Unable to print anything

[PISSEDOFF2020]

I have furiously spent the last 4 days trying to resolve this issue and now I've been sent to a FORUM??!?!!!! Last week my printer stopped printing. Nothing has changed on my PC. Same old printing required. Just tried to print a PDF. Print jobs are sen to the queue but then get stuck, don't go any further and my windows assistant pops up and says there is an error.

OS: Windows 10 (32 bit)

Browsers installed: Firefox, Chrome and Edge

Firewall and real-time monitoring with TOTALAV

Months into my MASTERS dissertation programme: 6

Current level of frustration out of ten: 654

Occasionally the printer itself tells me that my HP 302XL ink cartridges are not compatible, even though I purchased these through Argos. Occasionally Windows tells me my drivers are unavailable. Occasionally HP Smart tells me the ink cartridges are not compatible. At all times the printer screen shows as 'connected' and 'power is on', HP Smart says 'ready'. Windows settings - devices shows as drivers unavailable. I am sure I have downloaded and installed/reinstalled/uninstalled/installed three different versions of the printer software (Easy start, Full, basic). No I don't want to sign into your stupid Instant Ink facility. Stop asking me. I have tried installing the full drivers and the basic drivers. I have tried restarting and stopping the print spoolers. I have restarted my PC like 100 times. I have visited System32/Spool/PRINTERS and deleted all files as instructed under the troubleshooting guides. I have been back and forth with a virtual assistant, but it ran out of 'help' to offer. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the three software types. AGAIN. I've restarted my PC. Again.

I've logged in to your website about 700 times and confirmed my product about 900 times.

CAN I SPEAK TO A HUMAN NOW?

HAVE I NOW PASSED YOUR INFURIATING, HOOP-JUMPING TESTS?

OR PERHAPS I SHOULD JUST STOP BUYING HP PRODUCTS FROM NOW ON????

[Dragon-Fur]

@PISSEDOFF2020 

Our volunteer staffed Community might offer to help - and the service is free when we do so.   

Our Experts do not (cannot) offer phone service and we do not log into your computer remotely. 

Any HP agent that contacts you on the Community will do so here before using any other means to contact you.

What I can offer...

Product introduced mid-to-late 2015

Product Homepage:

HP ENVY 4523 All-in-One Printer

From your description, I would guess that the installed printer software is corrupted and the regular "uninstall" process is not clearing all the remnants.  This can result in an (re)installation that "looks" OK but is not functional.

If you want to do so, consider:

1. Uninstall all the printer software from Programs and Features
2. Restart the computer and log in
3. Open Devices and Printers - Right-Click and Remove any remaining instances of the printer in Devices and Printers.
4. Delete the "bits" of the printer software in the user account that are not typically removed with a regular "uninstall" of the printer software.
5. Restart the computer and log in
6. Start over with a fresh download and installation of the HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 
7. When asked which software to install (during the installation procedure), select to install the "Full Driver" (the wording may vary)
8. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Read through the following to understand what you want / need to do.

Consider starting the uninstall process at the "All the bits" section.

Clean Remove and Reload Printer Software

Prep Work and Important Information

(How to) Create Restore Point

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

The Print and Scan Doctor

Trouble?  Before you try anything else, you may wish to download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor - it does find and fix a number of issues, the software is easy to run, and it won't make anything worse.

The Doctor can help with several issues, including driver, connection, and "jobs stuck in the queue".

HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

HP Smart – The “Smart” New Printer Application for Windows 10

Looking for the HP Smart Application for Windows 10?

Getting “smarter” all the time, the HP Smart App provides all the print environment and setup you need to use your printer.

1. Add your printer to your network.
2. Download and Install HP Smart for Windows.

How-to

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer

Check the Box Get the App

OR

Links to HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices,  includes an FAQ section

 HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

Windows key > All Apps > scroll down to category H > click on HP Smart

HP_Smart_Start_Screen_Icon

Optional: Right-Click on the application to Pin to Start and / or Pin to Taskbar

Adobe Reader DC – Needed Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

Adobe Reader DC software should be installed even if you do not open / view / print PDF files directly from the software.

IMPORTANT – Things are changing:

Not every printer offers the Full Feature Software as a direct download.

