Problems with Windows11 software for HP printers

[Frus04]

HP Officejet Pro 8610 

I bought a new Windows PC, running Windows 11 Home, so I had to re-install the software for my printer. I was not careful enough the first time, and installed a basic 8600 package”:

Full_Webpack-1312-OJ8600_Full_Webpack.exe.  

That did not work, so I then installed the Windows 11 version:

Full_Webpack-116-Full_Webpack.exe

When I clicked on the printer icon on the desktop, HP Printer Assistant launched. It gave me error messages:

C:\ProgramData\HP\HP Officejet Pro 8610\HPUDC\HP Officejet Pro 8610\UDC_install.json;

C:\ProgramData\HP\HP Officejet Pro 8610\HPUDC\HP Officejet Pro 8610\UDC_device_2.json

string not found.

The panel that would allow me to starts scans, look at ink levels, etc. did not appear. I then ran HP Print and Scan Doctor; it got almost to the end and then just stopped. So I uninstalled everything, restarted Windows, and went through the install process again, but this time did not to connect the printer (USB) until asked. The install seemed to go OK, HP Easy Start ran, then I selected HP Smart and it went through its install. But when it finished, HP Smart said my printer was offline, and there was no way to get it online.  Windows device manager, however, said the printer was working properly but when I looked at Properties/Events, I said the printer required further installation.

When I clicked on the desktop printer icon, HP Printer Assistant gave me the same error messages as before. However, I was able to print a Word document.

I then ran HP Print Doctor; it ‘fixed’ something on the ‘print’ option, and then said the ‘scan’ function was OK. I clicked on the ‘test scan’ button, and lo and behold the normal scan screen came up, and the scan worked.

I clicked on the printer icon again, and HP Printer Assistant still did not work – same error messages a previously.

I also have an 8710 printer, so I installed the software for that too. Again, Printer Assistant gave me error messages, but different from the 8610 ones.

I looked for the install.json files on my C: drive and did not find them anywhere, so I re-booted my old Windows 10 PC, and was able to find the files in question. I copied all the files from the folder “PCDATA\HP\HP Officejet Pro 8610\PUDC” from the old PC top the new one (copy without replacing duplicates). I then clicked on the desktop 8610 printer icon, and, this time got the normal Print/Scan/Fax screen.

I am posting this experience in the hope that HP can fix its install packages for Windows 11, and to help anyone else who has a similar experience. It is obvious that it is the software that is at fault, not the physical printer or the print drivers.