Question 1

the printed pages from my hp all-in-one come out with black smudges or smears all over them, what's causing that?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Smudging and black streaks on the HP DeskJet 4155e typically occur when excess ink accumulates on the printhead assembly or the internal rollers, which then transfers to the page as it passes through the paper path. Because this model uses a combined ink system, a "leak" or over-saturation of the black cartridge (HP 67) often causes ink to pool on the bottom of the carriage. As the carriage moves back and forth, it drags this excess ink across the surface of the paper, creating linear smears or random blotches. Another common cause is "ink buildup" on the platen or the star wheels. If a page previously jammed or if you are using non-standard, high-gloss photo paper in the plain paper tray, residue can cling to the rollers. When the next page passes through, these rollers act like a stamp, leaving repetitive black marks or "tracks" along the edges of the document. You can confirm this by printing a "Printer Status Report" from the HP Smart app; if the smudges appear in the same geometric location on every page, the issue is mechanical contamination of the rollers rather than a software setting. FIX Follow these steps to deep-clean the internal components and reset the ink flow: Power Down and Access: Turn the printer off and unplug the power cord. Open the front ink access door and the cartridge access door. Clean the Ink Cartridges: Remove the HP 67 Black cartridge. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the copper-colored electrical contacts and the bottom print nozzle. Do not scrub; simply dab until no excess black ink transfers to the cloth. Clear the Carriage Path: Use a flashlight to look for "ink puddles" on the plastic strip where the cartridges sit. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (70%) to carefully wipe away any accumulated ink buildup on the carriage frame. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers: Locate the rubber pickup rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth with water and gently wipe the rollers, rotating them manually to clean the entire circumference. This removes the "track" marks that cause edge smudging. Calibrate Paper Settings: Reinsert the cartridges and close the doors. On your computer, open the Print dialog, go to Preferences > Paper/Quality. Ensure the "Paper Type" is set exactly to "Plain Paper" for standard sheets or "HP Photo Papers" for glossy sheets. Selecting "Plain Paper" when using glossy paper causes the printer to dump too much ink, leading to smears. Run the Automated Clean: Open the HP Smart App, select Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Tools > Print Quality Tools. Run the "Clean Printheads" cycle twice to clear any clogged nozzles that may be dripping. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Replace the Black Cartridge: If the smudging persists, the internal seal of the HP 67 Black cartridge has likely failed, causing it to "leak" ink onto the page. Replace the cartridge with a genuine HP 67 or 67XL to ensure the ink flow is regulated correctly. Check Paper Weight: Ensure you are not using paper heavier than 20 lb (75 g/m²) for standard documents. Overly thick or textured "craft" paper can scrape the printhead, causing ink to smear across the page. Update Firmware: In the HP Smart app, check for firmware updates. HP occasionally releases updates that adjust the "drying time" between carriage passes to prevent smudging on specific paper types. Hard Reset: With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back. Wait 60 seconds. Plug it back in. This clears the temporary memory and resets the carriage alignment sequence. HEADS UP Avoid Third-Party Inks: Refilled or "compatible" cartridges often have different viscosities, which can lead to excessive dripping and smudging on the DeskJet 4155e. Store Paper Correctly: Damp paper (from humidity) does not absorb ink quickly, which is a leading cause of smears. Keep your paper in a sealed ream. Regular Maintenance: Print at least one page every week. This prevents ink from drying and pooling around the nozzles, which reduces the likelihood of "ink blobs" hitting your pages. Handle with Care: Never touch the copper contacts on the cartridges with your fingers, as skin oils can cause erratic ink delivery and spotting.

Question 2

setup keeps failing saying my hp deskjet 4155e is offline even though it's on and connected to wifi.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The "Offline" status on an HP DeskJet 4155e is rarely a hardware failure and almost always a communication breakdown between the Windows/macOS print spooler and the printer's network IP address. This typically occurs when the router assigns a dynamic IP address via DHCP that changes over time, but the HP Smart app or the Windows printer port is still trying to send data to the old, expired IP address. Even though the printer shows a solid blue Wi-Fi light, the "handshake" between the device and the PC is broken. Another common culprit is the "Use Printer Offline" setting within the Windows Print Queue, which can be toggled on automatically after a network glitch. In this state, the computer stops attempting to communicate with the printer entirely, ignoring the fact that the device is powered on and connected to the 2.4GHz band. You can confirm this by attempting to print a "Network Configuration Page" directly from the printer's control panel; if the page prints with a valid IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.XX), the printer is healthy, and the issue resides strictly in the software layer of your computer. FIX To resolve the communication gap and force the computer to recognize the 4155e, follow these precise steps to reset the port and the queue: Power cycle the hardware: Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord from the back of the unit, and restart your wireless router. Wait 60 seconds, plug the printer back in, and power it on. Clear the Windows Print Spooler: Press the Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find "Print Spooler" in the list, right-click it, and select "Stop." Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder. This clears corrupted print jobs that may be hanging the connection. Go back to the Services window, right-click "Print Spooler," and select "Start." Disable "Use Printer Offline" mode: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your HP DeskJet 4155e and select "Open print queue." In the window that pops up, click the "Printer" menu at the top and ensure "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked. Update the Port: In the Printers & scanners menu, select "Printer properties" > "Ports" tab. Ensure the checked port is a "Standard TCP/IP Port" and not a "WSD Port." If it is a WSD port, click "Add Port," select "Standard TCP/IP Port," and enter the IP address found on your printer's Network Configuration Page. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Factory Network Reset: Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the X) simultaneously for 5 seconds. This clears the internal network cache and puts the 4155e back into "Setup Mode" (indicated by a pulsing purple light). Open the HP Smart app and select "Add Printer" to re-pair the device from scratch. Assign a Static IP Address: Open a web browser on your PC and type the printer's IP address into the address bar to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS). Navigate to the "Network" tab > "IPv4 Configuration" and change the setting from "Automatic/DHCP" to "Manual/Static." This prevents the "Offline" error from returning every time the router reboots. Disable Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Third-party software like Norton or McAfee often flags the HP Smart app's communication ports. Temporarily disable your firewall and attempt to print. If it works, add an exception for HPSmart.exe and the printer's IP address. Check Band Steering: The 4155e only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If your router uses "Smart Connect" (merging 2.4GHz and 5GHz into one name), the printer may struggle to maintain a connection. Log into your router settings and create a separate SSID specifically for 2.4GHz devices. HEADS UP Avoid using "WSD" (Web Services for Devices) ports whenever possible, as they are notorious for causing the "Offline" status on HP DeskJet models. Always prefer Standard TCP/IP ports. Keep the HP Smart app updated via the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store; HP frequently pushes firmware patches that resolve connectivity bugs specifically for the 4155e series. Ensure the printer is placed within 15 feet of the router without thick masonry walls in between, as the 4155e has a relatively weak internal antenna. If you use a VPN on your computer, disconnect it before printing. VPNs change your virtual network location, making it impossible for the PC to "see" a local printer on your home Wi-Fi.

