Why does it say "save print output as..." when i try to print from my laptop??

[Bickens69]

I continually have this problem and my Office Jet Pro 6968 is set as the default printer.  Every time I try to print to the device, the Save Print Output As window pops up and my only option is to save it somewhere as a *.prn file.  This is a recent issue, which very well might be related to the recent Windows 10 patch.  I've tried everything, short of uninstalling and re-installing the printer.  HP won't provide me any support because I have a Comcast Business router and HP Tech Support rep said he cannot remote troubleshoot with a business class router.  Help!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Bickens69 

Comments - Personal Opinion

It is not at all unusual for a legitimate support service to avoid tampering with (someone else's) business class equipment - in fact, I would think you want this level of concern and care for your privacy.  

The router provides the infrastructure for your network as a whole.  If you want to do anything with it as a result of your concern about Windows Update on one of your computers, Restart everything on your network - including the router - and see if that clears your issue.  Other than that, depend on your skill set and knowledge of your network to guide you in making changes on the router, reading router logs, adjusting the network.

Short version: 

• The router and your network infrastructure is likely not affected by Windows Update. 
• Consider possible consequences before you let anyone into your network.

What else?

Try / Consider...

The "usual" advice applies:

Make sure the "print to file" option is not enabled in the software you are using to submit the job to the printer.  This is not likely to have suddenly changed as a result of Windows Update (although Edge MIGHT be affected simply because, you know, it is Microsoft).  

In that same software you are using to submit the job to the printer, make sure the correct printer device is selected in the "Name" drop-down menu.  Select the print device you want - likely the name of the printer with "Network" in the name (assuming, of course, that your printer is indeed on the network).

Make sure your printer is the default device - and make sure that the printer device you have selected as that default is the actual correct device.  For example, if you have two printers of similar names in Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers, select the printer device that contains "Network" in the name.

If you decide to do so,

• Completely uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Check for "leftover" printer device bits in Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers - if found, Right-Click on the device and Remove it.
• If you remove any device, Restart the computer and log in
• Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software for your printer
• Restart the computer and log in

Details...

Remove and Reload Printer Software - Windows

Hints: 

• Read through the following text, then proceed with steps that are relevant to your situation.
• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart
• Procedure includes “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing 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

** 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

** 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

** 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 files from the Temp folder.

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

Installation - Printer 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 provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, Easy Start will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category 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

Standard - Manual Installation of the Printer Software

Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

If you use the EasyStart method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option is presented.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** 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

** 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 Printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

** 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 7

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

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

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

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

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

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

Still need help?  Want more information?  Search for solutions...

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Print and Scan Doctor, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Click post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[galae]

I had a similar problem. My solution: make sure that the correct printer is selected on the "File-Print" option. I had never had to do that so I was ignoring that drop-down list which was using the wrong printer. Hope this helps.