Issues with Universal Printer Driver and Windows 8.1 (x64)

[Werner58]

For some software reason I have to run Windows 8.1 on that computer, as the old OfficeJet was just worn out I replaced it with a HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Printer, works like a charme with all the other units, but as you guess there is no Driver for 8.1 (there is a Scan Suite which works well, but no printer driver). So I downloaded the UPD Package and installed it, so far so good, I print a test side, the printer does react and tells it is receiving the job, but nothing is printed and he says job finished.

Interestingly the installed driver is a PCL6 driver, looking at the compatibility list here: https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/ish_6933917-6933962-16

it says the 9730e is only supported with PCL3?!! That sounds a bit odd?

Any idea what to look for?

Thanks for your help

Werner

[Pallipurath]

Hi @Werner58,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I’m sorry to hear that you were unable to print. I understand how inconvenient that can be, especially when you need to print important documents. Since you have already installed the Universal Print Driver (UPD), I would kindly request that you completely uninstall it from your system. 

Please ensure that it is fully removed from the Control Panel/Programs and Features section, and also from the Devices and Printers list if it still appears there.

After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to clear any remaining driver files. Then, download the latest version of the UPD from the official website and reinstall it carefully, following all on-screen instructions.

Additionally, I would request you to check the printer functionality on a different operating system, such as Windows 10 or Windows 7, if available. This will help us determine whether the issue is related to the current operating system or the driver installation.

link: HP Universal Print Driver Series for Windows Software and Driver Details 

Take care and have an amazing day!

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Regards

Pallipurath.

[Repairatrooper]

Not odd at all, most ink based printers support PCL3 not PCL5 or 6. It is technical differences between inkjet and laser printers. 

You could try the HP Smart UPD printer driver, but I am not sure that supports Windows 8.1, but given the situation, you will probably want to try it.

[Werner58]

Hello Pallipurath,

thanks for the feedback, now the big question is, does the 9730e understand PCL6, as this table:

https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/ish_6933917-6933962-16

suggests he does not as it states PCL3 and your driver does not support PCL3!

Thanks for crosschecking and giving me feedback.

Cheers Werner

[Werner58]

Thanks Repairatrooper,

I yet have to find a UPD driver who does support PCL3 🙂

Any hint?

Cheers Werner