Question 3

i replaced the ink in my deskjet 4155 but the app still says the cartridges are empty or not recognized.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The HP DeskJet 4155e utilizes an electronic handshake system where the printer's carriage pins must establish a perfect electrical circuit with the copper contact pads on the HP 67 ink cartridges. When the HP Smart app reports "Empty" or "Not Recognized" despite a physical replacement, it is usually due to a communication failure. This is often caused by microscopic debris, ink smears, or a thin layer of oxidation on the gold-plated contacts, which prevents the printer from reading the cartridge's unique identification chip. Another common cause is the "HP+ (e-series)" firmware restriction. Because the 4155e is an 'e' series printer, it is designed to strictly enforce the use of original HP cartridges. If you have installed remanufactured or third-party cartridges, the printer may trigger a "Cartridge Problem" or "Non-HP Chip Detected" error. This happens because the printer's firmware checks the digital signature of the chip; if the signature is missing or incorrect, the printer ignores the ink levels entirely and reports them as empty or missing to prevent the use of unauthorized supplies. FIX To resolve the recognition error and sync the ink levels with the HP Smart app, follow these precise steps: Power on the printer and open the front ink access door. Wait for the ink carriage to slide to the center of the machine. Press down firmly on the top of the cartridge (either the black or tri-color) to release the latch, then pull the cartridge straight out of the slot. Locate the copper-colored contact pads on the back of the cartridge. Use a lint-free cloth or a coffee filter dampened with a small amount of 90% isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the copper pads in a circular motion to remove any oils or ink residue. Look inside the printer carriage at the gold-plated pins that meet the cartridge. Using a dry cotton swab, gently clean these pins to ensure no ink buildup is blocking the connection. Ensure the orange plastic protective tape has been completely removed from the cartridge contacts. Even a tiny sliver of adhesive remaining can cause a "Not Recognized" error. Re-insert the cartridges, pressing down firmly until you hear a distinct "click" that locks them into place. Close the access door and perform a "Hard Reset": While the printer is on, unplug the power cord from the back of the machine and the wall outlet. Wait 60 seconds. Plug it back in and allow the printer to reboot. Open the HP Smart app on your device and refresh the printer status page to confirm the ink levels have updated. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Disable HP Cartridge Protection: If you are using non-HP ink, the printer may be blocking them via a security setting. Access your printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) by typing the printer's IP address into a web browser. Navigate to Settings > Preferences > Cartridge Protection and select "Disable HP Cartridge Protection," then click Apply. Perform a Carriage Reset: Sometimes the carriage sensor hangs. With the printer on, open the ink door, remove both cartridges, and close the door. The printer will flash an "Ink Missing" error. Now, reopen the door and re-insert the cartridges one by one, waiting for the printer to acknowledge each one before inserting the second. Update Printer Firmware: An outdated firmware version can cause communication glitches with newer cartridge batches. In the HP Smart app, go to Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Tools > Printer Updates and check for any available firmware patches. Test with a Known-Good Cartridge: If the error persists for only one specific color, the chip on that individual cartridge is likely defective. Try swapping it with a different genuine HP 67 cartridge to determine if the fault lies with the cartridge chip or the printer's internal carriage pins. HEADS UP Avoid touching the copper contacts with your bare fingers; skin oils can create an insulating layer that leads to "Cartridge Not Recognized" errors. Always use a lint-free cloth for cleaning; standard paper towels can leave behind micro-fibers that interfere with the electrical connection. If you are using the HP Instant Ink subscription, ensure your account is active and the printer is connected to Wi-Fi; otherwise, the printer may electronically disable the cartridges. Never force a cartridge into the slot; if it doesn't click in easily, check for any remaining plastic packaging or shipping materials inside the carriage.

