Driver is unavailable

[Rod_Rooke]

My printer was working perfectly both via USB and using WiFi until a few months ago. Since then it just won't do wireless printing using my network. I use a TP Link router. I've tried every resolution I can think of multiple times. For example, HP Smart, HP Print and Scan Doctor, HP Easy Start. I've tried to manually download drivers. I've even factory reset the printer. All indications are that the printer is connected to the same network as my laptop. But Windows Printer Settings shows it's status as Driver is Unavailable. This despite various messages from HP software installers that it has been successfully installed. It does still print via USB. It's a fabulous reliable printer. I have a HP ProBook 450G5 i7 running the latest fully updated Windows 10 20H2. Not sure if this started due to a Windows update or possibly installation of a laptop firmware update. Please help - I'm stuck! Many thanks...

[Jay_G24]

 Hi @Rod_Rooke,

I'd like to help!

 Use HP Print and Scan Doctor to check connectivity

Download a special version of HP Print and Scan Doctor specifically created to help with printer offline conditions.

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor.
2. Run HPPSdr.exe from the download location on your computer.
3. Once HP Print and Scan Doctor opens, click Start, and then select your printer.
   • If your printer in not in the list, turn it off and on, and then click Retry.
   • If there is a connection problem, follow the instructions in HP Print and Scan Doctor.
4. If a screen prompts you to turn on printer updates, click Yes.
5. If a screen prompts you to make your printer the default printer, click Yes.

Set a manual IP-

To set a manual IP and try the steps below -

--->Touch on the wifi icon ((i)) on the printer, and take down the IP address 

--->Open a web browser (ex Chrome or Mozilla) and type in the printer's IP

--->then go to network ---> general ---> network protocols ---> select IPV4 only-->apply 

--->go to wireless ---> wireless 802.11---> select manual ip ---> apply

--->Enter 8.8.8.8 for the first DNS and 8.8.4.4 for the second DNS.  

--->then go to settings on the main ews page --> power management ---> select sleep mode to max 15min

 Connect the printer to TCP/IP port

 --->Touch on the wifi icon ((i)) on the printer, and take down the IP address 

a. Click Start/Devices and Printers.  Right-click on your HP Printer.  Select Printer Properties.  Select the Ports tab at the top.

b.    Select Add Port.  Select Standard TCP/IP Port.  Select New Port.

c.    Follow the Add Port Wizard.  Under Printer Name or IP Address, .  Example:  192.168.1.15.  The IP address will be copied under Port Name.  

d.    Select Next and Finish the Wizard.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping 

[emorgenroth0812]

Hi, I have tried this solution to the problem as well, (using the ip address of the printer, and it does not work.  What we have found is that my laptop is only doing a partial download of the driver software (only the scanner apps) and not any of the printer apps.  This issue has stumped several IT experts.

[Jay_G24]

Hi @emorgenroth0812,

I'd like to help!

 May I have the exact model name of the product? Refer to this document for steps to find the product details. Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping