My HPB45CAD officejet 4650 printer suddenly can't find the driver!

[theresamcauli]

My HP officejet 4650 printer was just fine until recently.  Now my HP Envy laptop does not recognize it and the driver cannot be found.  I don't want to buy another printer.  Is this the result of a windows update??  Does HP need to create a fix for this problem?  I have tried uninstalling it and reinstalling it.  I have tried the HP print and scan doctor.  I have tried HP Smart.  I keep going in circles and still can't find the driver.  In my HP Envy laptop, under printers and scanners, it says "driver is unavailable".  WHY?

[theresamcauli]

Another update:  I have removed the device and tried to reinstall it.  I have gone through the HP Smart and HP print and scan doctor and NO resolution.

[Kumar0307]

@theresamcauli, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I understand you are not able to print from your computer.

Install the printer using the TCP/IP port:

Check for any pending Windows updates first.

1. On the PC, go to Control panel > Devices and printers > Remove the existing printer entry > click on Add a printer(at the top) 
2. Under 'Choose a device or printer', click on 'The printer I want isn't listed'.
3. Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address'
4. Find the IP address of the printer by tapping on the wireless/ethernet icon on the printer screen
5. Type in the 'IP address in Hostname or IP address' box, click next
6. Proceed to the next steps by following the on-screen instructions.
7. Try printing. Open a document, go to File > Print. Do not use the HP Smart app to print here.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[theresamcauli]

WOW!  It worked.  I have worked on this to the point of frustration.  Thank you.  Another question - why does the printer go into such a deep sleep that it won't wake up.  It won't even turn off with the button.  I have to unplug it and re-plug it in to wake it up. Thanks for all your help.

[Kumar0307 · Accepted solution]

@theresamcauli

The printer going offline issue should be resolved now when you installed the printer using the IP address.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your computer.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day!