HP Printer Assistant Opens with Blank Screen (envy 4520)

[Niks1483]

Hi Team,

My HP Envy 4520 Printer assistant opens with a blank screen with only a search bar. I have installed a software multiple times but that doesn't seem to work. Would really appreciate some help on this

There was a previously posted topic on the community but with no solution (https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printers-Archive-Read-Only/HP-Printing-Assistant-problem-with-blank-wi...)

Thanking you

Best regards,

Nikunj

[Dragon-Fur]

@Niks1483 

This sounds like (it might be) a container error - the container software is controlled with an embedded call to a Windows executable that provides the container (an html like menu) for the Printer Assistant (printer software).

I can offer the following limited ideas on the subject...

Remove Printer and Reload Printer Software

If you want to try installing the printer software again,

Consider / Try 

Uninstall the printer software,

Do check and, if necessary, clear out "left over" bits  (steps marked with "**")

Install a new copy of the software

Consider updating the printer firmware

The following is written for Windows 10 - at least parts of the procedure are likely the same / similar in Windows 7.

Hints: 

• Read through the procedure, then proceed with the steps.
• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart
• Procedure includes “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

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

** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

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

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

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

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

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

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.

Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software - Installation

NOTE

• 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).

Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software for your Operating System version

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Optional - Video help **

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

************************************************************************

Chkdsk - Check / Repair system errors

IF the problem is new, that is, the empty container issue is not a known (or suspected) result of changes in your Windows Operating System,

If the File System on your computer is healthy,

then

If the problem is caused by a broken / missing file or link in Windows, running chkdsk might be able to repair the issue

Check your hard disk for errors in Windows 7

Check the option to automatically fix file system errors.

NOTE:  If you do not like the instructions provided, there are a hundred or more other options on the 'net - use your favorite search engine to find help / articles on the subject -- search for "chkdsk windows 7".

************************************************************************

OR

Boot from OS on Disk

You could try force starting the computer to read the Operating System from the Disk as opposed to letting the computer use whatever is in memory to assist the boot process.

“Press and Pray” 

IF a BIOS update is just stuck / stubborn / frozen-in-place half way through the update / boot process,

And / Or

If there are boot issues that prevent a complete or clean boot of the Operating System,

IF there is not actually anything wrong with the windows installation or the File System,

The following procedure might resolve the issue.

1. Unplug everything, including power and all other externally connected components
2. Press and hold down the power button for thirty (30) to forty (40) seconds
3. Release the power button
4. Plug in only basic components needed to start / boot the computer

• Desktop:  Connect Power, wired mouse and keyboard, HDMI to monitor (and monitor is powered on)
• Notebook:  Connect AC Power

1. Switch on the system with power button - Click power and release (as for normal boot)

Hoped for Results:

• System switches on, monitor active, mouse and keyboard responsive

If the issue was a "stuck" BIOS update:

• Screen shows the BIOS update window with choices:  cancel / update
• Wait several seconds; stare at it and contemplate actions. (The process will continue on its own after about 10-20 seconds)
• BIOS update continues, completes, and reboots the system

When the system reboots,

1. Log in
2. Connect LAN (Ethernet)
3. Connect other components (USB, external webcam, speakers...)
4. General housekeeping (checks, more staring at it)

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