DRIVER INSTALLATION PROBLEM for 6960 ERROR 32

[TETID]

DEAR ALL while installing the driver for 6960 I get error 32 a com of driver package in the DIFx driver store is locked by a thread or process . How can this error by solved  THANKS  ISRAEL 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @TETID,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating it can be to hit an installation snag, especially with an error like "Error 32: A component of the driver package in the DIFx driver store is locked by a thread or process." Let's work through this together and get your HP OfficeJet 6960 back up and running. 

Step 1: Power Drain Your Printer

This simple step helps clear any hung processes on the printer side:

1. Turn off the printer, unplug the power cable from both the printer and the wall outlet.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the printer’s power button for 15 seconds.
3. Reconnect power (directly to the wall, not through a surge protector), turn it on, and attempt driver installation once more.
   This resolves Error 32 in many cases.

Step 2: Fully Remove Previous HP Software

Conflicting drivers can interfere with installations:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Control Panel → Programs and Features).
2. Uninstall all HP OfficeJet 6960 / printer software listed.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Open Device Manager, expand “Print queues” and “Printers”, then uninstall any entries for the 6960, checking “Delete the driver software for this device.”
5. Optional: Use pnputil /enum-drivers in Command Prompt (admin) to list and remove leftover HP driver packages.

Step 3: Update Windows & Temporarily Disable Security Tools

An outdated OS or antivirus software might lock driver components:

• Fully run Windows Update until no updates remain.
• Restart your PC.
• Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software, including BitLocker or other disk encryption tools.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat