OJ8720pro Driver Problems on win 10

[Paracri]

when I install the printer driver on my i7 Dell pc running windows 10 pro the wizard initially finds the printer (it has a static ip 192.168.1.20), then after asking how I want to connect it should start communicating with the printer and downloading the correct driver but after 10 minutes the wizard says that the printer cannot be found.

- I tryed with all kind of driver and app I found on hp and microsoft website: Basic, Full, HPEasyStart, - HPSmart has a different result (because it ask you to use "add printer" from "printer and scanner" windows utility. At the end of HPSmart procedure I obtain the printer installed and communicating with HPSmart (status and ink level are shown) but looking in "printer and scanner" the problem "driver not available" is shown for my OJ8720 printer.

- at the end of the procedure the fax is installed but not the printer driver

- printer is correctly working and online: I installed the same day the driver for an old win7 pc and it worked correctly

- Windows is up to date

- on same PC I installed a Samsung printer that is working correctly 

Thanks for help

[Dragon-Fur]

@Paracri 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Try / Consider:

If you want to try it,

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network

If you cannot stand it, consider at least Restarting the Printer and the computer.

Next,

Run Windows Updates - Check for Updates - if any updates are "Pending Restart", Restart the computer and log in

Next,

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

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

What if?

If you are having trouble installing the software, for example, everything goes along and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or similar, 

(then)

Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_3

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• 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 printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_10

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

HP Smart for Windows

Not sure how HP Smart became ensnared in this tangle.

That said, HP Smart recently updated to a new version.

At this writing, HP Smart - Windows - Current version: 145.2.1084.0

Perhaps the update to the recent version failed or the app installation that was already in place is corrupted.

The general fix is to Reset or Remove (Uninstall) and Reinstall the app.

AND

Check other devices to make sure HP Smart is running the latest version for that platform.

For example, the latest version of the app should be running on all devices running Windows, iOS, MacOS, iPadOS.

- Printer Application - HP Smart – Check / Reset -

Windows

Check / Run Windows Updates > Install any pending updates

Next,

If not previously completed,

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

Next,

Open and Check HP Smart

If the HP Smart opens but does not work or hangs partly open > Close the HP Smart App.

If you cannot stop HP Smart, Restart the computer and log in > Do not restart HP Smart yet.

No Joy?

Reset HP Smart Application - Windows

Next,

Reset the HP Smart application - This action removes the app data.

Windows 10 -

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Windows 11 - 

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Search and Find HP Smart in the apps list

Open Advanced options > Reset the app

Restart the computer and log in

Open HP Smart > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

If the app Reset does not work by itself,

Next,

Uninstall the HP Smart App from Settings > Apps > Apps and Features / Installed Apps

Restart the computer and log in

“Get” a new copy of the HP Smart application from the Microsoft Store

Open HP Smart > Sign in > Add Printer(s)

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Check / Reset / Reinstall

HP_Smart_Win_Apps-and-Features_ Reset_10

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources

Datasheet - HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer 

 Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 8700 Printers

HP Smart - Windows - Application

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

>>> Open and Read >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

NOTES: 

• Read FAQ -  including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP Smart app?
• If using VPN >>Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
• Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?
• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
• When working through a browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different browser – assign that browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default browser.)
• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.
• “Share” to email – Before using Share, add your sender email address to the Windows Mail application

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

Help Here:  Unable to download and install the HP Smart printer app

and

Check -- Every device (computers and mobile) where HP Smart is installed should be running the latest version of the HP Smart application available for that device type.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Home / Main Menu

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_4

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

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 OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series 

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Paracri]

After following the procedure: rebooted everything, removed the HP directories, removed the printers and the drivers, updated windows (in fact there was some update in the last days), removed all HP apps from app and features and reinstalled HP smart last version I came to this point:

as you can see after opening the "printer ands canners" panel I added my printer (it was correctly found) but the driver is still not available.

[Paracri]

Also, HP Smart is finding my printer as you can see, and I can do everything (scan, check status) except printing

if I try prining (stampa file) this is the result

[Paracri]

and if I try "installa stampante" that is "install printer" after 3 minutes of "thinking" this is the result

(problem during installation)

[sandytechy20]

@Paracri 

Welcome to the HP support community.

I understand that you are unable to print, I am glad to assist you.

This seems to be a driver issue, follow these steps to fix the issue:-

Perform root level uninstallation to remove all the printer related software's.

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Remove all instances of the same.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers. 
• Restart the PC again.

Download and install the printer using the HP Smart app

Here are the steps:- Click here

Keep me posted.

If this helps, please mark the public post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Paracri]

After the procedure, that is very similar to the one proposed by Dragon-Fur, the situation is the same: HP smart is installed and I can see the printer status but I cannot print due to the driver missing.

In particular I noticed that in the step

• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.

there is NO HP printer driver. Instead there is the HP fax driver. In fact I can use the printer as a fax but cannot print.

The problem seem to me that there is no driver compatible with bot HP printer and my "Dell vPRO" pc.

I again point out that I have 4 other pc where my HP printer is working perfectly!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Paracri 

I must leave the Italian to others -- admittedly, the language limitation is on my side.

One more try...

The driver is not (suddenly) incompatible with Windows 10.

The print driver is not sensitive to the brand of computer.

I would guess we have either missed removing something (file, link, library), connection error, network issue

or

There is an inconsistency (file, link, library) located somewhere in the Windows File System (that is) perhaps not normally accessible even to a user with administrative privilege.

Both of these can be true.

What if?

From a user's perspective, at some point, it might be necessary to consider reinstalling Windows.

True -- this is an unpopular solution that frequently does work.

What else?

If you have not done so,

Some Ideas...

The number of connections to the printer might be limited.  Try switching off one of the other computers > Run through the printer software uninstall and installation steps again, including removing any of the data in the "Check and Remove" section.

Related to "Offline" and how the printer is connected to your network

Treat the printer as if it is "Offline".  

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

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

And...

• Change the connection type to TCP/IP
• Assign a manual / static IP address to the printer on both printer and router
• Check that your Firewall and / or Security Software are not blocking critical parts of the installation
• Make sure all Alerts and Notifications are switched on - this is important to catch any messages that might be issued by the installation process. 
• Make sure router is updated with the latest firmware

If the printer is connected to the network via Ethernet,

• Try a different port on the router
• If you are using a  network switch between printer and router, try a different port on the switch and replace the cable between the printer and the switch
• Replace the Ethernet cable between the printer and the router (or switch)

If you are limited to using Wireless,

• Move the computer closer to the printer (to reduce obstacles)
• Check the router logs for messages related to connections to the printer(s) on the network

If your router supports it,

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency (5GHz and 2.4GHz).

Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance between router and device (printer)

• 5GHz is faster

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

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"