Install Photosmart c4180 software without disc drive

[bethicah]

I need to install the software without using a disc drive.  I know it can be done as I set up my previous laptop without the need for a disc.

When I am directed to install the software, I'm linked to HP Print and Scan Doctor.  This app tells me I don't have the software downloaded, so I need to download the software.  It directs me back to the HP Print and Scan Doctor download for tool-fixes installation and driver issues.  I downloaded HP Photosmart hoping this would help, but this does not detect the printer (which I assume is due to age).  I have tried using the online chat bot but this was not helpul.

I am going around in circles and I have no idea how to actually download the software onto my laptop.  Help is appreciated.  Thank you 

[Dragon-Fur]

@bethicah 

Welcome to the HP Community.

The software is no longer listed as available.

We are seeing more and more questions about older printers for which the software installation package has been removed.

NOTE

The HP Print and Scan Doctor might not be able to handle this type of "missing software" issue.

The Doctor might not understand that the software is not available and might hang / spin instead of just saying, "Nope, not there".

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

What next?

Unless you saved a copy of the download for the software, you will have to look for it elsewhere.

For example, someone might have a private archive of the software installation package they will share.

You might find it on the 'net in one of the websites that specialize in archiving software for old printers.

Use caution when downloading any content from the Internet.  Not sure?  Don't touch it.

What happened?

HP recently removed the printer old printer software for this and other similarly aged printers.

Why?

No idea - HP does not tell us about internal affairs.

Speculation

I suspect the removal of the software was due to the software no longer working reliably in the latest Windows 10 / Windows 11 environments.

In some cases, the printer has simply reached its "end of driver" support.  This is typically near / about / at ten years of age.

and / or

Old software might have been for security reasons, too - old printer software, especially that software no longer supported or kept updated, is vulnerable to various problems. 

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