Driver installation failure

[dvdrttr14]

The printer was working on this machine but, for some reason, just quit working.  I've tried everything to reinstall it but it keeps telling me the driver is unavailable.  I uninstalled the software, ran HP ScanDoctor, and tried researching the issue on line.    Every piece of software that looks for the printer 'sees' it.  I can ping the printer,  I just can't print to it.  The system will set up the device as a scanner but NOT as a printer.

It's not the printer ... 2 days ago, I formatted my own PC and the printer reinstalled just fine.  I can print from our iPhones and our iPads.  I just can't print from this PC.

Short of wiping this system out, or buying a different printer, I thought someone might have an idea of what to try.  

Please DO NOT suggest downloading the software (HP SMart, the basic drivers, or the full package).  I have 20+ years of computer maintenance so I've tried all the possible software combinations.  Something in this system is preventing the software from installing the drivers and I don't know what that is.

I had this with one other HP printer at our Church and needed 2+ hours of HP support to finally solve the issue.  This printer is out of warranty so I can't get HP support on this problem.

Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

@dvdrttr14 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

For those reading:

This message includes a method to remove , check-remove , reinstall the full driver printer software.

If the issue is not elsewhere, for example, mechanical failure (unlikely) or library problems buried within the Windows File System, the method might work.

Read and decide.

Not relevant?  Ignore and move on.  No foul.

If you have not done so,

Restart everything, including the Router, Printer(s), Computer(s), and other devices that use the network.

Next,

Optimally, you need only complete the following:

• Check the Security software that it is not in some way infringing on your printer software.
• Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features

NOTE

In the case of "really stuck" software, it might be best - or even necessary --

Add the steps in the Check and Remove section

Next,

• Restart the computer and log in
• Install a fresh copy of the Full Driver
• Finally, if you have not already done so, Get and install the HP Smart application

The Full Driver software should be an option during the installation using the HP Easy Start Software wrapper.

When provided the option, in spite of any messages that plead, beg, or try to reassure you otherwise, select the Full Driver.

Details / How-to / Check & Remove

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and sign  in

Reminder: 

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

NOTE:  If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

Check and Remove Section

Reminders

• After all checks > If any changes are made > Restart the computer and log in
• Can't stand it?  Do the first one and ignore the others - see how it goes

Check / Remove - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

(Top Ribbon) Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Select each unwanted entry > Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

Check / Remove - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager

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

Check / Remove  - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account

Clear HP / files in Temp folder

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (Ignore files that cannot be removed)

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

Manual Queue Reset

Optional – Add this procedure only if there are continuing issues…

Windows 10 / Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for “Services”

Optionally Right-Click and Pin to Start / Taskbar > Open Services App

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Next,

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the folder and Delete any files found in folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Start Print Spooler Service

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks are completed > Restart the computer and log in

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

Installation – Full Feature Software

Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• 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 Easy Start > When asked, opt for "Full Driver" (exact wording might vary).
• If using Easy Start > Skip any extra software / offers you do not want (wording varies).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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), more

HP ENVY Photo 7858 All-in-One Printer 

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Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[dvdrttr14]

Thanks for your efforts, and the detailed response.  Surprisingly, I had done all of the items you listed (some from experience; some from spending a lot of time researching the issue).  The only one I haven't tried was deleting the temporary files ... probably the simplest on your list :-), and one of the first I always tell friends and customers when they have a printer issue.

I'm backing up everything, and will try the temp deletion(s) next.  If that doesn't work, I'm wiping the desktop and starting over.  If it doesn't work after starting over, I may drop kick it into the back yard.   🙂

Thanks again for your thoughtful and extensive suggestions.  I try to 'do my homework' before I 'bother' someone in tech support.  

[Dragon-Fur]

@dvdrttr14 

You are welcome.

Hopefully, it will all clear and work as expected.

Good Luck.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"