Driver is unavailable

[Sybrinna]

So apparently Windows 10 did an update and now my printer won't work. I've tried the print and scan doctor app. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the hpsmart app. I've tried downloading other drivers. I've tried the HP Windows 10 Support Center. I've tried the virtual agent. Nothing seems to be working and I really don't want to have to buy a new printer.  At this point I don't know what to do. Now I can't even log in to the hpsmart app because it gives me error code: SA_400_XXXXXXXXXX. Anyone have any ideas?

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Please clarify your exact Windows version, right-click the Start button and select System, scroll down to the Windows Specification section and clarify the listed Version to get some better understanding of any next step to try.

Please let me know this information,

Shlomi

[Sybrinna]

Windows version is 20H2

[ShlomiL]

Please try updating the operating system to the latest 21H1 version, if it is not yet listed on Windows Update it can be installed using the Windows 10 Update Assistant Utility:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-10-update-assistant-3550dfb2-a015-7765-12ea-fba2ac...

Once completing the installation uninstall the HP Software for your printer and then reinstall the latest software, I could personally resolve the same exact error on my personal printer using these steps just earlier this week.

Hope that helps,

Shlomi

[Sybrinna]

I upgraded Windows to the 21H1 version. Uninstalled HP Smart and reinstalled it. Tried signing into the HP Smart app, and it goes through transferring information, protecting your information, to thanks for waiting and it gets stuck there. Won't go any further, even with waiting for like 20 mins. I tried to print something but it went into the que as an error and wouldn't print. I ran the HP Print and Scan Doctor and it suggested printing test pages - wouldn't print. It also suggested to unplug the printer and plug it back in - also didn't work.

[ShlomiL]

Let's try following below steps and let me know if that may help:

Create a manual IP connection (wireless only)

Print a Network Configuration or Wireless Network Test Results page, and then use the information on it to wirelessly connect your printer.

1. Click the Wireless icon on the printer screen and not the IP Address of the printer.
2. From a computer connected to the same network as your printer, open an internet browser, type one of the URLs into the address field, and then press Enter to open the printer's EWS. If the EWS does not display, try another browser.
3. In the EWS, click the Network or Networking tab, open the Wireless menu option, and then click IPv4 Configuration.
4. Select Manual IP, and then provide your printer information.

• To auto-fill all fields, click Suggest a Manual IP Address, and then make sure the fields for Manual IP Address, Manual Subnet Mask, and Manual Default Gateway match your printer's information on the Network Configuration Page.
• If Suggest a Manual IP Address is not available, type the information from the Network Configuration page into the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway fields.
1. Click Apply, and then wait until the changes are confirmed.

Create a TCP/IP Port in Windows (wireless only)

1. In Windows, search for and open Printers & scanners.
2. Click the name of your printer, and then select Manage.
3. Click Printer Properties.
4. On the Ports tab, click Add Port.
5. Select Standard TCP/IP Port, and then click New Port.

1. Type the printer's IP address, and then click Next.
2. Select the new Standard TCP/IP Port from the list, and then click OK.

Note:

You might see two printers in the list of devices. Do not remove or uninstall either printer.

Now try printing and check for any change.

Shlomi

[andrew21218]

I followed all the steps up until “Create a TCP/IP Port in Windows (wireless only)”. When I open Printers and Scanners, two things show up: 1.) Fax – HP Color LaserJet MFP M278-M281 (default); 2.) HP Color LaserJet MFP M278-M281 (Not connected); and 3.) NPI94F093 (HP Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw -driver is unavailable). For the 3rd option, there is no “manage” button, only “remove device”. For the 2nd option, when I click “manage”, a “hardware properties” button link shows up. When I click on it, a window pops up but there’s no “ports” tab, but there is a message that says “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45).To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer.”

I have Windows 10 Home version 21H1

[ABM77]

My Officejet Pro 8500 A910 printer works perfectly well and has for years.  While attached to a cable to one computer there are no printing problems.  But when trying to print using Apple's AirPrint or just over wifi with Windows 365, I get this maddening wrong paper size error message.  I have found the solution for newer printers:  enter the IP address of the printer and then from paper settings select (in my case) letter size.

But my software does not contain a paper size choice and when I tried to get an updated driver I got the abandon the customer or force the customer to buy a new printer message of "driver unavailable.  

Considering that I have probably spent thousands of dollars on ink for this printer over the years and would have to continue to do so in the future by continuing to use this printer and that I have overpaid to replace the printheads as well,  HP can hardly complain about having to update my driver.  I find this approach completely unacceptable.  Talk about having been hung out and left to dry.  Really disappointing.  Does the company really think it is okay to force me to junk this piece of hardware when it is otherwise in perfectly good working order?   Arrrrgh.

[karisnalu]

Hi Shlomi, I have the same problem. The irony that my HP computer and HP printer on the same network won't communicate?!

I tried your fix with creating a manual connection. However, the 2nd part of the task is not an option for me - after clicking manage, I don't see the printer properties or ports tab. 

[Sybrinna]

This did work to fix the printing issues. I am now able to print, but I have to restart the spooler every time I try to print. However, I can no longer sign into the HP Smart App. It says processing and stays like that forever. I also cannot scan from my printer anymore. It says that the scanner is not set up. When I go to the HP website and try to find drivers it offers me to install the HP Smart app (which I already have that won't work). I've tried the print and scan doctor and still can't figure it out. It's getting extremely frustrating to continuously find problems since the update. My printer/scanner/fax is less than 2 years old. It still works fantastic (these problems not included) and there's nothing wrong with it so that replacing it is not an option. I have tried uninstalling the HP Smart app, reinstalling it. Removing all the HP options and starting from scratch, and nothing works.