What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the various methods of how to reset HP Designjet T120 and help you get your printer back in top shape.
- A reset on your HP DesignJet T120 is a powerful troubleshooting tool that can address a wide range of issues.
- Here’s how to reset the print queue on a Mac.
Are you facing frustrating error messages or printing issues with your HP DesignJet T120? You’re not alone. Many users encounter these problems, but the good news is that you can often resolve them by performing a reset. This guide will walk you through the various methods of how to reset HP Designjet T120 and help you get your printer back in top shape.
Understanding the Need for a Reset
A reset on your HP DesignJet T120 is a powerful troubleshooting tool that can address a wide range of issues. Here are some common scenarios where a reset might be necessary:
- Error Messages: Encountering cryptic error codes on your printer’s display? A reset can clear these messages and potentially resolve the underlying problem.
- Printing Problems: Experiencing paper jams, ink cartridge errors, or inconsistent print quality? A reset can refresh the printer’s internal settings and often resolves these issues.
- Connectivity Issues: Struggling to connect your printer to your computer or network? A reset can help re-establish the connection.
- Frozen Printer: Is your printer unresponsive and seemingly frozen? A reset can help “unfreeze” it and bring it back to life.
Method 1: Soft Reset (Power Cycle)
The most basic and often effective reset is the soft reset, also known as a power cycle. This involves restarting the printer, which can clear temporary glitches and refresh its memory.
Here’s how to perform a soft reset:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on the printer to turn it off completely.
2. Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the printer from the power source.
3. Wait for a few minutes: Allow the printer to remain unplugged for at least 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Plug back in: Reconnect the power cord to the printer and turn it back on.
Method 2: Hard Reset (Using the Control Panel)
If a soft reset doesn’t fix the problem, a hard reset might be necessary. This involves resetting the printer’s settings to their factory defaults, which can be helpful for resolving more persistent issues.
Here’s how to perform a hard reset using the control panel:
1. Access the printer’s control panel: Locate the menu button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to the “Setup” menu: Use the navigation buttons to scroll through the menus until you find “Setup” or “Settings.”
3. Select “Factory Reset” or “Reset to Defaults”: Choose the option that indicates a factory reset.
4. Confirm the reset: The printer may prompt you to confirm the reset. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Wait for the reset: The printer will take a few minutes to complete the reset process.
Method 3: Resetting the Print Queue (Windows)
Sometimes, printing problems stem from issues within the print queue on your computer. Resetting the print queue can help resolve these issues.
Here’s how to reset the print queue in Windows:
1. Open the “Start” menu: Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Search for “Services”: Type “Services” in the search bar and select the “Services” app.
3. Locate the “Print Spooler” service: Scroll through the list of services and find “Print Spooler.”
4. Right-click and select “Stop”: Right-click on the “Print Spooler” service and choose “Stop.”
5. Navigate to the print spooler folder: Open “File Explorer” and go to the following path: `C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS`
6. Delete the contents of the folder: Delete all the files and folders within the “PRINTERS” folder.
7. Restart the “Print Spooler” service: Go back to the “Services” app, right-click on “Print Spooler,” and select “Start.”
Method 4: Resetting the Print Queue (Mac)
If you’re using a Mac, resetting the print queue involves a slightly different process.
Here’s how to reset the print queue on a Mac:
1. Open “System Preferences“: Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Choose “Printers & Scanners”: Select the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
3. Select your HP DesignJet T120: Click on your HP DesignJet T120 printer in the list.
4. Click the “minus” button: Click the “-” button to remove the printer from the list.
5. Add the printer back: Click the “+” button to add your printer back to the list.
Method 5: Resetting the Network Settings
If your HP DesignJet T120 is connected to a network and experiencing connectivity issues, resetting the network settings can be helpful.
Here’s how to reset the network settings:
1. Access the printer’s control panel: Locate the menu button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to the “Network” menu: Use the navigation buttons to scroll through the menus until you find “Network” or “Wireless.”
3. Select “Reset Network Settings“: Choose the option that indicates resetting the network settings.
4. Confirm the reset: The printer may prompt you to confirm the reset. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Reconnect to the network: After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect your printer to your network.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even after performing a reset, you may still encounter some issues. Here are some additional troubleshooting tips:
- Check the ink cartridges: Ensure the ink cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient ink levels.
- Clean the printheads: Use a cleaning solution and cotton swabs to gently clean the printheads.
- Check the paper tray: Make sure the paper tray is properly loaded and the paper is not jammed.
- Update the printer driver: Visit the HP website to download and install the latest driver for your printer.
- Contact HP support: If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing problems, contact HP customer support for assistance.
Let’s Recap
Resetting your HP DesignJet T120 can be a valuable troubleshooting step for resolving a variety of printer issues. From simple power cycles to more comprehensive factory resets, there are several methods to choose from. Remember to try the simplest methods first, and work your way up to more complex solutions if necessary.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Will a reset delete my printer settings?
A: Yes, a hard reset will reset your printer’s settings to their factory defaults. This means any custom settings you’ve made, such as paper type or print quality, will be lost.
Q: Can I reset my HP DesignJet T120 without a computer?
A: Yes, you can perform a soft reset or a hard reset using the printer’s control panel. However, resetting the print queue or network settings typically requires a computer.
Q: What if my HP DesignJet T120 is still not working after a reset?
A: If you’ve tried all of the reset methods and your printer is still not working properly, it’s best to contact HP customer support for assistance. They can help diagnose the problem and advise on the best course of action.
