PRINTER SOFTWARE AND DRIVERS

[allanm2606]

Can someone help please ?

I went to update my printer software and driver yesterday as it had recommended it on the dashboard.

I mistakenly entered the HP ENY 5640 as my printer and set it as default, i have since removed it but when i go to download the correct software for my printer it runs and goes through the set up process but when i click on the printer icon on my desktop it goes through the process again and i am unable to print anything off .

Hope this makes some sense.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@allanm2606

The "incorrect" printer bits might be "lurking" in Devices and Printers and / or in the Device Manager.

Try / Consider:

• Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Clean and clear out whatever printer(s) you find in Devices and Printers
• This one recommended but Optional:  Restart the computer and log in
• Clean and clear out any printer bits you find in the Device Manager
• Restart the computer and log in
• Download-save-install the Full Feature Software
• and, one more time,  Restart the computer and log in

Details...

Hints: 

• Read through the procedure, then proceed with the steps.
• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart
• Procedure includes “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.

Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software - Installation

NOTE

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.
• Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Download-Save-Install the Full Feature Software for your Operating System version

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Optional - Video help **

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

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