i am trying to install hp printer, says driver unavailable. have been trying to install for 2 days

[Electric3]

i have tried everything i can think of to download the drivers for HP officejet pro 8740. i keep getting-unable to download driver. printer has been installed using HP Smart, and installing it on my computer without HP smart. I have shut down the bitdefender, connected with usb to printer, installing from the internet, nothing works

[zoey7886]

Hi @Electric3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Try these steps:

Uninstall Existing Printer Drivers:

• Go to "Control Panel" on your computer and open "Programs and Features."
• Look for any existing HP printer drivers related to the OfficeJet Pro 8740 and uninstall them.

Restart the Computer:

• Once the drivers are uninstalled, restart your computer to ensure that any residual files are cleared.

Download Drivers from HP Support:

• Visit the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Enter your printer model (HP OfficeJet Pro 8740) and select your operating system to find the appropriate drivers.

Install the Driver:

• Download the latest driver package from the HP website.
• Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer.
• Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Check for Windows Updates:

• Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Sometimes, necessary components for drivers are included in Windows updates.

Disable Security Software:

• Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking the installation process.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor:

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool, which can automatically diagnose and resolve printing and scanning problems.

Try Another USB Port or Cable:

• Connect the printer using a different USB port or cable in case the issue is related to the physical connection.

Consider Network Installation:

• If possible, try setting up the printer over a Wi-Fi network instead of using a USB connection.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[zoey7886]

Hi @Electric3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Try these steps:

Uninstall Existing Printer Drivers:

• Go to "Control Panel" on your computer and open "Programs and Features."
• Look for any existing HP printer drivers related to the OfficeJet Pro 8740 and uninstall them.

Restart the Computer:

• Once the drivers are uninstalled, restart your computer to ensure that any residual files are cleared.

Download Drivers from HP Support:

• Visit the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Enter your printer model (HP OfficeJet Pro 8740) and select your operating system to find the appropriate drivers.

Install the Driver:

• Download the latest driver package from the HP website.
• Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer.
• Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Check for Windows Updates:

• Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Sometimes, necessary components for drivers are included in Windows updates.

Disable Security Software:

• Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking the installation process.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor:

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool, which can automatically diagnose and resolve printing and scanning problems.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Electric3]

thank you Zoey, but i have tried each and everyone of the above tips. It still does not work. I keep getting "driver unavailable".

i do not know what else to do, and i can not find a phone number for HP. My printer is out of warranty......so i get no help from them!