HP 7640 envy can't install or uninstall software

[gglaubrecht]

I have tried all the advice on similar posts and nothing works.  My computer tried to update my printer and it failed.  I tried uninstalling the software and got the message "...error 5 ... a caller of drive package install must be a member of the administrators group ....

I tried uninstalling all software, but the basic software gave me this message.

Tried troubleshooters, printer scanner doctor all give same message.

Installation message reads similarly "Call to driver package uninstall returned error 5 for package C:\windows\system32\driver store\filerepository\hpwia_en7640.inf_amd64_c530c8dfde66df0\hpwia_en7640.inf:A caller of Drive Package Install must be a member of the Administrators group to install a driver package

I tried deleting the hpwia file, but it wouldn't let me .  I am owner and administrator of my computer.  I even tried changing ownership and properties of the file, but nothing worked.

As it stands, my printer/scanner is useless.

Tried for 6 hours today.  This is ridiculous.

[Betty0610]

@gglaubrecht

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Restart your Computer and try again.

Are you using the HP Smart App on your PC? If not, you may try and install to see if that works: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04675142. If yes, uninstall and reinstall it.

If the issue persists, try these steps:

Let's run the HP Print and Scan Doctor:

Use this link for details on using the HP Print and Scan doctor: https://hp.care/2JyaC93

If the issue still persists, let's do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.)  Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!