HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw – Troubleshooting Notes (DriverFiles)
Most people reached this page assuming a driver or software failure because the M234sdw appeared online, partially functional, or previously working, then suddenly stopped connecting, printing, or scanning. In practice, many cases did not resolve cleanly. Some fixes helped temporarily, others depended on firmware timing or consumables, and several situations only made sense in hindsight. These notes document how those attempts actually played out.
Problem: Printer will not connect to Wi-Fi
What users observed: The printer showed a strong wireless signal but could not complete Wi-Fi setup. Rebooting the printer, router, and devices did not change the outcome.
What was tried: Wi-Fi setup mode was manually reset using the printer’s control panel buttons.
How this played out: No confirmed outcome was recorded. It was unclear whether the reset allowed the printer to reconnect or if the issue persisted.
Problem: Scanner fails to capture the last page
What users observed: Scans consistently missed the final page of a document, even though earlier pages were processed normally.
What was tried: Driver and software updates were suggested.
How this played out: No confirmed resolution was reported. It remained unclear whether updates affected the behavior.
Problem: Scanner suddenly reports “Couldn’t Connect to Scanner”
What users observed: Scanning stopped working even though the printer had connected successfully in the past. Printing was not explicitly reported as broken at the same time.
What was tried: Driver checks, diagnostic tools, and verification of Windows scanning services were suggested.
How this played out: No confirmed outcome was documented. The scanner connection failure persisted without a clear cause.
Problem: Automatic document feeder will not scan
What users observed: The document feeder failed to scan pages, while the flatbed scanner, copying, and printing continued to work normally.
What was tried: The feeder rollers were cleaned, firmware updates were checked, and single-page tests were attempted.
How this played out: No confirmed result was reported. The feeder behavior remained unresolved.
Problem: Scanner calibration followed by solid black copies
What users observed: During copying, the printer initiated a calibration cycle. Afterward, all copies were printed completely black, and the scanner light no longer turned on.
What was tried: A hard power reset and firmware update were performed.
Where this sometimes ended: After the reset and firmware update, normal scanning and copying resumed. The reason calibration caused the failure was never explained.
Problem: Printer scans but will not print, appears offline
What users observed: The printer could scan successfully and reported being connected to Wi-Fi, but HP Smart showed it as offline. Neither Windows nor an iPad could print to it.
What was tried: Multiple HP-recommended troubleshooting steps were attempted, including disabling Smart Install.
How this played out: No confirmed resolution was documented. The printer remained unable to print.
Problem: Printer connected to network, but not to HP Connected
What users observed: The printer was reachable on the local network and visible in HP apps, but claimed it was not connected to HP Connected services.
What was tried: Diagnostic tools and restarts were used.
How this played out: No fix was confirmed. Support escalation was suggested, but the connection state remained unresolved.
Problem: Error code 11 renders printer unusable after firmware change
What users observed: The printer abruptly stopped working and displayed Error Code 11. Cartridge reseating, cleaning, reboots, and firmware reinstall attempts initially failed. The issue appeared widespread and sudden.
What was tried: Older and current firmware packages were downloaded and attempted multiple times.
Where this sometimes ended: Applying the March firmware update through HP Smart eventually succeeded and restored printing.
Problem: Persistent error state on second-hand unit
What users observed: A newly acquired second-hand M234sdw showed an orange error light and refused to print, even after factory resets, firmware updates, and repeated cartridge reseating.
What was tried: Power cycling, cleaning, resets, and firmware verification were all attempted without effect.
Where this sometimes ended: Replacing the toner cartridge resolved the error completely. Until the cartridge was changed, the printer remained locked in an error state.
Other devices showing similar behavior:
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes