Had to reinstall HP Support Assistant. Upon startup, the "Welcome to HP Support Assistant" freezes

[CPatafio]

HP Support Assistant stopped opening. I uninstalled it, downloaded latest version (Version 9.16.80.0) & tried to install it. Installation failed with an error code "-2". Downloaded HP Support Assistant from the Software & Drivers page for my HP Envy 700-406 (Version 7.7.34.34 Rev. A) and installed it. It installed successfully, I thought. However, every time I start it, the "Welcome to HP Support Assistant" page appears and, after I complete it and click the NEXT button, after a few seconds the entire app shuts down with no error message. I've tried uninstalling & reinstalling that version. It does the same thing each time.

I've tried downloading and installing the "legacy version" linked on the HP Support Assistant page (Version 8.8.34.31). It installs like version 7.7.34.34 Rev. A. It opens with the "Welcome..." page, then, shuts down when I click the NEXT button. 

I've tried everything possible with no successful result. I've tried finding some means of contacting HP Support about this issue... cannot find any way to contact them. Chat does not work.

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it? Please help...

Clem Patafio

[Dragon-Fur]

@CPatafio 

I guess one important question is why you are installing the HP Support Assistant?

The last viable update for your printer was issued in 2019 - with most drivers and software dated 2015.

Reference

Software and drivers for HP ENVY Desktop - 700-406 

Selected Windows and Windows 10 (64bit)

I suspect at least part of the problem is that your hardware is not compatible with the newer application type of HPSA.

What?  "New" HP Support Assistant is an application that lives in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features.

If the app is / was compatible, it might have tripped over an old installed HP Support Solutions software in Programs and Features...

HP Support Assistant, regardless of all else, likely cannot do much for your aging system.

Were it mine to do, I'd uninstall the HP Support Assistant.

Reminder:

If uninstalling, If found in Programs and Featrures,

Next uninstall the HP Support Solutions software.

After you uninstall everything, Restart the computer and log in.

HP Device Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Device - Solve Problems

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guide, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

Open

HP ENVY Desktop - 700-406 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[CPatafio]

Hi Dragon-Fur,

I appreciate your detailed reply. To answer your question of "Why", I must preface my response by telling you that I'm a retired PC Systems Consultant/Tech of over 30 yrs experience. HP Support Assistant has been installed on my system since I purchased it some 6 years ago (or so) and worked just fine. Suddenly, it stopped working with an error that the application couldn't be found and I should associate another app with the link. That's when my issues started.

In my experience, when a program suddenly stops working it's either hardware or software that's changed. My hardware hasn't changed and nothing in my system software had changed since the last time that I accessed HPSA. So, I had to troubleshoot it (it's a habit, what can I say!).

What concerns me, is that when installing the legacy version (or the older version that's listed on the Software & Drivers page for my unit), the install is successful. But, when I start it, I can't get rid of the "Welcome..." page, i.e., when I complete it and click the NEXT button, the entire app shuts down without error message. That indicates an issue to me, not necessarily a compatibility issue. 

What really gets to me, however, is not that I no longer have access to HPSA (you're right about me not really using or needing it), but the fact that there is no way for me to report this issue to HP, other than to post it to the Forum. That just doesn't seem right.

Anyway, off the soapbox I step. Thanks again for responding. If anyone ever does find a resolution, or at least the cause, I'd love to know about it.

Stay well...

Clem