HP Laserjet installed as an Optical Drive

[chuck2019]

I have been using my printer for more than one year. Now after reinstalling my OS and try to reinstall the printer it is being installed as an Optical Drive. How to fix this

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @chuck2019, Thanks for stopping by the HP Support Forums!

I understand when you install the printer it is getting installed as an optical drive on your PC.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Are you the administrator of the PC?

Excellent description and a great diagnosis done. It is greatly appreciated.

Please try few steps recommended below.

First, uninstall the printer software from the root level and give permissions for the program files folder.

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. 

Press the "Windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - 

Type C:\ProgramData hit ok
Right-click on the program data folder and select "Properties"
Go to the Security tab, and select "Users" from the group or usernames
Click "Edit"
Select Users, then check the box by "Full Control"
Click "Apply"
You may get a whole bunch of error messages about inheritance, just hold down the Enter key until they all go away.
Click "Cancel" a couple of times to dismiss the properties boxes
Go forth and print from any application and check.

After you give the permissions install the full feature printer software.

Update the full feature printer software using this link. Click Here

Let me know if this helps!

Have a great day ahead! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[chuck2019]

Thanks very much. You helped me to solve the problem in another post. The problem was the HP Smart install was active and needed to be disabled. Once I downloaded the utility and disabled it, Problem was solved.

Thanks very much for your help.

[A4Apollo]

@chuck2019, Thanks for your prompt response and time.

I appreciate your efforts for writing back to us.

I'm glad to know your issue got resolved after trying out the steps suggested.

If you have any queries in future related to any HP products, you can always reach out to us.

We will try our best to help you out.

Take care,
Have a great day! 🙂
 

[chuck2019]

You are very welcome. Can you also help me with the scanning software. I am unable to get the software installed. I have tried several times without success.

My printer is: Laserjet M1217nfw

Thanks for any help or suggestions