The printer was unable to install over network

[Freia]

On 3 March I posted the question "Printer goes to error status and does not print" to which I received an answer that helped. Things worked for a few days, then there was a new Microsoft update (I think) and the same thing happened. I tried the solution given to my question above but now reinstalling the driver software won't install but ends with message "The printer was unable to install over network". I've run the print and scan doctor several times, tried a few other fixes suggested online (e.g. deleting app temp files), restarting printer + laptop several times. Reset the wifi connection which works fine (both printer and laptop show they are connected). I received several fix suggestions (File named HP installation failure - Unknown Device) through the print and scan doctor and went through most of them but do not want to turn off my firewall which was one of them. Other laptop ASUS) continues to print fine. It is an irony that the problem is with my HP laptop - not convinced I'll go for another HP product when it's time to update!

When I try to print and add printer through a document (e.g. Word), I get error message "The Active Directory Service is currently available".

Is this a known problem more widely know to do with some MS update or has something really gone wrong with my computer? This really should not be so difficult and setting up the printer require such complicated fixes. Please help! 

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

Hi! @Freia, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have issues installing printer drivers on your Windows 10 PC.

Don't worry I'd like to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

As you mentioned you have issues installing printer drivers on your Windows 10 PC.

Try the steps recommended below.

First, unplug the USB cable from the printer & PC if present.
Go to control panel – Programs and features – Select all HP Photosmart printer entries and uninstall them.
Go to control panel – Devices and printers – Select each of the printer entries and then select remove printer / device.
Now press the "windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - Type "printui.exe /s" and press enter.
Under print server properties, go to drivers - remove any entry there as well.
Again go to "run" window, type – “c:/programdata” – Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.
Now restart your computer.
Open the Run window again, type “services.msc” and press ok to get services window.
Scroll down to “Remote Procedure Call (RPC)” – right-click and go to properties. Make sure the service is started and startup type is “Automatic”.
Now scroll up and go to “Function Discovery Provider Host” – right-click and select properties – Change the startup type to “manual” and start the service.
Repeat the same exercise on “Function Discovery Resource Publication” as well.
Click on https://hp.care/2EzYs80 to install the printer drivers.
Connect the USB cable if needed.

Also, try creating a new user account on your PC and install the printer drivers.

If the issue still persists try installing windows built-in drivers.

I'd suggest you try and install the printer using the Windows driver update.

First, open Windows Device Installation Settings and confirm that your computer is set to automatically download driver software.
 

• Search Windows for Change Device Installation, and then click the Change device installation settings Control Panel setting in the list of results.
• Device Installation Settings window displays.
• Select the Yes option, and then click Save Changes.

Now, follow the steps listed under step 3 here the link: https://hp.care/2xByCk4

If the solution provided worked for you, please mark accepted solution for this post.

Let me know if this works!
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!

[Freia]

Hello and sorry for late response to your helpful answer! Only had time to try to sort this out again. The final solution on your email finally did the trick, the one starting after: "If the issue still persists try installing windows built-in drivers."...

I really hope it now remains connected... Thank you again!

[A4Apollo]

@Freia, thanks for your quick response and time.

I appriciate your efforts for writing back to us again.

As you mentioned after installing the windows built in drivers your issue got resolved.

Don't worry updating the driver should solve your issue.

I am happy to hear that your issue got resolved.

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!

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!