office jet pro 6978 will not load drivers or print

[centex1]

The printer stopped printing on desktop. I thought it was related to Windows 10 update.  Ive deleted, uninstalled, re installed, setup again, rebooted router, computer, printer multiple times. Ive tried wired and wireless. Drivers are not loading and printer is not showing as default. 2 other laptops will print on the network. Ive tried Scan Doctor 5.3.  What am I doing wrong? Ive checked for updates in Windows and all is up to date. Ive loaded the recommended software. Im stumped . Please Help

[Riddle_Decipher]

@centex1 Welcome to HP Community!

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2.) Select your HP Printer 

3.) Select Uninstall 

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose `Delete' or `Remove Device' 

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo. 

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between "printui.exe" and "/s") 

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab 

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10.) Select Ok 

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12.) Close Devices and Printers 

Then, Click here to access the HP website, find the drivers compatible with your windows and install it.

If the issue persists, please go ahead and install the windows built-in drivers: 

If a full feature driver from HP is not available for your printer, you must install the built-in print driver. A full feature driver for one or more Windows versions is not available for your printer, either from the CD that shipped with your printer or from the HP website.

   NOTE:

Where is the download button? The HP print driver is built into the Windows operating system or is installed through the Windows Update feature on your computer. You do not need to download anything from a website in order to print, scan, or fax.

See the Frequently asked questions in this document for additional information, including how to scan using this driver.

FOR DETAILS & FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS, USE THIS LINK: Click here

(By the end of this article all the issues should be resolved)

Keep me posted, as I (Or a trusted colleague) shall follow-up on this case to ensure the concern has been addressed, 

And your device is up and running again, only in case you don't get back to us, first! 

That said, If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us, and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[centex1]

Riddle_Decipher,

Ive done exactly as you described.  And still the printer driver does not load. Ive gone to microsoft and updated everything. Rebooted router, computer and printer. Ive set printer to factory default and began again.

In Settings/printers & scanners :

HP8043D1 (HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 ) Driver is unavailable.

I do not have the original installation disk which came with the printer. I moved my office and it was misplaced. I was thinking the drivers may be on that disk. 

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@centex1 I suggest you Click here and use the steps to install the windows built-in drivers to resolve this issue, if the driver is unavailable and you don't have a disk as such, let me know if you've done that as well.

Keep us posted.

[centex1]

Problem solved. I did the troubleshooting procedure and it was a port error. Selected the correct port, tested, and all is good.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@centex1 That's awesome, I'm glad it worked,

Remember, if you ever need help related to your HP device,

We'll be right here and happy to help, take care and have an awesome day, ahead.