer offline issues * Paper jams * Low or faulty ink cartridges * Driver corruption * Network connection problems * Outdated firmware The good news? Most of these problems can be resolved at home with simple troubleshooting steps. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 1. Restart Your Printer and Computer Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective. ### Why This Works: Temporary glitches between your system and printer can trigger the error state message. ### Steps: 1. Turn off your HP printer. 2. Unplug it from the power source. 3. Shut down your computer. 4. Wait for 2–3 minutes. 5. Plug the printer back in and power it on. 6. Restart your computer. After rebooting both devices, try printing a test page. This basic reset clears memory glitches and restores communication between your printer and PC. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 2. Check Printer Connections (USB or Wi-Fi) Connection issues are one of the most common causes of the HP printer error state. ## For USB Connection: * Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged in. * Try using a different USB port. * Replace the USB cable if damaged. ## For Wireless Connection: * Ensure printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. * Restart your router. * Run HP Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer control panel. If your printer frequently disconnects, unstable Wi-Fi may be the cause. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 3. Set HP Printer as Default Printer If another printer is set as default, your HP printer may go into error state. ### Steps (Windows): 1. Press **Windows + I** 2. Go to **Devices > Printers & Scanners** 3. Select your HP printer 4. Click **Set as Default** Also ensure “Let Windows manage my default printer” is turned OFF. Setting the correct printer avoids conflicts within the system. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 4. Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers Corrupted or outdated drivers are a major cause of printer errors. Drivers act as a bridge between your computer and the printer. If they’re outdated, communication fails. ### Steps to Update Driver: 1. Right-click **Start** 2. Select **Device Manager** 3. Expand **Printers** 4. Right-click your HP printer 5. Click **Update Driver** Choose **Search automatically for updated driver software**. ### To Reinstall Driver: 1. Uninstall the printer from Device Manager. 2. Restart your PC. 3. Download the latest driver from the official HP website. 4. Install and follow setup instructions. Updating drivers ensures compatibility with the latest Windows updates. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 5. Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode If your printer is set to offline mode, it may display an error state. ### Steps: 1. Open **Control Panel** 2. Select **Devices and Printers** 3. Right-click your HP printer 4. Click **See what’s printing** 5. Click **Printer** 6. Uncheck **Use Printer Offline** This reconnects your system with the printer instantly. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 6. Clear Print Spooler Service The print spooler manages printing tasks. If it’s stuck, your printer may show an error. ### Steps: 1. Press **Windows + R** 2. Type `services.msc` 3. Press Enter 4. Locate **Print Spooler** 5. Right-click and select **Stop** 6. Go to: ``` C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS ``` 7. Delete all files inside 8. Return to Services 9. Restart Print Spooler Now try printing again. This clears stuck print jobs and restores normal functionality. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 7. Check for Paper Jams and Cartridge Issues Hardware issues can also trigger error states. ### Check For: * Paper stuck inside rollers * Misaligned cartridges * Empty or faulty ink cartridges * Open printer cover Open your printer carefully and inspect all internal components. Remove jammed paper gently without tearing it. Also ensure cartridges click properly into place. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # 8. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP offers a built-in diagnostic tool called **HP Print and Scan Doctor**. This software automatically: * Detects printer problems * Fixes driver issues * Clears connectivity errors * Resolves spooler problems Download it from the official HP website and follow on-screen instructions. This is one of the most effective tools to fix HP printer error state problems. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # Additional Advanced Fixes If the above steps don’t work, try these advanced solutions: ## Update Windows Sometimes Windows updates conflict with printer drivers. * Go to **Settings > Update & Security** * Click **Check for Updates** Install pending updates and restart your PC. ## Check Printer Firmware Outdated firmware may cause compatibility issues. * Visit HP’s official website * Search your printer model * Download firmware update ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # Mac Users: Fix HP Printer in Error State If you’re using macOS: ### Reset Printing System: 1. Go to **System Settings** 2. Select **Printers & Scanners** 3. Right-click printer list 4. Choose **Reset Printing System** 5. Re-add your HP printer This clears corrupted printer configurations. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # Why Does HP Printer Keep Going Into Error State? Common causes include: * Network interruptions * Outdated drivers * Corrupted print queue * Hardware malfunctions * System updates * Improper shutdown Regular maintenance and updates help prevent this issue. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # Prevent HP Printer Error State in the Future Follow these preventive tips: * Keep printer drivers updated * Use genuine HP ink cartridges * Avoid force shutting down printer * Regularly clean printer rollers * Maintain stable Wi-Fi connection * Run diagnostic checks monthly Proper maintenance reduces future disruptions. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** # When to Contact Printer Support? If your HP printer still shows error state after troubleshooting, you may need expert assistance. Call **Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571** for: * Advanced driver repair * Wireless setup assistance * Firmware troubleshooting * Hardware diagnosis * Remote printer support Professional technicians can quickly diagnose and fix the issue. # Conclusion The “HP Printer in Error State” message can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s easily fixable with proper troubleshooting. To recap, here are the **8 Ways to Fix HP Printer in Error State**: 1. Restart printer and PC 2. Check USB/Wi-Fi connection 3. Set as default printer 4. Update/reinstall drivers 5. Disable offline mode 6. Clear print spooler 7. Check paper jams and cartridges 8. Use HP Print and Scan Doctor Following these steps carefully should restore your printer’s functionality. If you need immediate help, don’t hesitate to call **1-866-203-7571** for expert support from Printer Tales. ***Printer Tales Support at 1-866-203-7571**