Resetting your HP LaserJet M551 printer can resolve various issues, from connectivity problems to performance glitches, by returning certain settings to their default state. There are a couple of primary methods to reset your printer, depending on the severity of the issue you're trying to resolve: a soft reset (power cycle) and a cold reset.
Soft Reset (Power Cycle)
A soft reset, or power cycle, is often the first and simplest troubleshooting step for minor printer issues. It clears the printer's temporary memory and can resolve many common problems without affecting your settings.
Steps for a Soft Reset:
- Turn off the HP LaserJet M551 printer using its power button.
- Unplug the power cord from the printer and from the wall outlet.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds to a minute to allow any residual power to drain.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet, and then back into the printer.
- Turn on the printer using the power button.
Observe if the issue is resolved after the printer fully restarts.
Cold Reset
A cold reset performs a more comprehensive reset, often used when a soft reset doesn't resolve the problem or if you need to clear more persistent settings. This procedure involves accessing the printer's pre-boot menu to initiate the reset.
Performing a Cold Reset on Your HP LaserJet M551:
Follow these steps carefully to perform a cold reset, which will revert many of the printer's settings to their factory defaults.
- Power off the HP LaserJet M551 printer.
- Power on the printer.
- Watch the control panel carefully. When the three lights on the control panel (typically the Attention, Ready, and Go lights) turn on, immediately press the Cancel (X) button.
- Tip: Timing is crucial for this step. If you miss it, power cycle the printer again and retry.
- This action will take you into the pre-boot menu.
- Using the navigation buttons on the control panel, scroll down to the Administrator menu and press Enter.
- Scroll down to Startup Options and press Enter.
- Finally, scroll down to Cold Reset and press Enter to initiate the reset process.
The printer will restart, and the cold reset will be applied. This process can help clear stubborn errors or prepare the printer for a new network configuration.
When to Use Each Reset Type
| Reset Type | Purpose | Impact on Settings | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Reset (Power Cycle) | Clear temporary memory, resolve minor software glitches. | None (retains all user settings). | General troubleshooting, minor errors, unresponsive printer, network issues, after driver updates. |
| Cold Reset | Clear more persistent errors, revert settings to factory defaults. | Resets many configurable settings to their defaults. | Persistent errors, network configuration problems, preparing printer for new environment, security concerns. |
For additional support or to download the latest drivers and firmware for your HP LaserJet M551, visit the official HP Support website.