Question 4

why does my printer keep saying 'out of paper' when the tray is clearly full? it's driving me nuts.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The HP DeskJet 4155e uses a top-loading gravity-fed system where a rubberized pickup roller must create enough friction to pull the top sheet into the feed mechanism. When the printer reports an "Out of Paper" error despite a full tray, it is almost always a "false negative" caused by a lack of traction. This happens because the rollers accumulate a layer of "paper dust"—microscopic cellulose fibers that act like a lubricant, making the rubber slick. When the roller spins without gripping the paper, the internal sensor fails to detect the paper moving into the carriage, triggering the error message. Another common cause is "paper curl" or improper loading. If the paper is slightly bowed or the guides are too loose, the sheet can shift by just a few millimeters, causing the roller to hit the edge of the page or miss it entirely. You can confirm this by listening closely during the feed attempt: if you hear a high-pitched whining or a rapid clicking sound without the paper moving, the roller is slipping. If you hear a grinding noise, there is likely a small scrap of torn paper jammed in the feed path blocking the sensor. FIX To resolve this, you must perform a manual cleaning of the pickup rollers and reset the paper tension. Follow these exact steps: Power down the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall to prevent electrical shorts during cleaning. Remove the entire stack of paper from the rear input tray. Take the stack and "fan" it thoroughly to remove static electricity and ensure sheets aren't stuck together. Locate the gray rubber pickup rollers inside the input slot. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol as it can dry out and crack the rubber over time). Gently wipe the surface of the rollers. If you can reach them, rotate the rollers manually to clean the entire circumference. If they are hard to reach, use a cotton swab dipped in distilled water to scrub the rubber surface until the cloth comes away grey/black. Dry the rollers completely with a dry cloth before reloading paper. Insert a fresh stack of 20lb multipurpose paper. Ensure the stack is not pushed too far down into the machine, but is not exceeding the maximum fill line indicated on the tray. Slide the plastic paper width guides until they are snug against the edges of the paper. There should be no gap, but the paper should not be pinching or bowing. Plug the printer back in and attempt a "Printer Test Page" from the HP Smart app to verify the fix. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for "Ghost Jams": Small pieces of ripped paper or staples often fall into the top-load tray. Use a flashlight to look deep into the feed throat. If you see a scrap, use a pair of tweezers to gently pull it out. Even a tiny sliver of paper can trigger the "Out of Paper" sensor. Switch Paper Stock: If you are using high-gloss photo paper or heavy cardstock, the 4155e rollers may struggle. Try switching to standard 8.5 x 11 inch white office paper. If standard paper works, your specialty paper is likely too thick for the feed mechanism. Hard Reset the Logic Board: While the printer is ON, pull the power cord directly from the back of the machine. Wait 60 seconds. Plug it back in. This clears the temporary memory and forces the printer to re-poll the paper sensors. Inspect the Feed Platen: Check the plastic area where the paper rests before it hits the rollers. If there is a build-up of grime or adhesive residue (from labels), the paper won't slide smoothly, causing the roller to slip. Clean this area with a damp cloth. HEADS UP Avoid using "cheap" recycled paper with high lint content, as this will clog your rollers much faster and lead to frequent "Out of Paper" errors. Never use aerosol lubricants or WD-40 on the rollers; this will permanently destroy the grip and require a full hardware replacement of the feed assembly. Store your paper in a cool, dry place. High humidity causes paper to warp, which prevents the 4155e's top-loader from grabbing the sheets reliably. Always load paper in small increments. Overfilling the tray puts excessive downward pressure on the rollers, which can actually cause them to slip.

Question 5

the scanner on my 4155e makes a loud grinding noise and won't move when i try to copy something.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The loud grinding noise emanating from your HP DeskJet 4155e during a copy or scan operation is a classic symptom of a "stalled carriage." This occurs when the stepper motor attempting to move the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) assembly encounters physical resistance. Because the motor is geared to move at a precise speed, any obstruction causes the gears to slip or grind against each other, creating that harsh mechanical sound. This is typically caused by one of two things: a foreign object (like a staple, paperclip, or a shard of broken plastic) has fallen into the chassis and is wedged in the carriage path, or the lubrication on the guide rail has dried out or become contaminated with dust, causing the carriage to "stick" and the motor to overcompensate. You can confirm this by attempting a scan; if the scanner bar moves a fraction of an inch and then stops abruptly with a loud noise, it is a physical blockage. If it moves slowly and stutters, it is likely a lubrication or belt tension issue. FIX To resolve this, you need to clear the path and reset the home position of the scanner assembly. Follow these exact steps: Power down the printer completely and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shock or accidental motor activation. Lift the scanner lid and use a high-intensity flashlight to inspect the perimeter of the glass platen. Look specifically at the gaps between the glass and the plastic frame where debris often slips through. Gently use a can of compressed air to blow out the tracks on both the left and right sides of the scanner bed. Focus on the area where the scanner bar rests when idle (the "home" position). Check for any visible obstructions. If you see a foreign object, use a pair of non-magnetic tweezers to carefully remove it. Do not use metal tools that could scratch the glass or damage the sensor. Perform a Hard Power Reset: While the printer is unplugged, press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds to drain the internal capacitors. Plug the printer back in and immediately initiate a "Copy" command. The printer will perform a calibration cycle; listen closely to see if the grinding has ceased as the bar moves from one end to the other. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Carriage Realignment: If the bar is stuck in the middle of the bed, you may need to carefully nudge it. With the power off, if you can access the internal rail (by removing the outer casing screws if you are comfortable doing so), gently slide the carriage to the home position. Sometimes the belt slips a tooth, and manually centering it allows the motor to regain grip. Cleaning the Guide Rail: Use a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with a tiny amount of 90% Isopropyl alcohol. Carefully wipe the silver metal guide rail that the scanner assembly slides upon. Remove any blackened grease or dust buildup that could be creating friction. Check for Chassis Warp: Place a straight edge across the top of the scanner glass. If the printer has been hit or dropped, the plastic frame can warp, pinching the scanner assembly. If you find a pinch point, applying light pressure to the outer frame while initiating a scan can sometimes "pop" the carriage back into its track. Factory Reset: If the noise is intermittent, it may be a firmware glitch causing the motor to "hunt" for the home position. Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button simultaneously for 5 seconds to reset the network and internal settings, then restart. HEADS UP Avoid Lubricants: Never apply WD-40 or heavy oils to the scanner rails. These attract dust and will eventually turn into a sticky paste that will permanently seize the motor. Glass Care: When cleaning the scanner bed to look for debris, never spray glass cleaner directly onto the surface; spray the cloth first to prevent liquid from seeping into the electronics under the glass. Power Sequence: Always unplug the power cord before attempting to move any internal parts. The scanner motor can move with surprising force and may pinch your fingers if it suddenly activates. Debris Prevention: Keep the printer away from areas where staples or paperclips are frequently handled, as the 4155e chassis has several small vents where small metal objects can easily fall into the mechanical assembly.

