HP Envy 4520

[debphoenix]

My husband and I both use the wifi HP ENVY 4520.  It has been flawless until recently.  My husband can still print normally...printer prints fast and in color, but my Dell computer won't print color  and when I go in to change it to "color" it defaults to monochrome. When I print in b/w it is extremely slow.  I see many people have this issue and I've tried many of their suggestions. The printer isn't very old so I hate to buy a new one. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[Dragon-Fur]

@debphoenix

Inevitably, when someone writes in and says, "I've tried everything" or "I've tried the suggestions", it leaves it to us to try an imagine what you mean.  I read minds, of course, but only my cats and they only want three things.  

So, cat and mouse:  The obvious place to start

Restart everything, including the computers, the printer, and the router.  Router first.

If your husband can print (and change from monochrome to color and back) and you cannot do so, consider completing a line-by-line setup comparison of the print dialog and print software settings.  This "compare this and that" can be tedious; and sometimes the exercise uncovers a "different" setting somewhere that resolves the problem.

You'll want to check the Printing Preferences and the Printing Properties, too.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers 

Right-Click on the printer > Select Preferences (and later Printing Properties)

Side Bar:  If the printer works when connected to a different computer, the issue is not likely the printer hardware.  This does not mean the problem can be easily resolved, only that the printer itself is likely "just fine".  In other words, for the purpose of the printer hardware, there is no need to replace the printer.

Without any input, I can guess that the printer software would benefit from being removed and then reinstalled on your Dell computer.  Why?  The problem could be in the software (corruption, missing or changes instruction somewhere) or the issue could be the result of Windows "doing something" different that has resulted in missing or broken links, changed libraries (little instruction files).

Since we have no information on what you have done in the area of reinstallation, please read through the following - anything you have tried in the manner described can be ignored.

Start by making sure your Windows Updates are current:

Open Settings > Update and Security > Windows Updates

Check for Updates

If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in (even if the particular update does not require the Restart).

With the exception of the Printer Firmware, the following will only impact your computer and the printer software installed on your system.

Remove Printer and Reload Printer Software

Hints: 

• Read through the procedure, then proceed with the steps.
• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart
• Procedure includes “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any Printer found in the Printers list

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.

Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software - Installation

NOTE

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.
• Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software for your Operating System version

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Optional - Video help **

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn about your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP ENVY 4520 All-in-One Printer series

Good Luck.

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