Unable to load either USB or Wireless drivers for Envy 4500 on 64bit Win 10

[Stewron1]

All previously working on Laptop but having reset Windows I can no longer install the 4500 printer drivers, USB or Wireless. Tried various HP support software, including HPPSdr.exe but install s/w doesnt recognise when the USB cable is plugged in, or on Wireless, it finds the Printer but just cycles for ages then says it can't install the driver. The printer works finr when printing from iPhone. Getting fed up with this now. Have also disabled Windows Firewall and AVG antivirus to no avail.

Have also done this, but still no good when re-installing driver.

Run HP Support Assistant to make sure all the drivers are updated. Click here for assistance in using HPSA. 

Request you uninstall the printer software and settings from your computer by following the procedure mentioned below. 

Restart your computer after uninstall and clearing the temp files. 

Download and install the latest printer software from www.hp.com/drivers 

• Uninstall the printer from "programs and features" which can be accessed by doing a right-click on the Windows button (Please have the printer Off and disconnected during uninstallation.)
• Check in device manager, if the printer is listed there, please delete it. (Right click on the Windows button to access device manager)
• Go to devices and printers, select any printer listed there and you will get some options on the top. 
• Click on print server properties. 
• You will get a popup, click on the drivers tab and delete all the HP printer drivers listed there, if any.
• Delete all the instances of your printer listed in devices and printers.
• Restart the PC.
• Once the PC is on the desktop, press Win + R, it would bring a Run dialog box, 
• Type %temp% in the run box and click Ok or hit the Enter button.
• It would bring up the temporary files folder. Delete the files in the folder (You might not be able to delete all the files, ignore them).
• If possible, delete the printer from the registries using Regedit or using any other 3rd party application.
• Restart the PC again. 
• Download the latest full feature driver from www.hp.com/drivers and install it on the computer.
• Connect the printer to your computer only when the setup prompts for the printer. 

[Stewron1]

 

This is the screenshot I get using HP Smart - 'Driver is unavailable'.  😞

[ShlomiL]

Hi,
Please follow the steps below to resolve such an error:

**Be aware that if you have other printers installed on your PC, those will need to be reinstalled too once completing these steps.

1. Uninstall the HP Software from your PC.
2. Backup your registry prior making any registry changes:
     https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03485724
3. Update your registry using the Reg file below (that will change some printer related policies for your PC):
     https://www.dropbox.com/s/avbv56zdgwv7600/kernel.reg?dl=1
4. Right click the Start menu and select Run.
     Type Services.msc and press OK.
     Locate and stop the Print Spooler service
5. Browse to c:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers.
     Rename W32X86 to W32x86.old
     Rename x64 to x64.old
     Note: if any of these folders fail to delete reboot your PC and then Continue following the steps starting from Step 4...
6. Restart your computer.
7. Reinstall the HP Software and check for any difference

Please let me know the results,
Shlomi

[Stewron1 · Accepted solution]

Thanks ShlomiL, I'll try this in a few days when I get back. 👍🏼

[Stewron1]

Thanks ShlomiL - all sorted! 👍🏼👍🏼