Question 6

my hp deskjet prints super faded or has streaks even with new cartridges, is it clogged?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The HP DeskJet 4155e utilizes an integrated printhead design, meaning the nozzles are built directly into the bottom of the ink cartridges rather than the printer chassis. When you see faded text or horizontal streaks (banding), it indicates that the microscopic nozzles are partially obstructed. This is typically caused by "ink drying," where air penetrates the cartridge seal or the printer sits idle for more than two weeks, allowing the ink to solidify into a crust that blocks the fluid flow. Because the 4155e uses a thermal inkjet process, any air bubble trapped in the ink delivery system or a partial clog will prevent the ink from firing consistently. If you have already replaced the cartridges and the problem persists, the issue is likely not the ink level, but a failure of the printhead to "prime" correctly or a buildup of dried residue on the electrical contact points between the cartridge and the carriage, preventing the nozzles from heating up and firing the ink droplets. FIX To resolve this, you must perform a multi-stage cleaning process to force the ink through the nozzles and clear the obstructions. Open the HP Smart App on your mobile device or PC. Ensure the printer is connected and shows as "Ready." Navigate to the printer settings menu by clicking on the printer icon. Select Print Quality Tools or Printer Maintenance. Select Clean Printheads. The printer will run a short cycle and print a diagnostic page. If the streaks are still present, do not stop here; run the "Level 2" or "Deep Clean" if prompted. If the software clean fails, perform a manual contact clean. Open the ink cartridge access door and remove both the black and tri-color cartridges. Locate the gold-colored electrical contacts on the back of the cartridges and the corresponding pins inside the carriage. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with a tiny amount of distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol) to gently wipe the gold contacts. Carefully dab the bottom of the cartridge (the nozzle plate) with a damp, lint-free paper towel. Press the nozzle flat against the towel for 2 seconds. If you don't see a solid rectangle of ink (black for the black cartridge, three distinct stripes for the color), the nozzle is still clogged. Reinsert the cartridges, ensuring they click firmly into place, and run one final "Clean Printheads" cycle from the HP Smart App. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The "Warm Soak" Method: If the nozzles are severely dried, remove the cartridges and place the printhead end (the bottom) into a shallow bowl containing about 1cm of very warm distilled water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. This softens the dried ink plugs. Dry the contacts thoroughly before reinstalling. Hard Reset the Carriage: With the printer powered on, unplug the power cord from the back of the machine. Wait 60 seconds. While unplugged, hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge remaining electricity. Plug it back in and try a test print. Verify Ink Venting: Check the top of the new cartridges. Ensure the orange plastic pull-tab was removed completely. If a tiny piece of the adhesive seal remains over the vent hole, a vacuum forms inside the cartridge, preventing ink from flowing to the nozzles regardless of how many cleaning cycles you run. Replace Cartridges Again: If you are using "remanufactured" or third-party cartridges, the 4155e often rejects these or they leak air into the chamber. Try a genuine HP 67 ink set to rule out hardware incompatibility. HEADS UP Avoid Over-Cleaning: Do not run the "Clean Printheads" utility more than 3 times in a row. This process consumes a significant amount of ink and can actually introduce air bubbles into the printhead, making the streaks worse. Print Weekly: To prevent this from recurring, print a "test page" or a small document at least once every 7 to 10 days. This keeps the ink fluid and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Use Distilled Water Only: When cleaning contacts or soaking nozzles, never use tap water. The minerals in tap water can leave deposits on the gold contacts, causing "Cartridge Incompatible" errors. Storage: Always keep the printer in a climate-controlled environment. Placing the printer near a heater or in a drafty area accelerates the drying process of the ink in the nozzles.

