Offices regularly use multiple printers, most operates in WiFi and are connected to a local area network (LAN). With WiFi, printers like Sharp printers can be moved anywhere anytime without having to deal with lengthy cables.
However, using wireless fidelity (WiFi) have its share of drawbacks like constantly being served with an ‘Offline’ message or printer says offline even if the printer is securely connected to the network. It is quite irritating because it slows down printing procedures, particularly when one is in a hurry to do away with the scheduled printing jobs. This printer irregularity do not contribute to the overall performance and efficiency of offices.
The ‘offline’ message shown in the printers menu is particularly common in printers that has been in operation for quite some time. There is nothing wrong with the network connection either, the printer just need a little maintenance. Just like our cars, printers have internal counters, which when irregularities are encountered, messages are sent as needed from time to time.
This annoying problem is the direct response of the SNMP (simple network management protocol) to any irregularity happening on the network. Try disabling SNMP and the ‘offline’ status changes to the ‘ready’ status, allowing work to continue. To correct this problem, follow the steps detailed below:
- Open the control panel
- Open the Printers ‘Menu’.
- Right click the Sharp printer and proceed to the Printer Properties.
- Before clicking ‘configure port’ switch on first the port tab at the top.
- Then uncheck the ‘SNMP Status Enabled’ located at the bottom.
- Finally click ‘OK’.
That’s about it, the printer should show a ‘ready’ status instead of intermittently giving out ‘offline’ messages.
Remember, if the printer says ‘offline’ it just need a few tweaks, particularly if it is a sharp printer.
