HP Envy 7855 - I can't make it my default printer on Windows 10

[yera]

It was working well until our internet was down.  After coming back, the printer wouldn't connect.  So I uninstalled it and installed it again.  However, when adding the printer on Windows 10, the progress bar would get stuck and it would end up installing without the drivers.

I have tried everything I have read in the forums as well as using the diagnostic tool and the tool doesn't detect that the drivers are not installed.  Please help!  I need it for my business and it's critical I make it work ASAP

Thanks!

I have to also add that I cannot print.  When I try to print documents from within the HP Smart App, it says it is not completely installed and to install drivers.  Then it takes me to the same point where it either doesn't show when I try to add printer or if it shows, the progress bar gets stuck and ends up in my devices and printers with no driver.

[Dragon-Fur]

@yera 

It is always distressing when we read that you have "tried everything" and it still doesn't work.

"Everything" should generally fix most installation issues.

Try / Consider the following for your "Everything" list:

Preparation / Information

NOTE

If you wish to skip the Preparation section, scroll down and start at The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Create Restore Point (Optional)

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop / Exit all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

Apply or OK to exit the menu after the Restore Point is complete.

Windows Updates

Before you install / reinstall printer software, do check and run Windows Updates. 

Settings > Update and Security > Windows Updates

If you install any Windows Updates: After the update is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

NOTE:  If an update is already pending, install that update > Restart the computer and log in

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 HP Smart Application

Remove / Install Steps: 

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Scroll down, find, Click on HP Smart > Uninstall 

Continue...

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” after you uninstall / Restart...

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

  5.   Manual Queue Reset

Details…

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the folder and Delete the files from folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Start Print Spooler Service

Do this

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

======================================================

Installation – Full Feature Software

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Preparation

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_3

Printer software not installed?

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

• When asked, 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. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. 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 or other application).
3. 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.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

========================================================================

References / Resources

Install...

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 Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits from having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

========================================================================

Install...

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP 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 Photo 7855 All-in-One Printer 

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