Printer Driver Unavailable

[hpprinterpro]

I have posted about this driver issue several times and my last post I thought that I could actually **bleep** for help.

I have searched for a number and cannot find any.  

My frustration with this issue is very high.  I cannot even remove this printer to reinstall.

Should I abandon this printer and purchase a new one?

I have received help previously, but nothing has worked so far.

I appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you!

[Dragon-Fur]

@hpprinterpro 

Our HP Community does not provide phone support.

HP Support accepts in-Warranty hardware repair case submission requests -- except for a brief period right after initial purchase of a new product, software is not included in the support matrix.

True - you have been offered help.

Remember to say thank you for help offered, even if it does not turn out to be magic.

True - If you cannot pry the printer software out of the Operating System, you cannot install a new copy of the printer software.

True - If nothing works, if you cannot find a solution, if no one can help, then it is time to consider either reloading Windows -- which everyone hates and yet it almost always works -- or yes, replacing the printer.

The only problem with the second solution (replace printer) is that IF the reason for the collapse of the software and the inability to uninstall the software is buried in the Windows File System or even in the way the printer is connected to your network, then the underlying cause of the problem might remain.  Regardless, the printer is older (~ 2018) and we do not judge what people decide to do.

Driver Unavailable

The issue might be more or less complicated by the printer connection type, the version and condition of the Operating System, and the age and type of printer software.

Parts of the following are similar or a duplicate the the help you have already received here:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/print-driver-is-unavailable/m-p/8712439...

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

 Remove / Install the full driver printer software

If not done by this point...

Restart everything, including the router that controls you network.

Can't stand it?  At least restart the printer and the computer and any device you can stand to be without for a short time.

Next,

Run Windows Updates  --  If any updates are installed, 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.

What if?

NOTE: If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

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.

and...

What if?

If you are having trouble using or installing the software, for example, everything goes along swimmingly and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or other odd installation problems, Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

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 5200 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

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

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

References / Resources

 Product Specifications for the HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer (M2U75A)

Connectivity

Ports	1 Hi-Speed USB 2.0; 1 WiFi 802.11n (dual band)
Wireless capability	Yes

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

If the printer supports it, connecting using Ethernet is generally a better choice.

Some printers, particularly older models, only support Wireless at 2.4GHz

Some printers support Wireless at both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz frequency, try 2.4GHz.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

On your router:

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency supported by the router

 What?  Create one SSID named network for 5GHz and one SSID named network for 2.4GHz

and

 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 (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

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 5255 All-in-One Printer 

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"

[hpprinterpro]

I had already started thinking that my laptop could be the real issue. It is old.

This problem all started because when I went to print a document the preference setting had changed the destination to Save to PDF which I don't want. I then could not change the destination back to the simple print document status.

I can print from my phone, but I prefer my laptop.

Thank you for your help!

[hpprinterpro]

Thank you for your help!  I thought that I had lost your reply and that's why I replied to my last support help.

I have tried most of your suggestions today, but I'll try again.

Thank you!

[Dragon-Fur]

@hpprinterpro 

You are welcome.

Let us know how it goes...

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"

[hpprinterpro]

I tried everything that you proposed and nothing worked. 

How do I reinstall windows 10? I may want to try this before purchasing a new laptop. 

Thank you.

[Dragon-Fur]

@hpprinterpro 

Unfortunate -- the process generally works.

I might have missing something.

If you have not done so, complete the steps for a printer that is Offline.

For example,

Include  >> Change the connection type to TCP/IP as described in the Offline Troubleshooting document:

------------------------------

Offline Condition

Although the printer appears to be switched on, it does not communicate with other devices on your network.

Consider >> Restart All

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

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

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

Section “Advanced Troubleshooting” > Solutions specific to Windows / MacOS / HP Smart (Printer Unavailable)

AND

Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer 

and...

-------------------- --------------------

Method – Add printer using TCP/IP

Please try adding the printer using the printer’s IP address

Find the IP Address of the printer on the Printer Control / Display Panel (touch Wireless button)

Control Panel > icon view Devices and Printers

Click in the top ribbon, Add a Printer

Wait till the menu starts…
Select / Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
Select / Click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

Select / Click Next
Device Type > Select in Drop-Down Menu: TCP/IP Device

Hostname or IP Address > Enter the IP Address of the printer

(Skip Port Name)

Select / Click Next

Complete any additional information

-------------------- --------------------

Method - Create TCP IP port (InkJet Printer)

Method - Create / Change-to TCP/IP port

TCP/IP can resolve odd connection, scanning, and installation problems.

Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

Find the printer's IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address

Next,

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer > Printer Properties

OR
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

Tab Ports
Click Add Port

Select Standard TCP/IP Port

Select New Port and follow the instructions
Type in the correct IP address for the printer

Example - How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Video: Create & Use TCP IP port
“Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port within the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)”

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

Pile of Rubbish

Two suggestions:

Start a new question - ask whether the printer can -- or should be -- be set back to Factory defaults after failing to reload the printer software using the all methods in this thread.

Why?

You might get a better, different, excellent answer that solves the problem for you.

In your new question, include this link so anyone answering can reference what has been suggested and tried:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/Printer-Driver-Unavailable/m-p/8848273

------------------------------

Reload Windows

Start a  separate / different new question -- Ask how to reload Windows on your computer -- when you ask the question, be sure to include the details -- example computer model and Windows version.

Why?

We have Experts whose skill set includes a thorough understanding of how to reload the OS.

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"

[hpprinterpro]

I tried adding the printer using the IP address, but I got the message to restart the printer spool. I did that, several times, and kept getting the same message.

I am done with this. Right now I am resetting the laptop. If this doesn't work then time for a new machine.

Thank you.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@hpprinterpro 

New machine?

Maybe -- sure if the computer is one you want to replace > Do that.

In general,

If the printer, printer software, OS, and the network are supported.

Not being able to install printer software is not, by itself, a reason to buy a new computer.

That said, on occasion I've used a common reason for new tech, "Want that."

Good Luck.

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"

[hpprinterpro]

I did a reset on my laptop while keeping my files. It took hours to complete,  but I am thrilled to say that my printer is now working!

I thank you for your suggestions.

Now I can purchase a new laptop if I "want to" and not because of the frustration I was feeling while trying to fix the issue.