HP OfficeJet 9015 driver unavailable

[DY34]

I continue to have the same issues that many have reported in the past with the driver showing as "unavailable" for the HP OfficeJet 9015.  

I have done the root un/re-install several times in different sequences for drivers, software, set TCP/IP ports, HP Smart de/re-install, and used every utility like the scan doctor and on that have been provided to the end of the internet.  Two weeks with zero movement toward a resolution.

There were no Windows updates performed before the wireless connection failed.

Any ideas?  Thank you!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@DY34 

I doubt I have anything "new" to offer.

That said, add / recheck these ideas...

If the option is available to you, consider using Ethernet to connect the printer to your network.

Yes, connecting the printer using Ethernet switches off the Wireless radio on the printer.

Ethernet is generally more stable.

The router will provide access to your other devices on the same network regardless of whether these devices are also connected via Ethernet or by wireless.

There is conflicting information about the type of Wireless that the printer supports

Product Specifications for the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One Printer (1KR42A)

Connectivity

Ports

1 USB 2.0; 1 Host USB (print from JPEG, TIFF, DPOF 1.1, Exif 2.3, PNG); 1 Ethernet; 1 Wireless 802.11b/g/n; 2 RJ-11 modem ports

and

Connectivity, Std

1 USB 2.0; 1 Host USB; 1 Ethernet; 1 Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n; 2 RJ-11 modem ports

If your router supports both bands,

If the printer supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, (and even if it only supports one frequency),

Consider how you will connect the printer.

Set the router to broadcast on both frequencies / bands.

If the router supports the option, consider using a separate SSID name for each band.

Connect the printer to the named SSID network that you want to use.

Read / Check the topics in "Printer no longer works on the network"

Wireless Center > Section: Common Questions > Topic Printer no longer works on network

Mesh Network?  Read section:  Mesh Networks

Example - Dual Band Router

SSID_Dual_Band_Example_6

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What else?

You have already covered "everything" -

Following are some of the more and less common issues I've seen over time...

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Make sure Wi-Fi Direct is toggled OFF.  Wi-Fi Direct is Wireless without the use of a router.

You don't want this running when you are using Standard Wireless (or Ethernet).

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Check the router logs and the "connected" device list on the router.

Look for a mismatched printer IP address / MAC address pair.

If you find a connection assignment on the router that "mismatched", that is, the IP address is what you expect but the paired MAC address is NOT that of your printer, Remove / Delete that connection from the router.  Restart everything and try again.

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Although not likely after so many attempts, it is possible there are "bits" of the existing printer software "stuck" somewhere after the "uninstall" of the printer software.   Check the list and remove anything that is left over.

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Use this method when there are problems reinstalling the software.

Start - “All the bits”

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)

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

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

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

Check and Remove Section

Reminder: After all checks > Restart the computer and log in

1.   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

1.    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

1.    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

1.    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

1.    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

Start Print Spooler Service

End Check and Remove Section

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

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Another attempt to load the software...

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_3

Printer software not installed?

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection while installing printer software.
6. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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For those reading

Relevant items and considerations

If you are having "Offline" issues...

Resource – Choose the right doctor for the job

Open Website

HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

Click the orange Download Now option / box

Wait!

If the problem / issue is one of

• Printer is Offline
• Cannot print in Color
• Duplex printing has disappeared

THEN

Select / Answer question “Is print offline?” = YES

Answering Yes selects the “right doctor” version for these issues.

NOTES – The “Offline” doctor

As a result of repairing issues,

Offline / Color check / Duplex check version of the Doctor may replace the printer or add a “(Copy 1)” version of the driver in Devices and Printers.

If there are two printers in Devices and Printers,

If one of them does not work,

Try sending your job to the “Copy 1” named printer.

If you want / need to rename the “Copy 1” printer:

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click on the printer name > Printer Properties > Tab General >

In the top box, Edit the name of the printer (For example, remove the part that says “Copy 1”)

Click Apply / OK to save change

NOTE:  The name change may take a bit of time (a few minutes), else Restart the computer and log in.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Verify results.  If necessary, set the newly added / renamed printer as the default.

A secondary “Scan” printer may be added, that is, the “Do not Delete” driver / printer.  As it says, do not delete the entry.

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Method - Create TCP IP port

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

TCP/IP can resolve odd connection, scanning, and installation problems.

Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port within the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

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References / Resources

Wireless Center > Section: Common Questions > Topic Connection Issues

Section: Improve Wireless communication by setting a manual (static) IP address

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HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits from having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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

 “Things that are your printer”

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

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

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One Printer 

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