After reinstalling printer, laptop says no drivers

[yellowbrick]

I have had to reset my laptop but when tried to install my printer, the laptop can find it but it states Driver is unavailable. I have tried to install it many times but cannot get the driver needed. I have installed the printer using HP smart which I though would install any drivers needed but this does not appear to be the case. I am desperate for a solution and wonder if anyone can advise me what to do next. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@yellowbrick 

There are (at least) two main resources to be installed and used as Printer software in Windows

• HP Smart - Application
• Full Feature Software - program / full software version of the driver

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

HP Smart

When installed, the HP Smart application and (when installed) the Full Feature Software are listed in Settings > Apps

Windows 10 -

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Windows 11 - 

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

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

Full Feature Software

When installed, the Full Feature Software  is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

When installed, the HP Smart application is not listed in Programs and Features

Reference:  Full Driver / Full Feature Software

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

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

"Driver Unavailable"

The printer might have lost it's close contact with the computer.

That sometimes just means that something is "stuck".

What you do depends on the actual source of the problem.

For example,

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

then

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

If -- after the printer software is uninstalled from Programs and Features -- the printer is still listed

(then)

Right-Click on any reference the printer > Select to "Remove" the printer

AND

If you are having trouble using or installing the software, for example, everything goes along swimmingly and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or other odd installation problems, Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

After all checks are completed, if anything was changed, Restart the computer and log in.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

Next,

Videos

Install Printer Software

 HP Envy Pro 6455: How to set up printer on Win 10 PC with HP full solution software

and / or

 HP Envy 6055 | HP Envy Pro 6455: Download & Install HP Full solution software on Win 10 Computer

Ask if you want manual / text instructions to install the printer software.

After you install the Full Feature Software,

Next,

Optional – Supported for your printer

Next – HP Universal Scan Software - NOTE:  Model and Operating System version Dependent

 HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software adds OCR libraries to installed HP Scan software. 

HPUS installs a new, full featured, (and separate) HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note:  HPUS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature printer software.

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

HP Universal Scan Software provides a larger GUI to make using the software easier on high-resolution screens.   New features have been added to the main menu to help with navigating the settings.

 HP printers - Scan as Editable Text (OCR) with HP Scan (Windows)

References / Resources 

User Guide - HP ENVY Pro 6400 All-in-One series

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

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

Open

HP ENVY Pro 6430 All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[yellowbrick]

@ Dragon-Fur

Thank you for your advice. However I have encountered a problem trying to download and install what you suggest. Hp smart is easy to install but the problem is with the full feature software. I can download it and it starts installing when after a while, the window which shows the installation process turns into a blank window. I have left this blank window for hours but nothing further happens and the program is not installed. I have restarted the while process but the same thing happens at the same stage so I am no further forward and left without a printer.

[yellowbrick]

@ Dragon-Fur

After I had posted the above, I reinstalled  HP smart and, lo and behold, my printer then became usable. I am not sure what happened but thank you for your advice. I should add, none of the icons that you referred to have appeared on my desktop!

[Dragon-Fur]

@yellowbrick 

You are welcome.

If the shortcuts are not added to your Desktop for the Printer Assistant and HP Scan,

If the software is not listed in Programs and Features,

then the Full Feature Software did not install.

Unfortunate.

If HP Smart is working and this suits the situation, then "all good".

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.