Printer software very confusing

[jimspy]

Every so often I get prompted to update my HP Software, the program that normally comes up when I click "Open".  So I dutifully download the update, but it seems each time I do, I get an installation program, the one pictured.  

But I don't want to do a fresh installation, I just want that neat control program.  Regardless, I attempt to go through a re-install, and of course it bombs, and takes me back to the choices pictured.  

To add to the weirdness, there's no way to dump out of this program!  There's no exit button, CANCEL takes you back to that main menu.  I tried right-clicking on the icon on the taskbar and choosing "Close Window".  It closes for a sec, then re-starts the program, I guess.  Can't even use Task Manager.  

So:  Can anyone explain why this happens, what to do about it, and how I can close out of it?  

Thanks,

[Betty0610]

@jimspy

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Let's try to do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

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Thanks!

Have a great day!