HP Envy printer "setup" windows doesn't have a "colour" option

[Wozza1952]

Help please!

Had this issue before, it was resolved and now it's come back again.

The basic problem is that when you select the HP Envy 4527 printer and click on the "settings" option there isn't an option to print in "colour". The printer will only print in black and white.

I have followed the previous remedy sent to me  last time plus I have deleted all references to the HP Envy printer drivers via Settings, Control Panel, Device Manager, and even the Print Spooler and no drivers are shown.

Restarted laptop and worryingly HP Smart App still shows the HP Envy printer?!

If you try installing a printer via HP Smart it doesn't find a printer automatically or via IP Address (worrying?).

Download the Full Features and Software package via the HP website and follow installation instructions.

About 60% through the installation software wants to install HP Easy Start but after an eternity to install doesn't actually do anything.

Restart computer and printer is now present in the "devices" .

Select document to print, click on setup and still no "colour option"!

Please help me?

Thanks in anticipation

Wozza1952

[Wozza1952]

Hi Dragon-Fur,

Thanks very much for you reply and information on how to proceed.

Firstly, and sorry to be sarcastic,  why do you need to have a PhD in Computer Science to de-install and re-install a printer driver. Surely it shouldn't be this hard!

Basically, the process you provided to me didn't work!

I was successful in deleting all the previous references to the HP Envy 4527 printer having checked and double checked as per supplied references.

I downloaded the "Full Installation...." file as per you link and ran it as an administrator.

The installation runs and asks a few inputs but about 60% of the way through asks to download the HP Easy Start software.

These screens need sorting out as on my Windows 10 laptop the "download acceptance box" is hidden and difficult to get to.

Having managed to start the download after it completes 2.31MB out of 15.5MB an error box appears stating:

          "Unable to download HPEasyStart 15_2_7.exe from ftp.exe.hp.com" 

          "The server returned an invalid or unrecognised response"

Never the less I found the HP Easy Start software on another HP web site, downloaded it and it started and about 60% of the way through asks to download the HP Easy Start software (think we are going around in circles here?!)

Ignoring the above as will be here forever, found that in Control Panel > Devices and Printers there is a HP 381054 (HP 4520 Series) (Network) set as the default printer.

Set up to print a "colour" document and press Ctrl P but there still isn't a colour option.

Also, if you use HP Smart to print a document, the preview of the document is in colour but there is no colour option in the settings and when document is printed it is in black and white.

Please can you help me to be able to print a document in colour?!

Wozza1952

[Dragon-Fur]

@Wozza1952 

You are welcome.

Interesting.

I've removed my previous post -- the reload method prescribed  is obviously not useful in this context.

I did not expect the old Web Pack Installation to push the Easy Start wrapper.  ?

Update - Another try - Printer Installation

Reminders --

If the color option is stuck due to something going on with the printer, the following will not help.

In that case, an agent can help with a Reset for the printer.

The Easy Start Software - Installation wrapper

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Method - Use the Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

Easy Start Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• Open  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers 
• Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package  to install your print software

 Easy Start can be used to install your printer software or the HP Smart application.

If the HP Smart Application is (already) Uninstalled, Use Easy Start OR Get a new copy of the application from the Microsoft Store

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

Next,

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Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

• >>> After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

Example - Check and Remove Section to remove left over pieces of old printer software

Check_and_Remove_Section_2

Continuing

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software Web Pack installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the installation procedure
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

>>> If using Easy Start <<<

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

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[Wozza1952]

Hi Dragon-Fur,

Many thanks for your alternative installation setup procedure.

Unfortunately, the result is still the same.

Ctrl P still doesn't have an option to select colour

HP Smart, preview is in colour but cannot select colour option and only prints in black & white.

Just to point out that my wife can print to the HP4527 printer via her laptop in colour from Ctrl P and HP Smart.

Can you help with why there appears to be a corrupt print driver on my laptop that won't allow colour printing?

Thanks for you help so far.

Wozza1952

[Dragon-Fur]

@Wozza1952 

Normally the complete uninstall and removal of the printer software would remove any corrupted printer software.

Assuming other devices can print in color, the printer is likely not the source of the problem.

As a side note:

Control-P uses the saved / selected Shortcut and setup in Printing Preferences.

Control-P does not give you the option of changing any of the settings and submits the default setup to the printer.

Printing Preferences -- the full feature set - is available after having installed the full feature software.

