"Driver Unavailable" ???

[sportsmom63]

I've been using my HP ENVY 4520 for years and now it recently started saying "Driver Unavailable" I've uninstalled it and reinstalled it several times. I keep getting the same message, "Driver Unavailable". I have no idea how to fix this.

[Dragon-Fur]

@sportsmom63 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

When the software was uninstalled, there might be left-over bits of software that are stuck and were not removed.

Try / Consider

• Uninstall the printer software
• Restart the computer and log in
• Check - If necessary, Remove any bits of left over printer software that might be hiding in various folders / locations
• If any "bits" are removed, Restart the computer and log in
• Download-Save-Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software
• After the printer software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Full Feature Software / full driver printer software - Installation Package - Information and Download

HP ENVY 4520 series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Details / How-to

Preparation

Create Restore Point (Optional)

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop / Exit all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

Apply or OK to exit the menu after the Restore Point is complete.

Next,

Windows Updates

Before you install / reinstall printer software, do check and run Windows Updates. 

Settings > Update and Security > Windows Updates

If you install any Windows Updates: After the update is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

NOTE:  If an update is already pending, install that update > Restart the computer and log in

==========================================================================

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

==========================================================================

Procedure

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and log in

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

Check and Remove Section

Reminder: After all checks > If any changes are made > Restart the computer and log in

Check / Remove - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

(Top Ribbon) Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Select each unwanted entry > Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

Check / Remove - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Check / Remove  - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account

Clear HP / files in Temp folder

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (Ignore files that cannot be removed)

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

Manual Queue Reset

Details…

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the folder and Delete the files from folder C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Back in Services …

Start Print Spooler Service

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks are completed > Restart the computer and log in

======================================================

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software
• If the printer software is already installed, uninstall it from Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers
• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using Easy Start > When asked, opt for "Full Driver" (exact wording might vary).
• If using Easy Start > Skip any extra software / offers you do not want (wording varies).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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HP Printer Support Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

HP ENVY 4520 All-in-One Printer series

Enter the type and name of your HP device

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

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