Error Message "Driver was not installed. Element not found." on my HP Officejet Pro 8710

[DonRoe]

I updated my Window 10 software to version 2004 recently.  After the update, I was unable to print to my networked Officejet Pro 8710.  I uninstalled the printer in Windows, deleted the printer port, and tried to re-install the printer.  I keep getting the message "Printer driver was not installed.  Element not found".  The printer show up in Window and semi works as a scanner, but does not print.  I've tried installing through HP Smart and Windows, but the driver cannot be found.  What else can I try?

[Andr-1611]

Hello @DonRoe ,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

The HP software must be completely uninstalled and removed of the system.

First download only this complete package: "HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories ", File name: OJ8710_Full_WebPack_40.12.1161.exe (166.5 MB)

Second download only this the latest firmware "HP Officejet Pro 8710/8720 Firmware Update ". Read the description carefully.

Then proceed as follows:

Check the system for

• TuneUp`s
• Optimization Tools
• Cleanup Tools

disable them, better uninstall them. Next...

1. Disconnect printer/scanner from computer- Disable WLAN and/or remove the USB or LAN cable.- Do not switch off the printer >> unplug the power cord from the socket!
2. read only here first: Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows) 
3. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Programs and Features"
   uninstall all HP printer software > via "Programs and Features"
4. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Devices and Printers"
   In the "Devices and Printers" window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
5. Restart the PC < important
   
6. Close all programs
7. Change File-Explorer-Settings:View > Options > "Change folder and search options" > Tab "View"
   • enable > Show hidden files, folders and drives
   • uncheck > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
   OK
8. search for "HP [printer name]" and delete all this folders, e.g. "Officejet pro 8710" or "8710"
9. Empty the TEMP folders
   A) C:\Users\[Your user account]\AppData\Local\Temp\
   B) C:\Windows\Temp\
system files cannot be deleted!
10. Reconnect the printer to the power supply and switch it on (if this does not happen automatically)
11. Please note: WLAN has to be deactivated!
12. Restart the PC < important
13. Close all programs
14. Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo > in folder Downloads click on the EXE, see above.

Via USB, means wait until the installation asks to connect the printer/scanner.

Document error messages, even better is a screenshot and upload here.

Before you update the firmware, check which firmware version is installed in the printer.

• From the home screen on the printer control panel, swipe down to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Setup icon.
• Swipe up on the display, and then touch Reports.
• Swipe up on the display, and then touch Printer Status Report.

The current version is: Version: 2024A. If you have an older version, then update your firmware. But first read the description carefully, see above the link to the firmware.

Note:

Change the File Explorer settings again -

• enable > Don`t show hidden files, folders or drives
• click button > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)

OK

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Andreas

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[Hexagon-Robin]

Does the installation described here install HPSmart?  The reason I'm asking is that my 8710 was re-installed when I had to be given a new hard-drive due to Windows 1904 update to step me back to 1903 and now I have HPSmart but I'd prefer as originally installed.  Can anyone direct me on how to get that?

[Andr-1611]

If you follow all the steps as described above, no HP-Smart will be installed.