The printer shortcuts are suddenly locked in my printer properties. I cannot print

[winnyj]

Suddenly this morning my printer preferences are locked, with little padlock icons beside each of them.  HP 3830.  I printed one doc this morning, but since than nothing.  I don't know why this happened or how to undo it.

[Dragon-Fur]

@winnyj 

I saw your comments on another of your threads - the following is intended to help explain what MIGHT have happened to your setup and to provide the possible solution. 

Continue...

If Windows Updates snuck in and updated your computer to Windows version 1909, then the whole thing might not have taken any longer than a "normal" update - this is a major build change to Windows 10 but because of the way it is coded, the actual Update is something you might have missed.

Why would it matter?

Windows Updates, any of them really, and particularly the "big ones" might play havoc with your printer software.  It is not the fault of printer software, rather some Windows Updates change critical files out from under the printer software and leaves the printer software somewhat "disconnected" from the files and libraries in Windows 10 on which the software depends for stability.  (No emails, please:  I do know this explanation is not accurate - just trying to make a point.)

IF this is the case, that is, if for some reason, the printer software is broken, then one of the symptoms might be the loss of ability to use the "Save as" function to create and save custom shortcuts in the printer software Preferences.

In some cases, if the software is not completely trashed, you might be able to print "something" - in other cases,  exactly what is broken and the extent of the damage is obscured.

While not every single printer supports the "custom shortcut" Save-As feature, most printer software can (and should) do this.

What you are supposed to see (when the printer software is working as expected) - Selectable "locked" shortcuts, perhaps previously created custom shortcuts, and the ability to select, edit, and  to use"Save-As" to create new shortcuts from those already in the list.

If the Save-As feature is broken, the Save-As box might be "greyed out" , that is, the button washed out looking and is essentially inoperable.

9025_Printing_Preferences_Printing_Shortcuts_1

If the software no longer allows you to use "Save As" (still on the same theme, here),

then removing the printer software and reloading a new copy may fix the problem.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

Installation - Printer Software

Select your Printer:

• HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3830 All-in-One Printer series
• HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer series

• Open the printer homepage
• Select and Open category Software and Drivers (exact wording varies)
• Find , Download, and Save the Full Feature Software for your printer
• Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup (likely Downloads)
• Double-tap on the installation package to start the installation of the software

OR

• Better, Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

1. If you use the EasyStart method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option is presented.
2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Optional - Video help **

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

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