HP Officejet8720 - 'Driver unavailable'

[KJL1]

I have a wireless setup from my HP Pavilion desktop to the Officejet 8720. This has stopped working for no apparent reason. All connections show as operational but the control panel states 'driver unobtainable'.      I have tried HP Print and Scan doctor and also downloaded the latst drivers but windows refuses to acknowledge the existence of the HP8720, other than showing it as a 'fax'.

The printer works when accessed via the SmartPrint app on a tablet.

Help!

Please

[MKazi · Accepted solution]

@KJL1

Welcome to HP Support Forums. 🙂 

I understand that your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer no longer works from your Win10 PC. The printer works fine on a tablet using the HP Smart app. Fabulous analysis. Spectacular diagnosis of the issue before posting. Kudos to you for that. You've done a remarkable job performing the steps. 

Did any software changes or updates happen on the PC recently?

While you respond to that, I suggest you to uninstall the printer drivers from the root level and then reinstall them. The following steps will help:

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• You may click here to download and install the drivers.

Once the drivers are installed, please try to print. 

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great.

Feel free to keep me posted. I'll be glad to assist you further. 

All the best! 🙂

[KJL1]

Hi,

‘I’ haven’t done any recent updates, however windows has performed some automated updates while I have been away. The problem was encountered after first use of the machine for about ten days. I had tried the uninstall/ reinstall using the windows provided option but the problem persisted. Your solution, however, seemed to add a few more flavours to the mix.

Whatever...... Hero or Heroine, your solution has done the trick. I have copied it into my ‘little black book’ in case this occurs again. (It really is a little black book – velcro-ed to the side of my work station).

Many thanks for the speedy and effective response.

K

[Riddle_Decipher]

@KJL1

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts, 

I'm glad you found the solution for this concern.

Thanks for taking the time to let the community know that you accept my suggestions,

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉 

To simply say thanks for my efforts to assist you, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos.

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂

[MKazi]

@KJL1

You're most welcome. 

I'm glad that the issue is fixed and truly appreciate your efforts and patience.

It is an honor to share this platform with you. 

Happy printing! 🙂

[jbhtrh]

I have a question about your solution to 'driver unavailable' problem for a printer; see https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Inkjet-Printing/HP-Officejet8720-Driver-unavailable/m-p/6626137#M71749...

You say:   in Windows, search for and open Programs and Features, select your HP printer, and select Uninstall.  I cannot find 'Programs and Features'.  Are you referring to Control Panel/Programs where I can uninstall software?

[REDdog911]

All I got to say, is YOU ARE the MAN.  I have spent over 2hrs uninstalling and re-installing the driver software with no success.  Followed your procedure, and wallah, worked.   Great feeling to get it working again.  This did happen after a windows 10 update.

[ChaseStreamFarm]

The link that you include in your answer is no longer active. I've been having the same trouble with the "Driver Unavailable" and am hoping that what you've suggested will work. I'm assuming I can just download the printer driver (again!!)

[The_Fossette]

@ChaseStreamFarm,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details and I would appreciate if you could, perhaps elaborate on your concern.

• What is the exact model for your printer?
• What is the operating system you are using?
• What is the exact issue you are facing?
• Have you performed any troubleshooting steps before posting?

Look forward to hearing from you and you have a great day!

Take care.

Cheers!

[NancyH79]

Hello I have followed your directions: I have verified the printer is uninstalled

When I go to delete the drivers I receive an error message that the HP drier is still in use. I am very confused as the printer is completely uninstalled. Do you have a fix for this?

Thanks