How do I connect my HP Laser Jet MFP M234 sdwe when error message is "driver unavailable?"

[wastenot3]

This was my backup printer/scanner/copier for years, and this unit was not used much because my main printer/scanner worked well for years.  When I moved the unit from one location to another and plugged it in

I was not able to use HP Smart to reconnect, error message is "Driver not available".  HP Support says my

M234 is too old, no longer supported.  Since it was working fine in my previous location I hate to scrap a

working machine if I don't have to. 

Seems a shame to scrap a perfectly good unit.  Can anyone help me get it connected?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @wastenot3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

The “Driver unavailable” error on your HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe usually means Windows can’t find or install the correct driver. Even though HP has marked this model as older, you can still connect it by manually installing the driver package and adding the printer correctly. Here’s a step‑by‑step guide:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click your M234, and select Remove.

Reset the Printer's Network:

Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless or Setup menu, select Network Setup or Settings, and then select Restore Network Settings.

Reconnect via HP Smart: Open HP Smart, select "Add Printer," and ensure the printer is connected to your new Wi-Fi network.

I hope this helps

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[wastenot3]

I was not able to follow the steps you provided because my printer does not have those digital commands, but I was able to get the printer connected and set up using HP Smart.

However, now the scanner still is not connected or setup, when I try to scan a document the error message is ""The HP Imaging Device was not found."  

I went to HP Support and was unable to get past the virtual chat "agents" who were not able to solve the issue.  Then our lengthy chat was disconnected.  This morning I tried unsuccessfully to resume chatting, using yesterday's Case Number.

I suspect the issue may have something to do with the fact that the unit was working fine until I moved to another location.  At the old location I was using a splitter because I needed the fax connection as well as wifi.

I didn't set that up, the service technician for the phone or internet company set it up.

My scanner seems to be intact because after trying a lot of things last week I was able to scan a document.  But the next day it went back to the same error message, "HP Imaging Device was not found."

[wastenot3]

Also, by the way, I am using an ethernet cable from the HP unit directly to my internet router.

Have unplugged it numerous times while trying to connect the HP device, but my scanner doesn't work with or without the ethernet cable.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @wastenot3,

Thank you for the response.

 If using Ethernet, ensure the printer's link light is on and steady.

If using Wi‑Fi, restore network settings from the control panel > Setup > Network Setup > Restore Network Settings, then reconnect through HP Smart.

Let me know how it goes.

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[wastenot3]

Thanks for replying Kuroy.

My Control Panel in Windows 11 does not have a Setup, or

a Network Setup option to enable me to Restore Network Settings.

Ater my last post I was able to get my unit to print.  I am using an 

ethernet cable from my HP unit to my internet router.  But my unit

is not scanning.  When I try to scan, I get a message that it take some

time to set up, something about installing software or driver, then I get

an error message, " The HP Imaging device was not found."

The printer and scanner worked well before I moved it from one location to 

another.  In the previous location I was using a splitter with a phone chord

in order to use the fax.  However I did not set it up, a Wi-Fi technician did it

years ago, can't recall the details.  And now I do not need the fax here at

my new location.

thank you,

wastenot3

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @wastenot3,

Since your HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe now prints via Ethernet but fails to scan, the issue is with the scanner driver and HP imaging device setup. This often happens after moving the printer or reinstalling drivers. Here’s a clear path to restore scanning:

Windows may still reference outdated drivers from your previous setup.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Remove all HP LaserJet MFP M234 entries

Restart your computer before reinstalling

Install Full-Featured Software

Most Common Fix

The basic driver allows printing, but scanning requires the full HP package.

Download from HP Support > Drivers & Software > M234sdwe

Install the Full-Featured Software and Drivers

Ensure HP Scan and Imaging Device drivers are included

Reconnect via Ethernet

The scanner must be linked to the same network profile as the printer.

Confirm Ethernet link light is steady on the printer

In HP Smart, add the printer using its IP address (from printer’s control panel or EWS)

Verify both print and scan functions appear

Open HP Scan app or HP Smart

Try a test scan

If successful, the Imaging Device error should no longer appear

I hope this helps

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi