Cannot install DeskJet 3630 on clean reinstall of Windows 10

[Andy-Rushton]

 I cannot install my DeskJet 3630 on a win10 clean install (v1703, build 15063.674).

1)  I have tried using the Windows settings "Printers & Scanners" Add a Printer feature. I can find my printer and click on Add Device. This appears to do something, at the end of the process the printer is listed, HP Smart is installed (and can see the printer) but in the listing under "Printers & Scanners" I get the error "Driver is unavailable"

2) I tried downloading and installing the "webpack" (DJ3630__Full_WebPack_1107.exe) containing HP Smart and the drivers. I have also tried just installing the bare drivers (DJ3630__Basicx64_1107.exe). This sometimes completes the process (about 1 time in 4) but it also doesn't install the drivers. In the listing under "Printers & Scanners" I get the error "Driver is unavailable". I tried downloading the troubleshooter (HPPSdr.exe) but that just tried to reinstall exactly the same drivers and failed in exactly the same way.

The printer is setup correctly and is working. I can print on it from two other Win10 PCs and my Android phone.

I'm now stuck. I had similar problems with another PC a few months ago, so I know there is a basic problem with these printer drivers and Win10, but that eventually worked. I cannot seem to reproduce the exactly right combination of magical incantations to get this PC working with this printer. Any clues anyone????

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

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

[Andy-Rushton]

Thank you, this fix worked!

In case anyone else has this problem, after changing the registry, removing all traces of HP drivers and restarting, I tried installing the printer using the Windows printer discovery route - that is, I went to the "printers & Scanners" setting and used "Add a Printer or Scanner" and clicked on "Install Device". However, after this, although the PC now recognised the printer and had stopped saying that the driver was unavailable, I still could not print to it - printing a test page caused the page to be spooled, but it then just disappeared from the queue with no error and no printing.

By installing the drivers (and other software) from the HP download site, the printer and scanner did work, so I recommend that solution.

I would hope that this registry fix gets added to the HP installers soon, it is quite disturbing that the printer install failed on a completely clean re-install of Windows.

[Vatché]

It's all fine all these registry changes.... (I have not done it yet) but what if it messes up my PC? How do I revert back to my original registries? I have exported and saved my existing registry settings, but am scared to go ahead with this 'solution' in case it messes up my PC.  By the way, I have two PC's that 3630 has stopped working on: Dell and HP. is the registry solution only applicable to the HP PC Pavillion?

I do not understand how HP sells printers which will not be compatible with Windows 10 and its updates. Why does this not happen with my other printer HP5524?  The latter is making some mechanical noises whilst spooling the cartridges. Now I am two-minded to replace it with another HP printer or get something else.

[Vatché]

i did everything mentioned in this thread, step by step, and the printer did not print. It only printed a Test Page via the Print/Scanner Doctor software, but no actual printing of documents.

The spooling starts and the document disappears....... same old **bleep** story I am sorry to say.

Now what happens to the Reistry entries that I amended as per this thread?

There are so many 'What' questions  I need to ask that I am really FED UP with this wretched printer.

How dare HP sell such a printer if it is not going to work? It looks like I am not the only one with this problem....

So, what would I do when I buy a new printer?

How will therse registry changes affect the new printer on the very same HP PC?

Someone please help me as I am really, really fed up with this printer.

The irony is that I have on network another HP printer 5520 which prints on both of my PC's - Dell and HP.

I would like to have my HP PC to its previous state before I did all these .old changes in the registry.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you all.

[Vatché]

The only print job it did was when I sent the document to the printer's email address... This is not the way to use a printer...:(

[kevin-t]

Hello,

Thank you for posting in this thread. Unfortunately based on when the last response was made, I have closed this thread to help keep comments current and up to date. We recommend starting a new thread for your issue by clicking here.
To be more helpful with your post, you can add key information if you desire: 
1. Product Name and Number (please do not post Serial Number)
• Example: HP Pavilion DV2-1209AX or HP Deskjet 3000 Printer CH393A
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