Printer: missing driver

[Fishbone126]

Every app inc HP Smart says I'm missing the driver but every attempt to download it sends me in a loop to page to download HP Smart again. It even says updates are not supported by my browser (latest Firefox) when the blurb states that it is supported. I'm not at all tech savvy so don't know what to do!

Thanks for any advice.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Fishbone126 

The Full Feature Software / full driver is available for your printer.

It should be possible to download and install the driver using the Easy Start wrapper and asking for the "Full Driver".

Full Driver printer software

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

In addition, the installed software places two shortcut icons on the Desktop named for the printer.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_2

Printer software not installed?

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

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), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet Pro 6960 All-in-One Printer series 

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Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Fishbone126]

Thanks so much for taking all that trouble to guide me through this. Looks like a complete success! Really appreciate your time and expertise.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Fishbone126 

You are welcome.

Both HP Smart Windows and the Full Feature / full driver software can be on the system at the same time.

In fact, HP Smart benefits from having the "full driver" loaded.

For example, a custom or standard template "Shortcut" can be selected in More Settings

General Example - HP Smart Windows - Simple Photo Print - A4

HP_Smart_W10_Print_Photo_A4_All_1

Printing Preferences

"Preferences" is where you can select and edit settings for the current job.

Optionally, save the settings as a Custom Shortcut for  later repeat use. 

When called from within other software (for example, Word), "Preferences" might be called, Printer Properties, More Settings, or similar.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click Printer > Printing Preferences

Example - Printing Preferences

9025_Printing_Preferences_Media_Types_9

Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"