software doesn't recognize printer

[Marilyn010555]

The HP software on my computer doesn't recognizer the device (OfficeJet Pro 8710) anymore.  When I click on the software it says, "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"  Then it asks me to install a device that's already been installed 4 years ago!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Marilyn010555 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

After this long, Windows has changed so much that the installed printer software might be corrupted.

The printer software likely needs to be uninstalled and reloaded.

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.

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 sign  in

Reminder: 

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

NOTE:  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 sign in

Installation – Full Feature Software

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

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

Preparation

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Not working?  If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Check:  After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If found, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

Installation

• 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)
• 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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References / Resources

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

 “Things that are your printer”

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

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Printer series 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Marilyn010555]

thank you ; will try your suggestions

Marilyn

[Marilyn010555]

I downloaded HP Smart and I'm using that now to scan, etc. rather than the HP software that came with the printer.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Marilyn010555 

---

@Marilyn010555 wrote:

thank you ; will try your suggestions

Marilyn

I downloaded HP Smart and I'm using that now to scan, etc. rather than the HP software that came with the printer.

---

You are welcome.

Sure, if the supported options meet your needs, use HP Smart.

Brilliant.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Note:  List is not all inclusive...

• The Full Feature Software provides support for printing and scanning (HP Scan).
• HP Scan provides access to the full range of scanning features supported by the printer.
• The Full Feature Software provides printing support for Microsoft Office documents (for example, Word).
• The Full Feature Software supports printing from a browser and from other software programs (for example, the aforementioned Office documents, Photo editing software, Adobe Reader DC (and other Adobe products)).
• Printing Preferences supports access to Shortcuts (both standard and customized) and to other printer features.

Example - Printing Preferences

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_4

HP Smart - Windows

Note:  List is not all inclusive...

• The HP Smart application provides most Print and Scan options using a more "modern" interface.
• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account.
• HP Smart supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos (images).
• HP Smart provides each access (via HP Smart Shortcuts) for print / share / scan to some Cloud Storage accounts (sign-in required to the receiving account).   Note that HP Smart Shortcuts might not support all options.
• HP Smart supports easy access to "Share" for email (add sender address to Windows Mail).

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Main Menu

HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_6

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Simple Photo Print - 4x6 - Borderless

Note:  Full Feature Software also installed - select Shortcut "Photo Printing - Borderless"

HP_Smart_W10_Borderless_Print_4x6_11

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"