Printer Driver Unavailable

[corgi22]

Hi I have an MFP M283 fdw and yesterday it started playing up, every document stuck on 'spooling'. Tried the obvious,  stooped spooling, cleared jobs, removed device and reinstalled, but every time it re installed it said (copy #) with an ever increasing amount of numbers. In the end i got it to work but would only print the first page of an 8 page document, before getting stuck on 'spooling' again. I then read an error code which lead me to a 'court case about aftermarket ink', so I am wondering if this has anything to do with it? I buy ink from a recycle company who use genuine cartridges but refill the ink, so never had this issue. Hoping someone can help as currently my printer is rendered useless!

Many Thanks

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @corgi22 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m sorry you’re facing this — it’s frustrating when the printer gets stuck on spooling and only prints part of a job despite all the effort you’ve already put in. You’ve done the right things by clearing jobs, reinstalling, and checking the basics. 

Let’s focus on the driver and connection layer, since the “Driver Unavailable” message and repeated “copy #” installs point to Windows not binding correctly to the printer software.

 

Step 1: Remove duplicate printer entries

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right‑click and remove all instances of your MFP M283fdw (including those with “Copy #”).
• Restart your PC before reinstalling.

 

Step 2: Install the full driver package

Windows often installs a basic driver that can’t handle multi‑page jobs properly.

• Download the full solution here:
  HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw – Software and Driver Downloads
• Choose Windows 11 as your operating system.
• Install the Full Software Solution package.
• Restart after installation.

 

Step 3: Re‑add the printer

• Open the HP App from the Start menu.
• Sign in with your HP account.
• Select Add Printer and connect via Wi‑Fi or USB.
• Confirm the printer shows only once in Devices and Printers.

 

Step 4: Test multi‑page printing

• Print a multi‑page PDF or Word document.
• If it still stalls, go to Printer Properties > Advanced tab and set Print directly to printer instead of spooling. This bypasses the spooler and can resolve stuck jobs.

 

Step 5: Ink cartridges

The spooling and driver errors are unrelated to cartridge refills. Since you’re using genuine cartridges that have been refilled, the printer will still accept them. The issue here is strictly driver/software communication.

 

Step 6: Firmware update

• Visit the same support page and check for the latest firmware update.
• Install it to ensure compatibility with Windows updates.

You’ve already been very thorough. By clearing duplicate entries and installing the full driver package, the printer should stop creating “copy #” devices and handle multi‑page jobs correctly. 

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye