When you are having printer problems, you will have to find out if everyone is having this printer problem or if you are the only one having a problem. This document will provide the simple 123 HP Laserjet Pro mfp m281fdw troubleshooting steps to fix the printer problem you have encountered.
Printer offline
- Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor if you are using a system with Windows 8 or 10.
- Follow the instructions given on screen to fix the issue and if the printer still shows that its offline or if you’re not using Windows 8 or 10 please follow the next step.
- Change the print driver to the one you installed as it might have changed and please confirm if the printer is not set for offline use.
- Try to reset your 123 HP Laserjet Pro mfp m281fdw printer when the printer is in “ON status” and restart your computer. Now try to reconnect and print.
- If the printer is connected via USB or network, make sure that the correct port is selected.
- If not select the correct port type if the selection does not match the current connection used by the printer.
- If the print still shows that its offline follow the next step. Regularly update the printer firmware and if the problem still persists, continue to the next step.
- Print a network configuration report from your 123.hp.com/ljpm281fdw printer and obtain the URL for the Embedded web server.
- Browse through this URL in the system that is connected to the network.
- Create a manual IP address under the network tab and click apply for the changes to get saved.
Load paper error
- Remove the stack of paper from the input tray. Check if any obstruction inside the tray.
- Make sure that nothing blocks the paper from engaging with the rollers.
- Check the condition of the paper and replace it, if it is ripped, bent or curled.
- Confirm that, all the paper in the stack are of same size and type. Do not load mixed types of paper in the tray.
- Turn on the printer, wait until the carriage moves to the right side of the printer and becomes idle.
- Open the ink cartridge access door to gain access to the rollers. Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with filtered water.
- Press the cloth against the roller, and then rotate the roller upward with your fingers. Remove the debris present on the roller.
- Unplug the power cord from the rear of your printer and from the wall outlet. Wait for 30 seconds and reconnect the power cord.
- Return to the document you were trying to print and open the file menu. Select the option Print. Open the Properties dialogue box from the Print window.
- Select the Paper tab. Choose the paper size that matches the paper in the printer.
- Click ok and try to print the document. If the problem persists, then service the printer.
Paper Jam
- Turn off your printer and disconnect the power cord to allow the paper feed rollers to turn freely.
- Open the rear access door and inspect the pressure rollers. Verify that they are clean and clean the rollers with a soft towel if needed.
- Check if there is any jammed paper in this section and remove the jammed paper from the rear access door opening.
- Make sure that there is no paper debris in the fuser area and duplexer slot. Check if the carriage moves freely.
- Use both your hands to remove the paper that is stuck in the roller in order to avoid tearing of the sheet.
- Discard any paper that is damaged, and then reload the paper into the paper tray.
- Unlock the print cartridge access door. Verify if there is any paper debris or labels stuck on the small metal pressure rollers that ride on the main feed roller.
- Do not mix different types of paper. Load only one type of paper for a print job. Make sure that the paper meets the paper-handling specifications.
- Slide the paper-length adjuster against the end of the paper stack and do not overfill the input tray.
- Connect the power cord and turn on your 123 HP Laserjet Pro mfp m281fdw printer. Try to print a sample and if the error persists, then service the printer.
Won’t Print
- Power reset your printer by turning it on and disconnecting the power cord. Wait for a minute and reconnect the power cord and turn on your printer.
- Confirm the printer connection and network name. Make sure the wireless icon on your printer’s control panel is on.
- Open the Wireless network menu to make sure that the 123.hp.com/ljpm281fdw printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
- If your printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable then unplug the USB cable from the USB port of the printer and computer.
- Reconnect the USB cord after a minute. Your security software might prevent the printer from accessing the computer, so reconfigure the settings.
- Uninstall the printer driver from your system and download the latest driver from our website.
- Check the Estimated Ink Level in your printer’s control panel. Replace the cartridge that is low on the level of ink.
- Check if the cartridges are placed properly in their slots.
- Make sure that the black cartridge is placed on the right side and tri-color cartridge is placed on the left side of the cartridge holder.
- Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor application.
- In the HP Print and Scan Doctor results screen, check if you have received a white checkmark. If so, then your HP Laserjet Pro mfp m281fdw printer has passed the tests.