Set Printing Preferences – Windows

NOTES

• This section is not applicable to Mobile Printing.
• Access to the complete Printer Preferences might require having installed the Full Driver printer software.
• The printer should be selected as the default and current printing device.
• Printing Preferences are available directly from the driver (Devices and Printers) or from within the job setup (software / application used to view and submit the job to the printer).

• Printing Envelopes?  See NOTE
• “Settings” style path to printer > See NOTE-2

Windows 10 / Windows 11

Windows key > Search for and open Control Panel

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences

• When called from within printing software / applications, Printing Preferences might be called "Printer Properties" / "Shortcuts" / “More Settings” / “Properties” / "Printer Setup" / "Presets" or similar.

• No Size?  If the size of the Paper Size is not included in the Drop-down list, consider / try:  Create a Custom Paper Size Form.  Reference:  HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Example - Printing Preferences

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_6

General Examples...

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Simple PDF Print

HP_Smart_Win_PDF_Print_6

HP Smart - Windows - Simple Photo Print - A4

HP_Smart_Win_Print_Photo_A4_All_4

It is true that if the underlying cause of the problem is deep in the Windows File System, that the solution might be to reload Windows.  Everyone hates that option even though it does generally work.

For the moment, I am out of other ideas.

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Wozza1952]

Hi Dragon-Fur

Thanks for your help.

I'm amazed that there isn't a full proof way to ensure that you can delete ALL of the existing printer software before reinstalling.

I will just have to find another way to print in colour.

Thanks for your help

Wozza1952

[Dragon-Fur]

@Wozza1952 

You are welcome.

Update - Add TCP/IP notes

Original Content

The "Check and Remove" section includes those places "user" accessible of which I am aware.

That said, the truth is that Windows does have lots of places even "Admin" cannot access.

If a single library, link, or instruction in that abyss is lost, things can break.

Sometimes it's the color option in the printer software.

Reloading Windows generally fixes lost libraries, broken links, and other broken bits.

Update

TCP/IP and More

Back up your personal data to other than the local computer.

Remove all instances of the printer and printer software / printer / fax-printer in your system.

If needful, reference the Check and Remove example in an earlier post.

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Next,

At the least, Reset HP Smart so the personal data is removed from the application.

If you like, after the Reset, uninstall the application.

Do not yet reinstall the app if removed...

Reset HP Smart Application - Windows

Reset the HP Smart application - This action removes the app data.

Windows 10 -

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Windows 11 - 

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Search and Find HP Smart in the apps list

Open Advanced options > Reset the app

Restart the computer and log in

Open HP Smart > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

HP_Smart_Win_Apps-and-Features_ Reset_4

If the app Reset does not work by itself,

Next,

Uninstall the HP Smart App from Settings > Apps > Apps and Features / Installed Apps

Restart the computer and log in

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Next,

Note:  Editing the Registry can be a powerful tool -  results might be very good, very bad, or anything in between.

Not recommended (your personal choice) -

Export / back up the entire Registry > Open registry, check for, and remove instances of the printer.

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Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

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Next

The printer should come back onto the network along with the other devices controlled by the router.

Please try adding the printer using the printer’s IP address

Find the IP Address of the printer on the Printer Control / Display Panel (touch Wireless button)

Control Panel > icon view Devices and Printers

Click in the top ribbon, Add a Printer

Wait till the menu starts…
Select / Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
Select / Click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

Select / Click Next
Device Type > Select in Drop-Down Menu:  TCP/IP Device

Hostname or IP Address > Enter the IP Address of the printer

(Skip Port Name)

Select / Click Next

Complete any additional information

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Install HP Smart - Windows application

“Get” a new copy of the HP Smart application from the Microsoft Store

Open HP Smart > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

Try to install the full driver printer software.

If the printer software fully installs, continue...

Set up your print job using other than Control-P so you have control and access to the shortcuts and features.

NOTE:  Don't waste ink and paper on a full page color image print -- test the setup using a simple PDF - Set page range to 1 page that includes some color on the page --  or print a simple image file.

While you are setting up the test job, make sure you have selected the right driver (in the Printer list)

Select More Settings / Properties shortcut "Everyday Printing"

Check the options / shortcut selected to match the configuration to the paper.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Simple PDF print - Shortcut = Everyday Printing

HP_Smart_Win_PDF_Print_6

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP ENVY 4527 All-in-One Printer 

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

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