HP Smart Keeps Losing my Printer

[Al3333]

I am trying to use HP Smart to manage my printer, but it keeps saying that the printer is offline, even though it clearly isn't.  I can print to it using Word or any other application from the same computer.  I am hard line connected to the printer with a USB cable, not using WiFi.  I can use the "Add Printer" functionality to momentarily get the ability to scan using the printer, but it will lose that ability very quickly and I will have to "Add Printer" again.  HP Smart currently says it knows of 74 printers, but they are all offline.  Every time I tell it to "Forget" a printer, it adds another 5 offline printers, instead of deleting any printers.  This application appears to be completely broken.  What can I use to manage this printer effectively?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Al3333 

Disclaimer:

I have never tried to connect HP Smart to a USB connected printer.

Nothing here is tested - just some ideas...

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Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

IF checked, remove check from "Let Windows manage my default printer"

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on any unwanted printers > Remove

NOTE:  If you do have the Full Feature Software installed, try to avoid removing that instance!

Next...

Use Add-a-Printer to add the printer and windows drivers for the device.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer (top ribbon)

Click The printer that I want isn’t listed

Click Add a Local or Network Printer with manual settings

Click Next

Choose Printer Port

1. Select Use an existing port 
2. Select first LPT port in list or for USB select (if available in list) USB port

Install the Printer

1. Left column:  HP
2. Right column: Scroll, search, select (click) printer

If Printer is not found in list:

1. Click Windows Updates
2. Wait several minutes for list to update
3. Left column:  HP
4. Right column:  Scroll, search, select printer

NOTE:  HP Envy Photo 7800 PCL-3  (About half way down the list)

(Repeat if Necessary) Choose Printer Port

1. Select Use an existing port 
2. Select first LPT port in list or for USB select (if available in list) USB port

Click Yes to “…allow this app to make changes to your device” (UAC)

Optional: Type a printer Name or use the default

Next > Wait for printer software to install …

Next >

Click Share this printer so that others on your network can find and use it

Optional:  Fill in information for printer location and a comment

Optional:  Click Set as the default printer

Optional:  Click to Print a test page > Finish

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what will this accomplish?

Maybe nothing.

On the other hand, perhaps having added the printer and selected the Port for USB might stabilize the connection for HP Smart.

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

HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTE:  Website includes the HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues

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, User Guides / Manuals, 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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If the answer helped resolve your issue, Click "Accept as Solution" .

[Al3333]

The problem is solely with HP Smart.  Windows properly acknowledges the printer and only has the 1 instance of it.  There does not appear to be any sharing of information at all between Windows and HP Smart about how many printers there are.  HP Smart now thinks there are 80 disconnected printers, where Windows says there is 1 printer and that it is online and working.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Al3333 

OK.

If I have anything else to offer, I'll post back.