HP OfficeJet 5740: Setup and Connection Checks

Updated 5 September 2026 · Published by Printer Answers

Complete physical setup first, connect the printer, then test printing and scanning separately. Use HP’s OfficeJet 5740 user guide and software selector below so that instructions match your model and operating system.

Prepare the printer

Remove shipping materials, install the cartridges and load paper as described in the setup guide. Complete any alignment prompts on the printer display before adding it to a computer. Note any error message rather than repeatedly restarting setup.

Connect to your network

1. Have your home network name and password ready.
2. On the printer, open the Wireless controls, then Settings and Wireless Setup Wizard.
3. Select your network and enter the password.
4. Check the connection status before moving to the computer. Use the network report described in the user guide if setup fails.

Choose software for your computer

Open HP’s official driver page and select your operating system. Follow the instructions for the package HP offers for that version. Do not assume every older full-feature package works on a current system. If using USB, connect the cable when the installer requests it.

Verify printing and scanning

Print a short document from the computer. Then scan a page using compatible scanning software. A successful print confirms only printing; it does not confirm that a scan-to-computer workflow is configured. Use HP’s guide for that separate workflow instead of looking for a setting that may not exist in your app.

Printer is connected but shows offline

Check whether the computer is using an old printer entry or an address from a previous network. Compare the printer’s current network report with the selected connection. Cancel a stuck job and test again. If discovery fails, check that a VPN or guest network is not separating the devices.

When to stop reinstalling drivers

Try a copy from the printer itself. A failed copy or an on-device error needs printer troubleshooting, even if the computer also says offline. Record the exact message and use the model’s support guidance. Reinstalling computer software will not clear a paper obstruction or fix a cartridge installation problem.