HP solution Centre stalls loading on my windows computers with a non functional white window.

[kerriedavid]

I have just had to replace my surface pro 7 due to a HW failure (pretty unhappy about that only 9 months old!!).  After setting up the new one and loading the AIO_CDA_FSW_Full_Win_WW_140_408-5 full feature driver download for my Photosmart c6180 I noticed the printer failed to connect.  Quick check and the printer has a expired cartridge which I have acknowledged to allow printing.  To try to check status of print cartridges I opened the HP Solution Centre - something I have been using for years on many PCs.  It started to load but seemed to stall at a white window wit a large light brown box and with an italic "f" against a blue disk with white "i" inside it.   Mouse over this graphic seems to recognise something but right click shows no source code etc and it does nothing when clicking.  I need to check my ink levels etc

Check the driver download - thinking to reinstall but it is the still the same as the down load from a week ago - dated 2015.

I thought the issue was something to do with my Surface.  Checked my HP Pavilion that also has HP Solution centre and this now does the same thing.  Something has changed with recent Windows updates perhaps??. 

Windows shows my printer fine which is set as default. It has been working fine for years on both PCs.

Tried the Windows trouble shooter - no luck and test print failed on the Surface.

Downloaded and tried the HP Print and Scan Doctor 5.5.2. on the Surface.  Took a while indicated a port issue but indicated it had resolved it  (is connecting to the printer by wifi- which windows shows is all good) Test print failed and second internal one worked (printer need to print in greyscale due to a cartridge I expect).   Other HP advice tried like restating the printer etc

What has happened to HP Solution Centre - which is my go to tool?

Can it be resolved?

and not and if now completely incompatible (very Sad face) what is my alternative??

Any other hints, things to check and try to resolve would be very appreciated

regards

kerriedavid

[kerriedavid]

Graphic I pasted in has not displayed correctly in the submitted post, explained in text