HP Smart doesn't complete installation Error Code: OW_500_OWSID00001

[Cogglesz91]

I've been trying to get my HP Deskjet 2910 properly set up (only 10 days left on hardware warranty) for a rather long time now. regardless if i uninstall, reset or reinstall HP smart? It always either hangs and nothing loads or after doing a reset believes i'm using a VPN when i am infact using a hardline ethernet cable to connect online with zero VPNS in place. 

My motherboard is an Asus Rog Hero VIII (Wifi) edition that includes bluetooth. I can connect and print using wifi however i have zero HP Smart functionality on my windows 11 build that i've reset in the past week also. 

I really do not understand what's causing the issue, My laptop with an older version of Windows 11 can ID HP smart, the only difference being my backup laptop uses wifi from the router and my computer is personally connected to it via ethernet hardline. I'm not sure why it thinks i'm using a VPN. I don't even have some plugin on a browser that'd make it think otherwise. 

If anyone has suggestions to troubleshoot and resolve this i'd really appreciate it. I can access HP Smart via my phone and backup laptop but my actual work desktop i use cannot. I'd really like to have the full functionality capable if at all possible. It's been hard to ask for any help since i've been unable to find an email form to fill out. 

I work a nightshift job, Most of the time outside of weekends i'm sleeping during the regular work hours for the support line. Can i work with someone on a list of things to try out? HP smart just refuses to load up anything. 

I have added my new printer to HP smart via either my phone or laptop. I see it's also in my profile settings etc. I'm really confused. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Cogglesz91,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. From everything described. The printer is already connected to the network. HP Smart works on phone and laptop, HP Smart fails only on the desktop (Ethernet system), Error: OW_500_OWSID00001 / VPN detection behavior. This confirms the issue is not with the printer, but with how HP Smart is interacting with the network stack or security layer on that desktop.

Step 1: Reset Network Stack on Desktop (Primary HP Step)

1. Right-click Start → Click Windows Terminal (Admin)
2. Run commands one by one:

               netsh winsock reset

               netsh int ip reset

               ipconfig /flushdns

Restart the PC

This clears hidden network flags that the HP App interprets as VPN/proxy

Step 2: Check Proxy Settings (Must be OFF)

1. Go to:
   Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy
2. Ensure:

• Use a proxy server = OFF

Even inactive proxy entries can trigger the OW_500 detection

Step 3: Temporarily Disable Security / Network Filtering

On the desktop system, carefully check and temporarily disable:

• Windows Defender Firewall
• Any antivirus (Norton / McAfee / Bitdefender)
• ASUS utilities (especially Armoury Crate/network optimizer)

Then launch HP App again

You may notice the app suddenly loads fully once filtering is removed

Step 4: Test Using Wi‑Fi Instead of Ethernet (Critical Isolation Step)

Even though the system normally uses Ethernet:

1. Connect the desktop to Wi‑Fi (same network as the printer)
2. Open HP App

If the app works over Wi‑Fi:

• This confirms the Ethernet connection path is being flagged incorrectly as VPN-like traffic

Step 5: Reinstall the HP App Cleanly

1. Uninstall HP App
2. Restart the PC
3. Reinstall from: HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
4. Sign back into your HP account

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!