Question 7

how do i connect my hp 4155e to wifi without using the cable? it never finds my network during setup.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The HP DeskJet 4155e often fails to discover networks during initial setup because it is strictly a 2.4GHz wireless device. Most modern routers use "Smart Steering" or "Band Steering," which merges the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single SSID. When the printer attempts to handshake with the router, the router may try to push it toward the 5GHz band or fail to provide a compatible security protocol, causing the printer to time out and report that no networks were found. Furthermore, this model relies heavily on "Setup Mode," a temporary state where the printer broadcasts its own internal Wi-Fi signal (usually named HP-Setup-DeskJet-4100 series). If the printer has been powered on for more than two hours without a successful connection, it automatically exits Setup Mode for security reasons. If you are attempting to connect after this window, the HP Smart app will never find the printer because the broadcast signal is inactive. FIX Since you want to avoid using a cable, you must force the printer back into Setup Mode and ensure your mobile device is on the correct frequency. Follow these exact steps: Reset Network Settings: Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the X) simultaneously for about 5 seconds. The power button will blink, and the wireless bar on the display will flash. This clears any old, failed connection attempts and reactivates the Setup Mode broadcast. Prepare Your Device: On your smartphone or laptop, go to Wi-Fi settings and ensure you are connected to your 2.4GHz network. If your router has separate names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, choose the 2.4GHz one. Turn off "Cellular Data" on your phone temporarily to prevent the device from switching to LTE when it detects the printer's non-internet Wi-Fi signal. Launch HP Smart: Open the HP Smart app. Click the "Add Printer" or the plus (+) icon. The app will now search for devices in Setup Mode. Select the Printer: When "HP DeskJet 4100 series" appears, select it. The app will ask for permission to access your Wi-Fi password; allow this so it can push the credentials to the printer wirelessly. Confirm Connection: Wait for the wireless light on the printer's control panel to stop flashing and remain solid blue. This indicates a successful handshake with your router. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): If your router has a physical WPS button, press and hold the Wireless button on the printer for 3 seconds until the light flashes. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router for 3-5 seconds. The router and printer will exchange credentials automatically without needing the HP Smart app. Disable 5GHz Temporarily: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and temporarily disable the 5GHz band. Once the printer connects to the 2.4GHz band, you can re-enable the 5GHz band, and the printer will stay connected. Update Router DNS: Some ISP-provided routers have restrictive DNS settings that block HP's cloud activation. Change your router's DNS to Google's Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and restart both the router and the printer. Hard Reset Power Cycle: Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer while it is ON. Unplug your router. Wait 60 seconds. Plug the router back in and wait for full internet restoration, then plug the printer back in and retry the Setup Mode process. HEADS UP HP+ Warning: If you opted for the "e" series HP+ features, the printer requires a constant internet connection. If the Wi-Fi drops, the printer may enter an "Error" state and refuse to print even via USB until the cloud connection is restored. Avoid VPNs: Never have a VPN active on your phone or laptop during the setup process. VPNs mask your local IP address, making it impossible for the HP Smart app to "see" the printer on your local network. Signal Strength: Ensure the printer is within 15 feet of the router during the initial pairing. Once the connection is established, you can move it further away. Firmware Updates: Immediately after connecting, check the HP Smart app for firmware updates. Early versions of the 4155e had known bugs regarding Wi-Fi sleep mode that caused them to disconnect overnight.

Question 8

my hp deskjet 4155e printer just shows a flashing power light and won't do anything when i try to print, what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The flashing power light on the HP DeskJet 4155e indicates a "Fatal Error" or a critical state where the printer's firmware has halted all operations to prevent hardware damage. This is typically triggered by a mechanical obstruction—such as a microscopic piece of torn paper in the feed rollers—or a communication failure between the printhead and the main logic board. When the power light blinks, the printer is essentially in a loop, attempting to initialize the carriage and failing, which prevents it from accepting any new print jobs from your PC or mobile device. You can confirm the specific nature of the failure by looking at the control panel display. If the power light is flashing in tandem with an "E" error code (like E0, E1, or E3) on the small LCD screen, it confirms a hardware jam or cartridge misalignment. If the screen is blank but the light continues to blink, the issue is likely a power surge that has corrupted the temporary memory (NVRAM) or a failing power adapter that cannot provide the peak voltage required to move the ink carriage. FIX To resolve a flashing power light and restore functionality, perform a hard hardware reset and a manual carriage clearance: While the printer is powered on and the light is flashing, pull the power cord directly from the back of the printer. Do not turn it off using the button first. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Wait exactly 60 seconds to allow the capacitors on the logic board to discharge completely. Open the front ink cartridge access door. Manually check if the carriage can slide freely from left to right. If it is stuck, gently nudge it to ensure there are no obstructions. Check the paper tray and the rear output slot. Use a flashlight to look for small scraps of paper or staples. Even a piece of paper the size of a fingernail can trigger the sensor. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using surge protectors or power strips for this test, as the DeskJet 4155e is sensitive to voltage drops during the initialization phase. Press the Power button. If the light stops flashing and the printer goes through its startup noise/cycle, the error is cleared. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Reseat the Ink Cartridges: Open the cartridge door and remove both the black and tri-color cartridges. Use a lint-free cloth and a tiny amount of distilled water to gently wipe the gold electrical contacts on the cartridges. Reinsert them firmly until they click. A poor connection here often triggers a flashing power light. Perform a Factory Reset: With the printer on, press and hold the Power button and the Cancel (X) button simultaneously for 10 seconds. This clears the internal print queue and resets the firmware to factory defaults, which can resolve software-induced hangs. Check for "Ink System" Errors: If the light continues to flash, check if the ink cartridges are genuine HP 67 cartridges. Third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes trigger a security mismatch that locks the printer into an error state. Try removing one cartridge at a time to see if the flashing stops, identifying which specific cartridge is causing the fault. Update Firmware via HP Smart: If the printer eventually reaches a "Ready" state but the light flashes during the first page of a print, use the HP Smart app on your phone to check for a firmware update. Outdated firmware on the 4155e model frequently causes intermittent communication errors. HEADS UP Avoid using "canister" or "refill" ink kits on the 4155e; the sensors in this model are highly sensitive and can trigger a permanent flashing error if the chip is not recognized. Always use a wall outlet rather than a power strip. Low voltage during the carriage "homing" sequence is a leading cause of random power-light blinking. Keep the printer in a dust-free environment. Dust accumulation on the encoder strip (the clear plastic strip running across the width of the printer) can cause the carriage to overshoot its mark, triggering a fatal error. If you experience a paper jam, always pull the paper in the direction of the paper path. Pulling it backward can damage the delicate pickup rollers and cause permanent flashing errors.

HP DeskJet 4155e All-in-One Printer

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