Deskjet 2755e printer driver won't install - error says element not found

[radio_buddy]

I have tried both wifi and USB cable set up,  USB cable set up never completes, it can't communicate with PC via the cable (PC beeps as cable pluigged in indicating a link)

It does setup as a scanner, and I can scan, but I can't print because it says no printer driver.  This is on a DELL Inspirion 660.

I have setup the same printer on three other computers (2 windows 10, 1 Macbook pro) with no problems.

I have completely factory reset the printer and tried multiple times.  I have tried copying the driver from another windows 10 computer to this one and when I try to install it it is says 'element not found'. The driver that works on another windows 10PC that I copied is "hpygid31_v4.inf".

It is communicating for scanning with the problem PC via wifi through my local network, as I have turned off the wifi on the problem PC and I can still scan.

So, can anybody point me to a printer driver that will work?  My Windows 10 O/S is completely up to date, the 2755e is completely up to date with software and firmware.  Thanks...

[Betty0610]

@radio_buddy

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

I'd be happy to help.

Are you using the HP Smart App on your PC? If not, you may try and install to see if that works: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04675142. If yes, uninstall and reinstall it.

If the issue persists, try these steps:

Let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor:

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue still persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[radio_buddy]

I have followed your instructions exactly,  including removing all traces of the hp deskjet 2700 software.  When I get to the step to install the printer from the windows Printers and Scanners screen,  and after choosing to add the printer,  it ultimately displays a printer icon with the following information "HP88A644 (HP Deskjet 2700 series)  Driver is unavailable"  

I have been here before, so I will not proceed without your further suggestions.

I am capable of digging into the Windows logs, might there be any logs that could give me diagnostic information?

   Thanks very much...

[radio_buddy]

I  fibbed.  I continued. 🙂  Here is some more information for you.... I followed all the instructions in the HP Easy Start software I was directed to... here is the result.

So I tried to install it using the Printers and Scanners settings, It didn't find my printer until I gave the TCPIP address, then it said it would install with the PCL-3 driver:

 

This is the final result.  Now I have stopped and will await recommendations!!

Thanks for any help...Radio_buddy.

 

[Betty0610]

I would suggest you try the Windows built-in drivers. Follow the steps below:

•    Go to Control Panel - Devices and Printers - Click on "Add printer" and follow the on-screen instructions.

•    When the page prompts for the drivers, select "Windows update". The driver list will be updated.

•    Click HP, Hewlett Packard, or Hewlett-Packard in the Manufacturer pane, and then click the name of your printer in the Printers pane.

Refer to this document HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver for help.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[radio_buddy]

Thanks, Betty... you gave me hope for a while!  Unfortunately, all roads lead to the same result.  I updated the windows drivers and it tried to install the driver hp dj 2700 series pcl-3.  Then I get this message:

I wish there was a way I can figure out what 'element' it can't find.  Thanks for your efforts.  ..Chuck

[Betty0610]

Let's create a TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)

2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, right-click the printer and left-click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.

3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.

4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:

Create & Use TCP IP port

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[radio_buddy]

Hi Betty,

   First of all, thank you very much for all your help so far.  Unfortunately, with your last suggestion I hit a roadblock.  The video you referenced showed how to create a port.  I followed the steps exactly, and I was not presented with a Printer Properties option, so I couldn't select a port setting.  It seems the Printer Properties

option only appears if your printer is already installed.  Maybe there's another way to create a port for the printer??  Thanks.. Chuck

[Betty0610]

May be restart your Computer and try again?

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[radio_buddy]

Hi Betty,

   I restarted my system, and I get the same result. I can't access printer properties. I can scan with the 2700, and I do see the Scan Properties, but I don't see the printer properties.

  I don't believe there is any problem with the printer itself, since I have installed the printer without problems on two other PC's and a Macbook Pro.  I have also been able to attach the printer successfully via USB to another PC, and using that PC as a print server, I have shared the printer with other PC's/Mac on the network, and that also works except for this one PC I am having problems with. The problem always boils down to the printer driver not successfully installed with the message "element not found".  Wish I could find out what element it can't find!!

  Thanks for all your efforts!

    ..Chuck