HP 8610 Printer...won't Activate

[ScanWisher]

Saw the response to NOV 2020 similar issue with NYReno, but he/she did not say if it worked.  As NYReno describes, the use of the download of the drivers/software for the Officejet Pro 8610 works until the "3  Activate" step.  It says one needs to "finiah setup online."  1)  I cannot link to the internet with the box provided.  2)  When I copy the link, it goes through the same 3 steps and fails on Step 3...Activate.  I have done the three solution alternatives and still cannot print from Excel or Email.  It gives an "error printing" message and leaves the item in the list of printer items.  I have run out of ideas after putting in 5 hours of this "dog chases tail" effort.  I went to the page suggested by the response to NYReno, but did not find a way to regain printing.  (Oh, I have had this printer forever...and about every 3 months it likes to not do what its function is)  I did get the 8610 Printer Assistant to show as an icon, but nothing seems to lead to the completion of the Step 3  Activate.  The printer shows as connected to the internet and the Devices shows the printer being my default.  What is interesting is that the Scan/Print Dr 5.2.2 sees two versions of the printer, one is installed and one is not...but there is only one listed in the Control Panel Hardware listing.  The defense rests...

[ScanWisher · Accepted solution]

Found a solution:  Go to the Windows search box; type Settings

   Select Devices (top column 2)

   Select "Printers and Scanners"

Find the current named device, in my case HP Officejet Pro 8610 (Net)

   When you touch the item, you will see 3 choices; CLICK "Remove Device"

Then go above the list for the "+" sign in a box to "ADD printer or scanner"

    It searches for available printers

    Select yours, in my case HP Officejet Pro 8610

       When touched, you will see the ADD printer choice; CLICK on it

Note:  if not on list available, it gives you 4 ways to find your printer.  If you have been doing this as a hobby, for several hours, as I have, the fastest may be the IP Address you have written down previously (or can get from the Wireless Summary, the third choice on your printer display ((!)) symbol.  Ex.  IP:  99.1.1.444; and shows Apple IP later in the display, next to MAC:  HPxxxxxB). 

The ADD may take as long as 5 minutes, but remember, this is a SHORT time when all the other attempts you have tried have accumulated hours of frustration.

At the end of the ADD, you will see your printer in the listing (may need to refresh, from up by the "+" box.

I then tested printing from several applications, before returning, triumphantly, to my normal life.  Good luck!