If you’re encountering the “There was an error when printing started” message on your HP printer, don’t worry! This issue is commonly related to either the printer setup, communication issues between your computer and printer, or software glitches. Here’s a guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve the problem quickly.
1. Check Your Printer Setup
The first thing to do when facing this issue is to ensure that your printer is set up correctly. This error can sometimes occur if there’s a misconfiguration in the setup process.
Steps to check:
- Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the network (if it’s a wireless printer).
- Check ink cartridges and paper. If your printer is out of ink or paper, it might display errors when attempting to print.
- Ensure the printer is set as the default printer in your system. If another printer is selected by default, your job might not go through.
2. Double-Click the Printer’s Icon
If the setup seems fine, but you’re still encountering the error, try checking the printer status through your computer.
- Open the Printer Queue:
- Go to Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).
- Double-click the printer icon to open the print queue.
- Check if there are any stuck print jobs in the queue. If there are, cancel or delete them.
- Clear the Print Queue:
- If you find any print jobs stuck, clear the queue and restart the printer.
- Restart the print spooler service (for Windows):
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Look for Print Spooler, right-click on it, and select Restart.
3. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can also cause this error. To ensure everything is running smoothly, update your printer drivers:
- For Windows: Go to Device Manager, right-click on your printer, and select Update Driver.
- For Mac: Check for software updates through System Preferences > Software Update.
4. Reinstall the Printer
If the error persists, it might be helpful to uninstall and reinstall the printer.
To uninstall:
- Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and select Remove Device.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and click the minus sign.
Reinstall the printer:
- Download the latest printer drivers from the HP support website.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall your printer and reconnect it to your computer.
5. Check for Network Issues (for Wireless Printers)
If you’re using a wireless printer, ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer. If the printer is disconnected or the network is unstable, it could cause the printing error. Try the following:
- Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi via the printer’s control panel.
- Restart the router and ensure both your printer and computer are on the same network.
6. Contact HP Support
If none of the above solutions work, you might need to reach out to HP customer support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue with more advanced tools or offer repair options if necessary.
Conclusion
The “There was an error when printing started” message can often be fixed by checking your printer setup, clearing the print queue, or updating your printer drivers. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to printing. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact HP support for further help.