Printer set up-Driver is unavailable

[JC_23]

I am in the process of setting up the printer but running into issues getting the printer to connect. After going through the set up process, it says that the driver is unavailable. What does that mean?

[Dragon-Fur]

@JC_23 

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Basically, the message means that the installation failed to completely install the printer software.

You didn't say; it does sound like you are trying to install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver.

Frequently the reason for the failure is hidden, that is, the installation program does not know / understand the problem.

Sometimes the solution is to change the connection type, install the printer using the IP address, or redo the installation procedure after having removed some "stuck bits" from various locations.

Where to start?

Where ever you like - there is not "one" magic solution.

What?

The solution that works for you depends on your Operating System / version, the condition of your Windows File System, the type and condition of your network, whether the Printer firmware is updated, and finally - the version and health of the printer software.

If you cannot stand it and cannot decide:

1. Check the printer firmware first,
2. Run the "different" doctor.
3. Move on to the other solutions if necessary.

Try / Consider

Create Restore Point

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop / Exit all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

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If you have not done so, 

Update the printer Firmware

At this writing, the firmware update is not "new" - Nonetheless, it is a critical update and should be applied.

READ the Description and Fixes section(s) before updating.

HP ENVY Photo 7800 All-in-One Printer series Firmware Update 

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If you have not done so, 

Check the connection status and type of connection of the printer to your network.

Product Specifications for the HP ENVY Photo 7858 All-in-One Printer (K7S00A)

Connectivity

Ports	1 USB 2.0 client and 1 USB host (for thumbdrive); 1 Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n; 1 Ethernet; 1 RJ-11 (Fax), dual band wifi 2.4/5Ghz, BLE,SD card slot
Wireless capability	Yes, built-in Ethernet, dual band Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n

This printer will provide best service when connected via Ethernet from printer to your network.

OR

Printer supports dual band wireless - this means the manner in which the printer is connected to Wireless makes a difference. 

For example,

On the router,

If router supports both bands, set router to broadcast both 2.4GHz and 5GHz,

Assign a separate SSID (network name) for each band

Connect the printer to the SSID (network name) you intend to use

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If you have not done so, 

Add the Printer using the IP address or Change the Connection Type to TCP/IP

Method – Add printer using TCP/IP

NOTE:  This is not a method to install the printer software - installing the printer using the Windows print drivers can provide a foundation that makes it easier to install the printer software later.

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

Reference

HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

OR

Method - Create TCP IP port

Find printer's IP /  IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on Printer Control / Display Panel

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

 Right-Click on the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

 Select Tab Ports  > Add Port

 Select Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port and follow the wizard.
 Use / Enter 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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If you have not done so, 

Consider using a "Different" version of the Doctor to correct hidden issues

Offline Doctor V5.0.7

  http://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/patches/HPPSdr.exe

• Download and Save the doctor to your computer
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to the folder in which you saved the file (likely Downloads)
• Execute the doctor – Answer any prompts /  let the process complete
• Restart the computer, log in, and wait for the final steps in the Doctor to finish.
• Check for any difference.

Original Notes – Contributed by ShlomiL

Paraphrased

Connection Issues

• Print and Scan Doctor Version 5.0.7 creates a secondary queue for printing with TCP/IP port.

After the Offline Doctor completes…

Verify / Adjust the “Default” printing device (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

OR

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on printer > Set printer as Default

NOTES – Selecting Default Printer 

1. Do not select the printer marked as “Scan Only / DO NOT DELETE”
2. Do not select the printer marked as “Fax”

Example Default Printer:  Set “Default” Printer = HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series PCL-3 (Net)

Reference:  HP Printers - Printer is Offline (Windows) > Step 2: Manually set the default printer

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If you have not done so, 

Completely remove the existing printer software and reload the Full Feature Software

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”

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

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

Check and Remove Section

NOTE:  After all checks > If any devices are removed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTE 2: 

Can't stand it?

Too much to do?

At the least, check / remove printer from Devices and Printers as described below...

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

NEXT

(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

Check / Remove – Printer folder/files in C:\ ProgramData

Contributed by HP Support Agent  Betty0610

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\ProgramData > Open folder Hewlett Packard

Delete any Printer related folders / files

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

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)

Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

End Check and Remove Section

After all checks > If any devices are removed, Restart the computer and log in

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

Installation – Full Feature Software

If you have not done so, download-save-install the Full Feature Software for the printer

  HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software

• Download-and-Save the printer software (Full Feature Software / HP Smart / Easy Start)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• Reminder:  If using Easy Start, select the Full Driver

  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).

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Full driver provides print and scan functions (even if HP Smart proves to be stubborn).

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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, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP ENVY Photo 7858 All-in-One Printer 

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