Printer not detected (USB Cable) and not printing

[jlijli]

I am trying to install my HP Officejet 4650. I downloaded the software from:
https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-officejet-4650-all-in-one-printer-series/5447930 -> HP OfficeJet 4650 series Basic Driver

and ran the executable:
Click "Connect a new device"
Select "USB" on the next screen
Connect the printer to my computer using a USB cable, click Next
Nothing happens, no printer detected.

I know that the USB cable is working, because on Control Panel (Devices and Printers), the HP 4650 printer is greyed out when the USB cabled is unplugged, and becomes coloured in once the USB cabled is plugged in.  And, everything was working fine (printer was printing) before I reformatted my PC (It was Windows 10 before, and it is still Windows 10 now). I've also tried different USB ports.

I followed the accepted solution in https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Software-and-Drivers/How-not-to-set-Hp-4650-as-default-scanner... to completely uninstall the printer software and repeated the installation process.  I also did a "Restore Factory Defaults" on the printer itself.

Nothing helps. I've read other threads on printer not detected using USB on this forum but nothing works.

Could anyone help me please? I am using a Windows 10, Acer Laptop, printer is HP 4650 Officejet. Thanks a lot.

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

With the USB unplugged, please right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controller (USB) category and locate USB Composite Device below that category, you will probably see a few while some are dark and some are grayed out.

Right-click and uninstall any grayed-out USB Composite Device instance and close that window.

Now open the HP Officejet 4650 software and select Connect a New Printer, then select USB.

Only connect the USB once the installation prompt to do so and then installation should now continue.

Please let me know how it goes,

Shlomi

[jlijli]

Thanks for your response.  Nothing is greyed out (Please see screen shot).  No USB device is attached. 

[ShlomiL]

Apologies for skipping a step

From the Device Manager click the top View menu and then check the Show Hidden Devices option.

Now you should see additional grayed-out USB Composite Device instances.

Shlomi

[jlijli]

Thanks.  I was able to see the greyed out USB composite device instances and uninstalled them.  Then I restarted my PC, opened the HP software and followed the instructions, but still got the "not able to connect successfully" screen.  I did wait till the prompt to connect the USB cable.  Clicking retry didn't help.  Thanks again.

[jlijli]

Despite the above error, I am able to start a scan from my PC, by right clicking on the "HP Officejet 4650" instance under Control Panel -> Devices & Printers.

But I am unable to print (when I tried to print, HP Officejet isn't available).

On Device Manager, HP Officejet 4650 is listed under "Printer". When I right clicked->Update driver, I get the downloading message, and then it says that a driver is available but it can not be updated. 

Is there anything I can try? Thank you.