1. If available, use the Easy Start method to install your software: During the installation, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software” or simply “Full Driver”.
2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

The Basics – Short and Sweet - Reinstall Full Feature Software

When everything is generally working OK and you (just) want to remove and reinstall the software.

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Open Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OR

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

“Not Working” – Software does not work, won’t install, or things are generally “stuck in the mud”

Things to Know

NOTE

This procedure does not address File System errors in Windows nor does it fix issues in your network that are blocking or failing to find and accept the device on the network. 

• Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that are relevant to your situation.

• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart

• Procedure includes optional “extra bits” clear and clean steps for the purpose of training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

• In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are already installed and current.

(Start)

** Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software **

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer 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

** Uninstall - 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 unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

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

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

** Uninstall - 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 unwanted 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

** Uninstall - 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 printer files from the Temp folder and the Local\HP folder

Clear Temp Folder in AppData

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

Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

Installation – Full Feature Software

NOTES

• 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).

• Some (newer) printer models (only) provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, the Easy Start installation will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software

• Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available for the printer. 
  • Look for / Select the "Full Driver" software

HP Documents

HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers

HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

Install - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software

• Open Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

1. If you use the Easy Start method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software”.
2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Install - 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

** Install - 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 Support Website Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

Install - HP Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery

• Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search. 

For example,

Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers

• Select your Video

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

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

Reminders

• Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
• Firmware does not have to be updated if you change computers.
• Firmware does not have to be updated when you reinstall the printer Software.

===================================================

Installation - Optional / Extras

** Install - Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 8 (or the closest you can find)

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

Consider...

The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan).  Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

Create TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

(Finish)

OR

"Talk to a Human"

HP charges a service fee for unwarranted products and for products under warranty when the particular issue is not covered under the warranty contract.

If you would like to submit a case to HP, you may do so.  

Idea (FYI only - ignore if you do not like the suggestion)

If you have submitted a case previously, this time mention that you will pay for service if required.  Whether or not the service is actually charged is up to HP.  Our community has no influence on the process.

HP Technical Support - HP Contact Information

Reminders

• Use the serial number of the device to submit the case (do not post that information on the Community).

• Chat is not available in every region. In those areas where Chat is an option, Chat service hours are likely restricted.  In the event that Chat is not available in your region:  Call the number provided in the HP directory, else submit your case online (to receive phone contact information)

• HP will advise you there is a fee for phone support and / or other services when your computer / device is no longer under warranty.  This is normal business practice.

• HP may tell you that certain services are not covered under warranty.  This is normal business practice.  Standard Warranty typically covers specific hardware issues as explained in the Warranty contract. Care Pack coverage and warranties differ by package.

• If the HP Contact (phone) number is not immediately provided:  Contact information is displayed on your screen after you submit your case online.  

• HP websites are the only ones allowed to use the HP copyright circle/logo.  Look for the copyright on any website claiming to be HP. If in doubt, scroll to the bottom of the Website to find HP copyright logo.

“Everywhere” Contact Information - HP Technical Support

Open website  HP World-Wide Support

 Select your region and follow the prompts

Option – Regions

USA / Canada

Submit information / case online: Contact HP Support – Assistance Portal

1. Sign in or continue as a guest

UK

1. For faster support, first submit information / case online HP Customer Support UK
2. Contact by Phone: Contact HP UK – Phone Assist

Option - HP Support is on Facebook!

HP on Facebook

From HP:  HP Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams, Report Suspicious Calls

From HP > CAUTION

Recently, HP has seen an increased number of third-party support websites selling HP driver downloads or diagnostic tools. Many of these websites use the HP trademark symbol and claim to be official HP distributors.

If your product supports your operating system, HP offers your driver and software at no additional cost through the HP website.

Use caution when dealing with any website that asks you to pay for HP driver downloads or tools that claim to diagnose your HP products. These websites might not be affiliated with HP in any way.

Do not install BIOS updates from a motherboard manufacturer's website. Only install BIOS updates from HP. Installing BIOS updates from the motherboard manufacturer can prevent the computer from accepting an HP system recovery. This could result in a loss of data.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn how to use your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP ENVY 4523 All-in-One Printer

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