HP Envy 7640 Cant Delete Drivers to Reinstall Properly

[TechAdept94]

I was following instructions on here on how to uninstall and reinstall the drivers to get this printer working on my laptop computer but when I go to printers and scanners -> print server properties -> drivers it let me delete the fax for the 7640 but not the regular driver for the 7640 and so I cant compeltely reset this thing to get the drivers reinstalled correctly.  It's because it says the printer driver is currently in use.  It's not like I'm currently printing something or have anything in queue on this laptop, so I don't know what's going on.

Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@TechAdept94 

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Not sure what you are following - most of the answers in the Community provide at least the rudimentary uninstall / install methods that are common to the process.

Consider...

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Use this method when there are problems reinstalling the software.

Start - “All the bits”

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and it “still hanging around”

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

Check and Remove Section

Reminder: After all checks > Restart the computer and log in

  1. Check / Remove - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

(Top Ribbon) Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Select each unwanted entry > Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

2.  Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

  3.  Check / Remove - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

   4.  Check / Remove  - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account

Clear HP / files in Temp folder

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (Ignore files that cannot be removed)

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks are completed > Restart the computer and log in

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Next...

Your printer supports the Easy Start method to install the full driver (printer software).

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver).

1. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.

1. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.

1. Full driver provides print and scan functions supported by your printer.

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References / Resources

Optionally, Install the HP Smart for Windows application

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR

HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

• OS Minimum:  Windows 10 version 17134.0 (1803) or higher, Windows 8.1
• Website includes the HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues
• HP Smart requires that you be signed into the application with your HP Account credentials.

Problems with HP Smart Windows App?

Can’t log into HP Smart using your HP Account? 

• Make sure you are running the latest (newest) app version.
• Make sure your Windows Updates in current and installed.
• Try reloading the HP Smart Application:

Uninstall HP Smart > Restart the computer and log in > Install the application from the Microsoft Store

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features 

Search or scroll down and find HP Smart

Left-Click on the item > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

"Get" a new copy of the Application from the Microsoft Store

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One Printer series 

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Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[TechAdept94]

Thanks so much, the revo uninstaller did the trick!  Very much appreciate it I've been having this issue for like a year

[Dragon-Fur]

@TechAdept94 

You are welcome.

Stay Safe.

Better 2021 for all.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"