I need to run the HP Smart app diagnose and fix every day to be able to print from hp 6950

[6950troubles]

After I upgraded from Win 7 to Win 10, I need to run the HP Smart app diagnose and fix every day to be able to print from my HP6950. Is there  a permanent fix available? I already reset the printer, checked for driver updates, rebooted everything, reset printer spooler, ran sfc and DISM.

[Dragon-Fur]

@6950troubles 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Presumably HP Smart will run in Windows 10 and your network connected printer.

Three Sections + References / Resources

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1)  Printer - Full Feature Printer Software

If you have not done so as part of installing Windows 10, make sure that Windows Updates are current and installed.

If the change in OS version was an in-place "upgrade" as opposed to a clean installation of Windows 10, the system is now a strange hybrid of the two OS versions - not quite one or the other.

If the printer software was left installed during the version change, it would not survive the journey.

The Full Feature Software must be removed and reinstalled.

If the change in OS version was a clean installation of Windows 10,

If the printer software was initially installed and is now not working,

The Full Feature Software must be removed and reinstalled.

If the printer software is not installed,

Install the Full Feature Software

Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Install a fresh copy of the printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Webpage - Web Pack Installation Package - Full Feature Software

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Details / Examples - Relevant to recent versions of Windows

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

 Remove / Install the full driver printer software

If not done by this point...

Restart everything, including the router that controls you network.

Can't stand it?  At least restart the printer and the computer and any device you can stand to be without for a short time.

Next,

Run Windows Updates  --  If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories  

Installation

• 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 a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

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

2)  Printer  - HP Smart

Check all computers and devices where HP Smart is installed.

Make sure that the version of HP Smart that runs on that device is the latest version for that device.

Presumably, HP Smart was installed after the change of Windows version.

The printer supports the application.

The application supports the printer.

If you have not done so, you could try resetting the HP Smart App.

If the reset does not work, you don't like it, or you don't understand it,

Consider removing and reinstalling the app.

Both the Reset and the Uninstall requires that the printer be (re)added to the application.

HP Smart - Reset / Uninstall / Issues - Considerations

HP_Smart_Win_Apps-and-Features_ Reset_12

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

3)  Printer - Dual Band Network

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

Some printers, particularly older models, only support 2.4GHz

Some printers support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz frequency, try 2.4GHz.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency supported by the router

 What?  Create one SSID named network for 5GHz and one SSID named network for 2.4GHz

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Printer series 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[6950troubles]

Dragon-Fur,

Thank you for your reply. 

It was a move from an old dell laptop with Windows 7 to a "new" used computer (HP EliteDesk G2) with Windows 10 Pro already installed.

I tried all your suggestions (except I could not create separate wi-fi channels) but unfortunately it did not help. 

I am still in the position of having to load and run HP Smart app diagnose and fix every day (every computer restart, that is) to be able to print.  

However, I discovered that the problem with printing applies not only to my HP 6950, but even to my print to pdf applications (MS and PDF24). Interestingly, HP Smart app diagnose and fix solves the pdf print problems as well every restart. The HP Smart app diagnose and fix temporary solution is the only one that allows me to print (all restarting of print spooler, Cacls.exe and such do not help my problem).

I would greatly welcome any additional suggestions.

[Dragon-Fur]

@6950troubles 

You are welcome.

OK - not every router supports separating network SSIDs. 

If you are running a dual band network and you cannot separate the different frequencies, this might or might not be contributing to the source of the problem.  What?  Printers -- particularly those that only support one band / frequency -- do not hop, that is, if the network suddenly changes from one frequency to another, the printer will fall off the network.

So - what else?

Not sure.

If you have HP Smart installed on more than one device, make sure that every device (computer, tablet, phone) where HP Smart is installed is running the latest version of HP Smart for that device.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Check / Reset / Install 

HP_Smart_Win_Apps-and-Features_ Reset_12

What else?

Check that your router is at its latest Firmware update.  Weak, old, ill configured, poorly placed routers contribute to a number of connection issues.  Nope, not claiming this is true in your case -- it's just something people miss sometimes.

I'm not familiar with the inner workings of the HP Smart "fix" routine -- I believe it completes some of the same type of checks as would the Print and Scan Doctor, including trying to correct network issues (if / as found).  Some of the "fixes" are not permanent.

Try / Consider

If you are not doing so, assign a manual / static IP address to the printer. 

Change the connection type to TCP/IP.

References / Resources

 HP - Wireless Center > Section: Common Questions > Topic Connection Issues

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

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

Section: Mesh Networks

 HP - Wireless Printing Center – Static IP Address

-------------------- --------------------

Method - Create TCP IP port (InkJet Printer)

Method - Create / Change-to 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

Find the printer's IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address

Next,

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer > Printer Properties

OR
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

Tab Ports
Click Add Port

Select Standard TCP/IP Port

Select New Port and follow the instructions
Type in the correct IP address for the printer

Example - How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Video: 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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Method – Add printer using TCP/IP

Please try adding the printer using the printer’s IP address

Find the IP Address of the printer on the Printer Control / Display Panel (touch Wireless button)

Control Panel > icon view Devices and Printers

Click in the top ribbon, Add a Printer

Wait till the menu starts…
Select / Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
Select / Click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

Select / Click Next
Device Type > Select in Drop-Down Menu: TCP/IP Device

Hostname or IP Address > Enter the IP Address of the printer

(Skip Port Name)

Select / Click Next

Complete any additional information

-------------------- --------------------

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

[6950troubles]

Hello again Dragon-Fur,

Thank you for your prompt response. 

My router is new and on the best channels I could find and using the latest firmware. Of note, there was never a printing problem of this sort using the same printer and router when I used my older computer (under Windows 7).

I followed your TCP/IP port suggestion, but it did not fix the printing problems.

HP Print and Scan Doctor does not fix my problem, but HP Smart app diagnose and fix does every time. 

I am almost as interested in learning the mechanism by which HP Smart app diagnose and fix fixes all printing problems as I am in having a permanent fix for my printing problems.

[Dragon-Fur]

@6950troubles 

I am likely missing something.

Yes, it would be nice to have deeper access to how the tools work.

I've not managed to learn a great deal about it so far.

Perhaps well hidden or my skill set it not up to the challenge, I guess.

I don't have your printer, your network nor anything still running Windows 10.

One thing that almost always fixes problems that defy all other attempts:  reload Windows.

Yes, everyone universally hates this solution.

If I think of anything else, I'll post back.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

[6950troubles]

Dragon-Fur,

Thank you for your prompt replies.

I am indeed avoiding the option of reinstalling Windows.

Do you know if there is a way to automatically run HP Smart diagnose and fix at startup (or at least through a bat file)?

[Dragon-Fur]

@6950troubles 

You are welcome.

I don't use the fix code apps -- assuming it does not object to being started by the Task Scheduler or a batch file, sure - might work.

No, I've not done it.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.