My printer does not react when I try to print from my laptop.

[David5717]

I have been printing successfully until last week. Suddenly the printer stopped printing when I sent documents from my computer. It suggested tehre are drivers missing but I do not understand how the drivers suddenly disappeared or became inactive.

[Dragon-Fur]

@David5717 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

"Worked before - Does not work now" is a hallmark of how things break.

Possible causes include (and are not limited to)

• Print Driver corruption
• Windows Update (that results in driver corruption)
• Printer disconnecting from the network and not finding its way back

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

Consider...

Known solutions, presented in the order to be completed / considered

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

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Printer Software

>>> Web Pack Installation Package - Information and Download <<<

HP DeskJet and Ink Advantage 3700 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

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Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

NOTE:  If the printer also installs Help files - Uninstall the printer help file package from Programs and Features when you are uninstalling the main printer software.

• >>> After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

•  Continuing issues or "Driver Unavailable" during installation:  After you Uninstall the printer software > Restart the computer and log in >>> Add the steps described in the "Check and Remove" section
• Check_and_Remove_Section_2

Continuing

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

Next,

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software Web Pack installation package
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the installation procedure
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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References / Resources

General Example - Windows - HP Full Feature Software - Installed

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3788 All-in-One Printer 

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Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

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[David5717]

Dragon-Fur - Thank you very much for your resonse to my query. I apologise for not having answered sooner. I have not yet tried the solution you have explained but I think it is clear enoug. If Iy further trouble I will get back onto the community disussions. Much appreciated and happy New Year.