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‎02-08-2026 06:42 AM

HP Recommended

Unable to install HP OfficeJet 5200 Series PCL-3, Type 3-user mode, x64 driver (The system cannot find the file specified)

 

I’ve removed the HP Officejet 5255 and reinstalled it using HP Smart with new software/driver download

 

Same results: Driver is unavailable

 

Printer issues and Outlook issues (continue past emails downloaded) took place after Microsoft update “KB5073724”

 

On 2/6/2026 I did a Backup/Restore using 2/2/2026 (no longer available)(problems started on 2/3/2026) and I was able to get the printer back and functioning until 2/7/2026, then same problems, the computer could not see the printer.

 

I was using USB for the printer and used the Wi-Fi suggestion and set the printer up for Wi-Fi, I could see the printer (connection completed) but same issue (Driver unavailable) so I still cannot print.

 

Help!

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎02-10-2026 02:42 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @ABE71 

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

 

Thank you for laying out everything you’ve already tried. I can imagine how frustrating it feels when the printer keeps slipping away just when it seems fixed. You’ve done a lot of thoughtful troubleshooting already, and I appreciate the care you’ve taken with each step. 

 

Let’s walk through a clean, steady path to get the OfficeJet 5200 Series driver properly restored on Windows.

 

Below is a structured approach that clears out the broken driver references, resets Windows’ print system, and reinstalls the printer in a way that avoids the “Driver unavailable” loop.

 

Step 1: Remove all traces of the old printer

This clears out the stale driver entries that Windows keeps trying to use.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select the OfficeJet 5200/5255 entry and choose Remove.
  3. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  4. If the printer still appears here, right‑click it and remove it.
  5. Press Windows + R, type printmanagement.msc, and press Enter.
    • Go to Print Servers > [Your PC] > Drivers.
    • If you see HP OfficeJet 5200 Series PCL‑3 or anything similar, remove it.
    • If removal is blocked, restart the PC and try again.

This step ensures Windows doesn’t keep pointing to a missing driver file.

 

Step 2: Reset the Windows Print Spooler

This refreshes the system’s printing components.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
  2. Scroll to Print Spooler.
  3. Right‑click > Stop.
  4. Leave the window open.
  5. Open File Explorer and go to:
    C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
  6. Delete everything inside the folder (not the folder itself).
  7. Return to the Services window and Start the Print Spooler again.

You should feel a small sense of “fresh air” here—this clears out stuck print jobs and corrupted temp files.

 

Step 3: Remove the HP App and reinstall it

Since HP Smart has been replaced by the HP App, reinstalling it ensures the latest driver package is pulled.

  1. Uninstall the HP App from Windows.
  2. Restart the PC.
  3. Install the HP App again from the Microsoft Store.
  4. Open it and choose Set up a new printer.
  5. Add the OfficeJet 5200/5255 using Wi‑Fi (recommended) or USB if you prefer.

The HP App will automatically download the correct driver package.

 

Step 4: Install the printer manually if the driver still fails

This forces Windows to fetch the correct driver from Windows Update.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select Add device.
  3. When the printer appears, choose Add manually.
  4. Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
  5. Choose Use an existing port and select USB001 (for USB) or TCP/IP (for Wi‑Fi).
  6. When asked for the driver, choose Windows Update and wait for the list to refresh.
  7. Select HP on the left and choose HP OfficeJet 5200 Series on the right.

This method bypasses the missing file reference that causes the “Driver unavailable” message.

 

Step 5: Confirm Windows Update components

Since the issue began after an update, it’s possible the print subsystem files were affected.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates.
  3. Install any pending updates.
  4. Restart the PC.

This ensures the print class drivers and USB/Wi‑Fi components are fully up to date.

 

Step 6: Test printing

Try printing a simple test page from:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Your printer > Print a test page

If the test page prints, the driver is fully restored.

 

If the issue returns after a day or two, that usually means Windows is re‑loading an older driver reference. In that case, we can take a deeper look at the print driver store and the port configuration. But let’s first see how the system behaves after the clean reset above.

 

Whenever you’re ready, let me know how the printer appears after Step 3 or Step 4.

