Reinstall printer software over and over

[cwmette]

Every time I want to use the printer, my computer can't find it even though it is connected by USB cable directly to the printer. 

I have tried cycling the printer on and off, and the computer still can't find it.  I have changed USB ports multiple times (it has a bunch, it is a gamer's rig) and the computer still cannot find the printer.

I have replaced the printer cable, and that didn't change anything, either.

I then use th HP Print and Scan Doctor to troubleshoot.  The Print and Scan Doctor insists, every time, that I haven't installed the printer software.  I install the printer software AGAIN.  The printer then works until the the next time the computer is booted up.  Process starts over.

Why is the install process not working correctly?  I should not have to install the software every time!   

[Dvortex]

Hello, @cwmette – Greetings 🙂
 

Allow me to welcome to HP Support Forums! It is a great platform to get help from the community, get suggestions and find what has worked for others!

I understand that you are facing issues while trying to print to your Officejet printer. It looks like a driver package issue with the machine.

First off, what is the exact printer model? If unsure, please check: http://hp.care/2oPCMBG

I could not find the correct model number. Hence please reply with the exact product number of your printer. Also, check if your printer is listed here: Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers

If yes, try the steps below to try and fix the issue:
 

• First, unplug the USB cable from the printer, if present.
• Go to Control Panel – Programs and feature – Select all the HP Officejet printer entries and uninstall them.
• Now go to Control Panel – Devices and Printer – Select all the printer entries and remove the device.
• Press the "windows key" + "r" to get the "Run" window open - Type "printui.exe /s" (There is a space between .exe & /) and press enter.
• Under print server properties, go to drivers - remove any entry there as well.
• Again, go to the Run window, type – “c:/programdata” – Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.
• Restart your computer.
• Now, click http://hp.care/2pskZhm to download and install the software.
• Connect the USB cable if prompted and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
• Restart the PC and check.

Let me know if that helps!

Good luck 🙂
 

Please click "Accepted as Solution" on the post that solves your issue to help others find the solution. To show appreciation for my help, please click the "Thumbs Up Icon" below!

[cwmette]

This did not help.

I followed the directions carefully.  Then I got to this screen in the installation process:

If I try to connect via USB which I prefer, windows recognizes what's going on, and adds the printer fax funciton as default (?).  However, the HP software won't complete installation, it cannot find the printer.  Now please note, I have a gaming rig with a dozen USB ports to plug it into, and the HP installation software cannot find the printer on any of them!

If I try to connect via wireless, the software installation still cannot find the printer.  I have the "HP Network Configuration Page" printed out from this very pritner in front of me, and the software won't connect to the printer.

Finally, the printer continues to print in just black and white, no color.

In a vain hope, I try the HP Print and Scan Doctor 5.1.  It downloads the printer software (again).  This time the process seems to work (?) however, still no color.

[sandytechy20]

@cwmette

I see that you were interacting with @Dvortex. I'd like to help.

Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate your time and effort.

I understand that you are unable to print in color.

Don't worry though as I have a few steps to determine the issue and find a solution as well,

Uninstall the printer software and install the printer with windows built in drivers.

Watch this YouTube video to uninstall the printer software.

You can also refer this document for more steps.

Install the printer with windows builtin driver.

You can refer this YouTube video to install the printer.

For more steps refer this HP Document.

Once you install the printer, change the bellow settings to print in color.

1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Printing preferences.
3. Make your choices, and then click OK.
4. Under option Print color select color , then the OK button.

Let me know how it goes.

Cheers.

[cwmette]

I powered down and unplugged the printer one week ago after I couldn’t get it to work right.  At that time, I also disconnected USB cable from the printer.  The printer had been cut-off from everything.

I started using the first video as a guide.  From the Windows > Programs and Features I uninstalled everything HP in my rig.  As an additional step, I ran Disk Clean-up after it finished.  I then rebooted the computer, as per the video instructions.

I start the second video.  I pause it to plug the printer and turn it on.  The printer comes on and then runs maintenance for some time, whirring and clunking.  Eventually it finishes.  Per the video, I plug the USB cable in.  Windows 10 immediately detects it and goes to work installing the software.  It quickly says it is finished.

I go to the Control Panel, per the video.  Here the video directions diverge from reality.  While the video went into an “Add a printer” section, on my computer the OfficeJet 6960 was already listed in my control panel’s Devices and Printers.  The only issue was that Windows wanted the “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the default printer.  I change it to “HP OfficeJet 6960”.

I tell it to print a test page – I got black and blue ink!

I print a Printer Alignment page – black, blue and red!

So, I didn’t need the HP printer disk at all, just let Windows 10 take care of it?!

[Inraged]

Why do your answers treat us like we are idiots. I have had the same problem. OF COURSE I do the obvious stuff like check cables, re-install drivers, and stick pins into my voodo doll image of HP's President. Nothing works, including the printer which Iis now in the landfill alongside -- I expext -- 1000's of other crappy hp products

[APandaBear]

I have the same issue on 2 computers. I think I will got for other brand soon.

Everything goes fine and install and next time I open the HP XXXX series app I'm getting HP Setup running again.

[asmita6658]

Hi @APandaBear

Welcome to the HP Support Community. I'd be happy to assist you with the printer driver installation. 

To better assist you - 

1) May I have the exact model name of the printer? Refer to this document for steps to find the product details. Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

2) What's the operating system installed on the computer? 

While you respond to that, please try these steps -

1) Right-click on the Start or the Windows icon and open run.

2) In the Run box, type %temp% and hit on "Ok". This will open the "Temp" folder.

3) Select "Date Modified" to "Today" and look for a 7z.... folder.

4) Open the folder and look for a .msi file.

5) Right click on it to install.

Try running the downloaded file in compatibility mode. Once the driver is downloaded, right click on the download in the browser and then click on "Show in folder". Right click on "Properties" and then click on the "Compatibility" tab. Select, "Run this compatibility mode for:" - Windows Vista. Also, check the box for "Run this program as an administrator".  

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day!