HP Officejet 4650 desktop icon and control panel is missing after updating software

[winfordnettles]

After a hard disk crash, I rebuilt my Windows 10 64 bit machine and attempted to reload my HP Officejet 4650 software from the original manufacturer's disk.  It would not install.  Got no error messages, just would not get past the initial install opening page.  It would only let me "close the program" and exit.  

Then, I went to the HP support web page and tried downloading the Print and Scan Doctor software that says it fixes install problems with my printer.  This did fix some printing problems, however, my desktop icon, which I use to control my printer, scanner, fax, and copier, was still missing.  

I have looked everywhere on the HP.com support site for how to recover my printer's desktop control panel, with no success.   The Virtual Assistant seems to be very unhelpful in this matter.  Seems that coding is urgently needed in this regard.  

Anyone out there have any ideas how I can get my desktop control panel and it's associated icon back?  I really would appreciate any assistance that you can offer.

[Dragon-Fur]

@winfordnettles 

Welcome to the HP Community --

True - The original printer install software disc might work or might be completely outdated by now.

True - The Print and Scan Doctor can fix some problems related to scanning / printing - some of what it does remains a mystery when "some parts work and other parts sit there".

True - The HP Virtual Assistant is not AI -- The HPVA a program and is limited to answering questions in its database.  The HPVA is better each time it's updated -- looking at it from the outside, progress might appear to be slow.

Finally, there is hope.

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / Install  <<<

HP OfficeJet 4650 series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in.

Details / Examples

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

1)  Printer - Full Feature Software

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

 Remove / Install the full driver printer software

If not done by this point...

Restart everything, including the router that controls you network.

Can't stand it?  At least restart the printer and the computer and any device you can stand to be without for a short time.

Next,

Run Windows Updates  --  If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

What if?

NOTE: If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

and...

What if?

If you are having trouble using or installing the software, for example, everything goes along swimmingly and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or other odd installation problems, Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / Install  <<<

HP OfficeJet 4650 series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• 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 printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources

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, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open

HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer series  

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