 

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

View solution in original post

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
3 REPLIES 3

‎02-10-2026 02:42 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @ABE71 

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

 

Thank you for laying out everything you’ve already tried. I can imagine how frustrating it feels when the printer keeps slipping away just when it seems fixed. You’ve done a lot of thoughtful troubleshooting already, and I appreciate the care you’ve taken with each step. 

 

Let’s walk through a clean, steady path to get the OfficeJet 5200 Series driver properly restored on Windows.

 

Below is a structured approach that clears out the broken driver references, resets Windows’ print system, and reinstalls the printer in a way that avoids the “Driver unavailable” loop.

 

Step 1: Remove all traces of the old printer

This clears out the stale driver entries that Windows keeps trying to use.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select the OfficeJet 5200/5255 entry and choose Remove.
  3. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  4. If the printer still appears here, right‑click it and remove it.
  5. Press Windows + R, type printmanagement.msc, and press Enter.
    • Go to Print Servers > [Your PC] > Drivers.
    • If you see HP OfficeJet 5200 Series PCL‑3 or anything similar, remove it.
    • If removal is blocked, restart the PC and try again.

This step ensures Windows doesn’t keep pointing to a missing driver file.

 

Step 2: Reset the Windows Print Spooler

This refreshes the system’s printing components.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
  2. Scroll to Print Spooler.
  3. Right‑click > Stop.
  4. Leave the window open.
  5. Open File Explorer and go to:
    C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
  6. Delete everything inside the folder (not the folder itself).
  7. Return to the Services window and Start the Print Spooler again.

You should feel a small sense of “fresh air” here—this clears out stuck print jobs and corrupted temp files.

 

Step 3: Remove the HP App and reinstall it

Since HP Smart has been replaced by the HP App, reinstalling it ensures the latest driver package is pulled.

  1. Uninstall the HP App from Windows.
  2. Restart the PC.
  3. Install the HP App again from the Microsoft Store.
  4. Open it and choose Set up a new printer.
  5. Add the OfficeJet 5200/5255 using Wi‑Fi (recommended) or USB if you prefer.

The HP App will automatically download the correct driver package.

 

Step 4: Install the printer manually if the driver still fails

This forces Windows to fetch the correct driver from Windows Update.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select Add device.
  3. When the printer appears, choose Add manually.
  4. Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
  5. Choose Use an existing port and select USB001 (for USB) or TCP/IP (for Wi‑Fi).
  6. When asked for the driver, choose Windows Update and wait for the list to refresh.
  7. Select HP on the left and choose HP OfficeJet 5200 Series on the right.

This method bypasses the missing file reference that causes the “Driver unavailable” message.

 

Step 5: Confirm Windows Update components

Since the issue began after an update, it’s possible the print subsystem files were affected.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates.
  3. Install any pending updates.
  4. Restart the PC.

This ensures the print class drivers and USB/Wi‑Fi components are fully up to date.

 

Step 6: Test printing

Try printing a simple test page from:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Your printer > Print a test page

If the test page prints, the driver is fully restored.

 

If the issue returns after a day or two, that usually means Windows is re‑loading an older driver reference. In that case, we can take a deeper look at the print driver store and the port configuration. But let’s first see how the system behaves after the clean reset above.

 

Whenever you’re ready, let me know how the printer appears after Step 3 or Step 4.

 

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎02-11-2026 07:18 AM

HP Recommended

Hello Hawks_Eye, 

                                      Short answer, the printer now works! I had gotten though Step 4 all ok (trying at times) so I stepped back until the evening when the internet demand was lower. Opening the computer back up, the system wanted to apply Wi-Fi Direct to install the printer. Strange but at this point over a number of days, why not. I entered the code displayed on the printer screen and everything took off, 40 seconds later the screen read, Driver unavailable. Ok, I went to Step 5, perfect timing as being the second Tuesday of the month Windows had released the 2026-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5075912) and a Driver Update HP - USB 2/10/2017 - 12:00am - 44.1.2402. 1741 (this Driver update downloaded twice, don't know why)?  Finishing up the final printer installation, it's now back working again, hopefully with no future problem. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎02-12-2026 06:44 AM

HP Recommended

You are very welcome @ABE71 

 

It’s wonderful to hear from you again, and I’m genuinely glad your OfficeJet 5200 is finally back up and running. You really navigated a tricky situation with patience and persistence, and it paid off.

 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 😊

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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