Complete frustration

[rleitch]

Tried to do a simple scan.  Somehow magically I can print but not scan.  Must admit printing is touch and go; have to determine which of the 3 drivers is working today.

Tried to reinstall driver, as requested, but the link froze on the final step.   What to do now.  I think boat anchor time.

.

[Dragon-Fur]

@rleitch 

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I admit that I don't remember the very last step -- seems like it be to check "online". 

I generally bounce (X) out of the "online" check.

Assuming for the moment this is NOT what you are describing,  the printer software installation might fail if the final steps to secure the printer on the network and tie the printer software to the printer are not successful. 

Regardless, of the exact problem encountered, you might see an error that partially describes the situation:  Driver not found, Driver Unavailable, or similar words of doom.

The mess might be caused by lingering pieces of printer software left over from previous installations and / or installation attempts.

Some possible causes (not all inclusive):

• Windows Updates stepped on (and squashed / damaged) the installed printer software
• Windows stepped on (and damaged) the installed printer software
• The connection between the printer and the network stopped communicating long enough for the printer software to break.
• A previous installation effort did not finish or got stuck - pieces of the installed printer software are hiding and need to be cleared before new software is installed.
• Too many drivers, too many connections, the wrong connection type, the wrong default printer

Could be something else.

Try / Consider:

If you want to try it,

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network

If you cannot stand it, consider at least Restarting the Printer and the computer.

Next,

Run Windows Updates - Check for Updates - if any updates are "Pending Restart", Restart the computer and log in

Next,

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

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

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

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

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

What if?

If you are having trouble installing the software, for example, everything goes along and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or similar, 

(then)

  Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

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

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

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

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

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

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 OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

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