HP+ Nightmare - why can't we get straight&simple printer drivers?

[Bomber67]

Have now wasted may hours trying to bypass this **bleep** HP+ thing while installing an MFP m140we for a customer
Downloaded the program package I believed was the right: https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software13/printers/LJM139-M142/HPEasyStart-13.6.5-LJM139-M142_UWL_54...
After going through a few steps I went into a dead end called HP+, where they wanted me to sign up for this customer program.
There was no way to bypass the **bleep**, so I had to close the window to get any further, as my customer does not want to sign up.
Somehow I managed to install the drivers anyway and get it on air but after a few weeks the customer complained that the printer stopped working.  While troubleshooting she ran into this endless loop of windows called HP Smart, HP+ and so on.
This afternoon I Teamviewed her computer and spent quite a while removing printer instance, rebooting, installing package, aborting the stupid HP+ thing and so on. No success, removed and rebooted again, and tried to connect by IP, but still no cigar.
I have dealt with computers for almost 40 years, and I struggle expressing how much I hate all these sugarcoated wraparounds and endless forms with attempts to trap the user into some kind of subscription or loyalty program.
The actual tasks are hidden behind a lot of **bleep**.
I prefer to install printers by IP address, and to me, after detecting the printer, the installation process should involve nothing but navigating to some .inf file and install it, or perhaps running  a simple installation set.

I used to love HP printers and have quite a few around, but this HP Smart and HP+ nightmare is rediculous and serves no other purpose than making us engineers pull our hair in frustration over bulky, cumbersome, illogical and complicated installation procedures, leaving you wondering whether you actually managed to do what you actually wanted..
Alongside the disastrous Direct Print which OTB turns all HP printers into a "wifi jamming generator", this might bring me into looking for other brands in the future.
Shame HP! 😞

[Dragon-Fur]

@Bomber67 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Update / Edit - Add Printer Software section

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HP+ Laser Printer

According to the datasheet information -- this is an HP+ printer.

Not an HP+ optional printer -- an HP+ device.

The product comes with HP+ as part of the package for this model.

Instant Ink is optional.

What?

HP+ is not an option on this printer -- it is part of the purchase of this model.

Example - HP Store - USA

HP LaserJet M140we Printer with HP+ 

If you do not want an HP+ model printer, 

Purchase a standard form of the Laser printer in the model of your choice (amongst the available models)

HP LaserJet printers without HP+  

OR

Purchase an InkJet model - these models offer HP+ service as an option.

What to do?

Read the information so you understand the differences.

Decide how you want to proceed.

Where is the information?

Website:  Your printer is smarter with HP+  

Scroll down > Click on "See all FAQs"

Scroll down on the FAQ page > Open topic What if I don't want HP+

Excerpted at writing

HP customers have options when purchasing HP printers. There are functionally equivalent HP printers available without HP+.

To buy the HP LaserJet M200 Series printer without HP+, you can purchase the standard version of the printer. To learn more, visit www.hp.com/standard.

For HP OfficeJet Pro 8000e and 9000e Series printers, DeskJet 2700e and 4100e Series, and ENVY 6000e and 6400e Series, a customer can choose to skip HP+ activation during printer setup. Skipping HP+ activation at set up means that a customer cannot access HP+ benefits.

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Printer Software

Full Driver printer software is available for this printer.

You indicated that you did manage to select the full driver and install the Full Solution software.

The mash-up between the drivers might be a result of the different installed driver sets.

For example:

HP Smart Application

HP Smart Printing (driver queue)

HP Printer Assistant / HP Scan

IF that is what you are describing -- the solution might be a matter of choosing the right driver in Printer Properties and / or in the configuration setup for the current job.

The drivers are best described by someone who has actual experience with Laser Printer software.

An example - based in InkJet Printing / Full Driver printer software for InkJet Printer.

Offered FYI -

Please ignore if it is not useful in the context of a Laser Printer, if it is unwanted, if it is out of context.

Parts_to_Printer_Software_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 LaserJet MFP M140we Printer 

Printer and  HP+ service

Contact HP+ Support

If needful, change your Country / Region

OR

>>> Open your HP+ Printer Homepage > Exclusive HP+ Help > Click Contact Us link in the Orange box

Note that HP+ assistance is only available for registered HP+ printers.

NOTE:  Where available, the Homepage website for the non HP+ model includes any missing "Category" sections not found in the HP+ printer site.  What?  The “+” and “not +” printers are the same printer – HP+ is a benefit / service.

HP+ > Benefits, Requirements, Your Responsibilities

READ about HP+ here:

HP+ Printing – Website / Information / FAQ

Excerpted – Section Disclaimers

Dual-band Wi-Fi™: Wireless operations are compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz operations only. Learn more at HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers . Wi-Fi is a registered mark of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Supports both 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz using up to 112 non-overlapping channels v. only 3 non-overlapping channels for 2.4 GHz only. Supports 5.0 GHz band (up to 150 mbps) v. 2.4 GHz band (up to 72.2 mbps). Internet access must be purchased separately.

HP+ Benefits include

About HP Smart Advance for HP+ printers

 HP+ Printers – HP Store / Information

 HP+ Printers

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Bomber67]

Thank you for your information.
If the truth is as horrible as you explain, that is nothing but yet another evidence that HP is fooling its customers.
Who reads through tons of forum posts and docs prior to purchasing a printer?
I was looking for an HP MFP - which I have purchased quite a few times for myself and customers - and due to the general hardware situation there are not many models in stock.
Who would guess that this specific model comes bundled with an obligation to signing up for a specific "club" and never using 3rd party toner? Not me at least.
Of course in HPs view (and apparently yours) I'm the guilty, who did not spend days reading specs and docs before ordering.
I simply wanted an MFP printer - not to be tricked into some subscription requring me to being spammed down and not being allowed to purchase toner where I want.
But you tricked me. 1-0.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Bomber67 

You are right -- many people might not read the details before purchase.

I am sorry you feel tricked into a purchase you did not intend.

Personally, and I am sorry I did not make this clear -- I do not have any interest in setting blame.

My cumbersome attempt to explain a pile of facts did not help, of course.

I do not work for HP - I am, in fact, long retired from the IT industry.

None of us in the Community speak for HP - we are a peer-to-peer user forum.

I've notified our moderator team about your concerns.

Request for Review – Please Read

I have submitted a request to our Community moderators for review and possible escalation of your question.

Worth Noting

• Our Community is a peer-to-peer user group.
• We are not HP Technical Support -- We are not HP Sales, Service, or Warranty.
• Our request for assistance on your behalf does not guarantee HP will respond nor does our request influence the outcome.
• The time frame (how long it takes) to receive a response from HP is not controlled by the Community.

Important

• Do not contact phone or email posted in a public or private message from “new” members.

• Please do not post any personal information in the Community.  We are a public resource.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[JM1655]

Ditto!!!!  I was so angry when the setup stopped unless I joined HP+ and swore I would never to use anything but their ink and reforest I considered putting it back in the box and returning it.  I may still do that, but then I have to start over.  😡😡😡😡. I know I will never buy another HP product and my last several laptops have been HPs.   

[Bomber67]

Thank you Dragon-fur for your comprehensive explanations!
I'm sorry that I partly held you guilty, for a moment I believed that you were somehow connected to HP.

But the verdict is that HP now are digging their own grave with **bleep** like this.....