Solution Center and how I got it to WORK!

[Brandon70456]

After searching, googling, and reading MANY forums, including HP, I finally was able to install Full Feature software for HP Photosmart Plus B209a-m and have HP Solution Center working!  I was using a wireless network, printer worked fine but the Solution Center would not load.  I always got the message that the install did not complete, etc.  Well, I was just not satisfied with that so I persevered until FINALLY I have it working...even after many restarts of the PC and Printer. I am using a HP Pavilion Elite m9517c with Windows 7 Premium 64 bit with lots of memory.    I adore this computer, if that's possible but was stumped with my HP Printer.  Anyway, here are the steps and I suggest doing them all:

1) I uninstalled using a separate uninstaller (Revo, which is free download).  I uninstalled ALL HP products relating to my printer.  This uninstaller searches for all "leftover" files, folders, etc.  BUT even it does not get everything.

2) I uninstalled all my adware, malware and virus protection.  Yes, I said all.  I disconnected my PC from the internet during this part.  This included Microsoft Security Essentials, AdWare, Spybot, Threatfire, and Win Patrol.

3) I turned off my firewall, even with the internet disconnected. ( I'm just a "novice"!)

4) I then manually searched C drive and looked for any HP folders and DELETED them.

5) I then emptied the Recycle Bin while using "CCleaner", free install.

6) I used "System Mechanic" to repair shortcuts, missing files, missing dlls, and any other possible problems. 

7) I used "Registry Mechanic" to repair all registry errors.

With steps 5 - 7, I ran them several times, continuously repairing and deleting bits, pieces and traces of unnecessary products.

8a)  I opened "Start" and typed "msconfig".  On the General Tab, I unchecked "load startup items" under "selective start-up.

8b)  Under the "Services" tab I checked "Hide all Microsoft  Services".

8c)  Under the same tab I then disabled the remaining programs.  Click "Apply" and do not reboot...yet.

9)  Connect your internet and NOW reboot.

10) Wanting to keep my wireless connection, I then went to HP Software and Driver Downloads page for my printer and model .  I know the updated software is listed there, but instead of downloading it, I downloaded  HP Printer Install Wizard for Windows 7 under "Utility - Diagnostic Tools 5" and let it find the Full Function download.  I could have just downloaded the "Full Function Software" directly and/or used the NEW CD I had ordered and already used without success, but thought I would go a different route, especially after all the uninstalls and clean sweeps I had done!

During the installation, I saw different pop-ups I had not seen before!  Amazing!  Even saw a "registration window"! Once again, amazing!  I then checked the Solution Center and it opened perfectly!  The only problem I'm still having is the "twain" section when I run the "Scan Diagnostic". 

11) After ensuring all else was working to my satisfaction, I then set a "Restore Point" naming it "Solution Center Working" and rebooted.

I then thought I would try and install just the drivers and see if that would "repair" the "twain" part for my scanning.   Before, I could blink, I had set in motion a "uninstall" and I panicked!  I did say "novice" earlier. And of course, "Solution Center"  went back to saying it was not installed!!   BUT after using "System Restore" , I have it back working and all is well and has been through many restarts and Microsoft Updates.  So for those that have said it stops working, make sure to set a "Restore Point" when you do get it working...maybe that will relieve some of the frustration. 

12) I have now installed all my Security programs, run scans, etc and its still working.

Hope this works because if you were as frustrated as I had been for as long as I have been...I was ready to "toss this printer"! 

[Brandon70456 · Accepted solution]

Before setting a "System Restore" point, DO NOT forget to reset your "Services" under "misconfig"!!

[Brandon70456]

I am not a HP employee and am not affiliated, not associated in any way with HP.  I am a "novice" and  just like their products.  I refuse to accept "status quo" in life and persevere until I am satisfied.

[MSmallsr]

This solution is preposterous. If I have to go through all that to get Solution Center to work then HP has not learned how to properly test their software and sould not have released it. I would rather switch to a different printer than spend hours performing your solution. There has to be an easier fix.

[normho]

Thank you for your post.  I have a slightly different problem in addition to the solution centre not working.  I did something similar to you - using revo then CCleaner and deleting all of the HP files, but despite all of that the most up to date software (v 14) appears to be still there, even though you can't see it and when I run the install programme it says "welcome back" and gives me the option to uninstall or add more software (in this case only one module HP Essentials 3.5).  If I run uninstall it goes through the motions and after a reboot the same situation applies.  Strangely enough I tried to reinstall v12 before taking the above steps but I got the message that there was newer software so it wouldn't continue.  After I did the above uninstall I was able to at least try and install v12.  On one occasion it actually worked and I had a functioning solution centre, albeit v12.  Unfortunately I uninstalled it to try and upgrade to v14 and I have not been able to get it to work since (sometimes stopping at 88% installation where it was waiting for a reply from the printer on the network or sometimes going as far as 96% where it was configuring the device).  I can't understand why HP software and drivers are so buggy.  I have had no trouble with my Canon printer of Brother multifunction.  I will follow what you have done and see if I have any luck.  I had intended to go through the registry line by line and remove any reference to HP but I think that is a bit risky.  Once again, thanks for the tip

[VicarIan]

This is not a solution its a lifes work

[VicarIan]

They still haven'yt got it right

[timb123]

For the error during install (cannot find blocksysuserinstall) do the below to fix it. Should definitely work.

HP installer is broken - I figured out how to fix this exact issue.

Basically the installer extracts its contents into a temporary folder - then the installer tries to execute the setup from a different folder to where it extracted to.

1. Note down the 7zXXXX folder that's displayed on the error message
2. Navigate to %TEMP% (start>run>%TEMP%)
3. Open a 7zXXXXX folders and copy all data from that folder into the 7zXXXXX folder from the error message
4. Run Setup.exe from the folder that appeared in the error message
5. ???
6. Profit!