ENVY 5032 won't print from PC - either driver is unavailabke or offline

[RJHFANDCLF]

This printer has worked perfectly for a year, but recently it has failed to print from documents - stating that it is either offline (which it isn't) or the driver is unavailable (which it isn't). I have tried every solution offered by HP, and I have uninstalled and re-installed all the HP software, including via HP Smart and also separately - all to no avail. It just won't communicate any more. There are no problems with the network as the wireless connection is perfect. It seems to be a download/driver issue.

[RJHFANDCLF]

Further to O/P, it now states that the printer is uninstalled - despite frequect re-installations. This is becoming a real pain, and has wasted about eight hours of my time tryoing to resolve - and HP don't offer a proper warranty individual problem resolution route. It is disgraceful!

[Jay_G24]

Hi @RJHFANDCLF,

I'd like to help!

Let's try and uninstall the printer software from the root level on your PC and install the full feature printer software.

First, unplug the USB cable from the printer if present.

• Go to Control panel – Programs and feature – Select all the HP printer entries and uninstall them.
  • Now go to Control panel – Devices and printer – Select all the printer entries and remove the device.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Click the bottom-left Start button on desktop, type device manager in the search box and tap Device Manager on the menu.
  • Once in device manager, click on the view tab in the top & choose “Show hidden devices”.
  • Then from the device manager list, check the entries under “Printer” – If there are any entries, please right click and choose “uninstall” – In the confirm device un-install pop-up, make sure you select the box which says “Delete the driver software for this device". 
  • Also, check the entries under "printer queue" and "imaging devices" and repeat the same exercise. Delete any printer entry or any entry which says “Unknown device”.
  • Once done, close device-manger. Then press the "windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - Type "printui.exe /s" and press enter.
  • Under print server properties, go to drivers - remove any entry there as well.
  • Again, go running window, type – “c:/programdata” – Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.
  • Once done you can try cleaning out your temporary files and cached files. You can try using automated applications like some cleaner software's that you can download from the internet.
  • Now restart your computer again.
  • Open the Run window again, type “services.msc” and press ok to get services window.
  • Scroll down to “Remote Procedure Call (RPC)” – right-click and go to properties. Make sure the service is started and startup type is “Automatic”.
  • Now scroll up and go to “Function Discovery Provider Host” – right-click and select properties – Change the startup type to “manual” and start the service.
  • Repeat the same exercise on “Function Discovery Resource Publication” as well
  • Windows image acquisition stop and restart the service 

Install all the available Windows updates

If it is been a while since you updated your Windows, that is the main reason why Windows says your HP printer driver is unavailable. Here are the steps how to do a Windows Update to install all accessible operating system update.

If you are accessing Windows 10, then these steps are for you.

1. Hit the Start menu and write an update. After that, click on the “Check for updates” option.
2. Tap on the “Check for updates” option.
3. After clicking on that option, Windows will install the updates automatically.
4. When Windows completes all its updates, start your computer again and attempt to print a file to check if your printer works.

Reinstall the drivers from Software and drivers page

If the error persists, Try installing the printer with windows built-in driver

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

[RJHFANDCLF]

No – your response didn’t arrive for a week after posting – far too late for a dead printer issue to be corrected (HP needs a far more responsive problem solutions platform). I resolved myself long ago via further hours online … not helpful by HP. Disappointed.

I did certainly try most of what you seem to be suggesting, but not necessarily in that order, and I am certainly not upsetting things to try it all again now.  In the end I found that by simply forcing the use of Windows own driver I overcame the problem (as you suggest finally) but with the caveat that ‘not every HP facility may work properly’. Also, the rest of your own page on Win 10 automatic driver updates is now out-of-date. Again very unhelpful. Anyway I’ve got it working for the moment.

It seems from my researches that the problem is a recent Windows 10 update that has changed the way driver updates are handled. Just one page I found that covers this: https://appuals.com/microsoft-windows-10-driver-update-changes-format-for-detection-and-installation... . There are others.

Windows and HP (and others) really need to sort this out between them.

Thank you.

[Jay_G24]

I am glad the issue is resolved, If you need further assistance feel free to reach out to us.

Have a great day ahead!

Please click “Accepted Solution” on my public post 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!