New WiFi Router - No Connection to Printer

[ardr021]

A week ago or so I received a new router to replace the one for which the security updates were about to expire (TalkTalk email of June 2025 refers, I think).  Since installing the new router, I have had problems with printing documents: to wit, I no longer have printing functions. 

I have a HP Smart Tank Plus 550 printer.  The HP Smart printer assistant (printer settings) tells me that, in the "Network Information" screen that:  "Wireless: Status - Not Connected"; Ethernet; Status - Not Supported".  What this means is that the printer no longer works.  On the printer control screen,  I have used the HP instructions to try and connect the printer to the WiFi network, by pressing the wireless button and the cancel button for three seconds. Nothing happens, other than the wireless button continuing to flash (blue light) indicating that the printer is trying to connect, without success.

In the Windows settings, under the "Network and Internet" menu, I have selected the top option - "WiFi" from the menu; and then gone into "Show Available Networks". The list shows "DIRECT -01-HP Smart Tank Plus 550" which I have then clicked on.  The "Connect Automatically" option is ticked; but nonetheless I then clicked on the "Connect" button. I then get one of two messages after the computer completes its attempt to "check network requirements": one is "Can't connect to the network"; the other message is "No Internet, secured". The router is, of course, working at this point.

In summary, with my new router, I now have no printing functions, which for me are essential for what I do.  It is also frustrating that the ethernet cable connection does not work either. 

I now wish I had never opted for the replacement router, as everything was working fine beforehand.  I am not very happy and I certainly will be thinking about changing broadband  supplier when my existing contract comes to an end. 

For the avoidance of doubt, my technical skills when it comes to computers, on a scale of 1-10, are around 3 (for example, I don't have a smart phone).   Obviously I want to be able to restore the printer functions that I previously had, but I fear that I will not be able to do this without some very simple, clear advice that I am capable of understanding and implementing. 

Thanks for any help.

[nambuso-TT]

@ardr021 The router that we sent to you is compatible with the package that you currently have. We only compensate for Total loss of service for broadband and telephone services.

[fr8ys]

Does the router have a separate WiFi button?

Could this have been turned off by mistake?

@Philile-TT are you able to check remotely that WiFi is on?

[ardr021]

My Acer Aspire laptop uses Windows 11.

I note that you do not have any other routers to offer me as a replacement. 

I have managed to to get the new Epson printer working, using the Ethernet cable. This was not something that worked with the HP printer, which is why I mentioned it when originally posting my issues - just to illustrate that the failure of the WiFi was a significant matter for me.  I recognize (of course) that the cable function has nothing to do with TalkTalk and the router.

However, given that the new router I now have does not provide me with the functionality that the old one did, what financial discount should I expect to receive on my monthly bills, now that I am at a disadvantage compared to where I was with the old router? 

[Philile-TT]

@fr8ys thank you for the support. 

[fr8ys]

What operating system are you using on your laptop, I e. Windows 10 or 11 or something different.

Is it up to date?

To check type in check windows update in the search bar that appears when you click the start button, then check for updates and install any that are there.

The try reinstalling the printer once all updates are installed.

Sometimes an out of date operating systems stops programmes installing.

[Philile-TT]

the router that was recently sent to you is the model that we currently have in stock. 

[ardr021]

Thank you for the suggestions, none of which work.  Because of these issues with the HP printer, I have this afternoon bought a new a new Epson printer, an ET-2860.  I have tried to set up this new printer using the installation and set up wizard, but once again this failed.

I cannot carry on without a printer, which is an essential part of the work that I do from home. 

I believe that I have taken all reasonable steps to try and get the two printers I have (the old and the new) working in harmony with the new router, but without success. I am not prepared to spend any more time faffing about with this technology; I have spent enough of today trying to resolve the issues. As I say, it is really important that I have a working printer.

Accordingly, I should like a replacement router sent to me - preferably a different model to the one that you sent to me and I can see how that goes.  

[nambuso-TT]

Thanks @fr8ys Please try the suggested solutions and do let us know how it goes.

[ardr021]

Thank you. I will try your suggested solutions. 

[ardr021]

Yes, I am currently at home. That is why I am able to post replies to your messages. As I have explained, I do not have a smart phone, ipad, or other electronic device; I do not have access to the internet outside of my home; and the only technology that I have is my laptop, the HP printer and your new router. 

[fr8ys]

The printer should work with the ethernet cable. If it doesn't, this is not an internet issue as ethernet connected devices do not rely on the internet. I'm assuming you have the cable from your printer plugged into your Router and one to your Laptop. Issues of not connecting via wifi could be an issue between the router and printer, but unlikely as the other devices connect.

This does appear, on the face of it, an inability of the printer drivers to connect to the printer.

I would suggest that you uninstall the printer software and then reboot your laptop and reinstall the software ss if its totally new.

@Thabile-TT can look into whether there is an issue with the router wifi, but it looks more like a printer issue, and if you still cannot conmect after uninstalling and reinstalling the software it may be better to approach HP for a solution.

One last thought, did you change your network name and password to match that of your old router? If not this may work, but given the changes you have already tried, it may not now, but may be worth a try.

[Thabile-TT]

Are you currently at home, where the TalkTalk service is installed?

[Thabile-TT]

Thanks for the reply. We have to run some checks to find a resolution. 

[ardr021]

The printer is the only issue that I am having with the internet and the new router.  My replies on this thread are from my laptop connected to the new router. As I have previously indicated, I do not have a smart phone, ipad or other electronic device; and I don't have any other means for communicating with TalkTalk other than via my own home based laptop. 

[Thabile-TT]

Thanks for confirming that you ran the HP installation already. Are you only experiencing the internet issue with the printer only?

[ardr021]

I should add that I have tried to re-install the HP application software. That did not solve the issue; I already had the most recent updated HP printer software installed.  

[ardr021]

Thank you for the reply. I have only one printer which is connected to the computer with the ethernet cable that no longer works. That is the HP Smart Tank Plus 555. My laptop is an Acer Aspire which I bought less than two years ago.  I have no other technology. 

[Thabile-TT]

@fr8ys Thanks for the support.

[fr8ys]

You need to run the HP installation again.

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/printer-setup/hp-smart-tank-plus-550-wireless-all-in-one-series/1869592...

This link will lead you through the process.

[Thabile-TT]

Please confirm, if this is the only device (printer) that is giving you an issue when you try to connect to the internet.