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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- OfficeJet Pro 6978 Driver Update Issue

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05-19-2020 11:52 AM
I hadn't had any issues with my computer/printer until recently. Coming back from a period of time away, both my computer and the printer had updated. They were automatic, so I'm not sure their order.
Now the printer is not printing. From the Printers & Scanners section of the Control Panel, the printer displays "Driver is unavailable." Neither manually or automatically can I update the drivers. So I have uninstalled all related programs and attempted reinstall. Through HP Smart, it begins install but stops and displays "There was a problem during installation." Then suggests to manually install the printer driver of which I am unable to do as it continues to display "Driver is unavailable."
I have also tried using the HP Doctor in which it again attempts to install the software for the printer. I can get through to the connect portion of installation, until registering the product. Once going through that section, any attempts to log in to an account fail and the installation cannot continue.
I feel like I have tried all that I could through HP's services and am stuck!
How can I get my computer to print again?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
05-26-2020 10:04 AM
Hi @moosesent
Welcome to the HP Support Community. I'd be happy to assist you.
Try making a standalone copy and check if that works. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.
Let us try these steps to install the printer:
- On the PC, go to Control panel > Devices and printers > Add a printer(at the top)
- Under 'Choose a device or printer', click on 'The printer I want isn't listed'.
- Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address'
- Find the IP address of the printer by tapping on the wireless/ethernet icon on the printer screen
- Type in the 'IP address in Hostname or IP address' box, click next
- Proceed to the next steps by following the on-screen instructions.
- Try printing.
If the issue persists, Install the printer using Windows built-in driver
Refer to this document to know how. Try printing.
I 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!
KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee
05-26-2020 10:04 AM
Hi @moosesent
Welcome to the HP Support Community. I'd be happy to assist you.
Try making a standalone copy and check if that works. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.
Let us try these steps to install the printer:
- On the PC, go to Control panel > Devices and printers > Add a printer(at the top)
- Under 'Choose a device or printer', click on 'The printer I want isn't listed'.
- Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address'
- Find the IP address of the printer by tapping on the wireless/ethernet icon on the printer screen
- Type in the 'IP address in Hostname or IP address' box, click next
- Proceed to the next steps by following the on-screen instructions.
- Try printing.
If the issue persists, Install the printer using Windows built-in driver
Refer to this document to know how. Try printing.
I 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!
KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee