Driver is Unavailable - 8610 Printer

[LeucadianGirl]

I've found several entries for the same problem, but none of the solutions worked.  I've uninstalled the printer, the drivers, re-installed, restarted, ran diagnostics, but still get "Driver is Unavailable" in the Settings menu.  The HP Support Assistant sees the printer, and i can print the printer settings and test page wirelessly, but the printer doesn't show up when I try to print from any applications.  I've tried the Troubleshooter and that doesn't give anything either.

From HP Smart, I get the "install Printer" prompt, so try that and it goes through all the motions, then  it brings me back to the Settings menu and I'm back to where I started.

This printer does work, and it is set up for my wifi network.  I can see it from my phone as well as from other computers int he house,

When running the install routine, it sees the printer, acts like it's installing, then gets stuck on Network 

[Dragon-Fur]

@LeucadianGirl 

If you have not done so,

Offline Doctor

• Download and Save this doctor to your computer
• Execute the file – 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.

HPPSdr.exe

Set the TCP/IP port for the printer

Method - Create TCP IP port

Find printer's IP /  IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on Printer Control 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 under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)”

Reference and Resources – (More) Places to find help, solve problems, and learn how to use your Printer

Printer Homepage – “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 Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[DrBear]

I've got the SAME problem on  3  OfficeJet Pro 8025's and an 8030.  They installed 3 months ago with no problem and everything worked.  Within 2 weeks of each other, they developed the  " Driver is Unavailable" problem in Status  of Devices and Printers.

Did all the standard stuff........uninstall/reinstall, reset printer to factory,  install usb, wifi, ethernet and ran Scan & Print Doctor with no fix.  The install finished but will not install the drivers.

However everything else will work........scan, copy and fax!!    **bleep**!!!!

Monday I'm going to Staples and buy a couple Brother inkjet printers.  I've wasted almost 3 days of my life that I will never get back and I'm not doing HP chat with India !

[DrBear]

I've done all that and more over the last several days.  NOTHING will fix  the  Driver is Unavailable.

Web Interface works in a browser, I can ping the printer when I try ethernet install, 

Yet  everything else works........scan, copy and fax.

I'm suspecting some Windows 10 update clobbered a registry entry or other driver related thing.

Need an HP Clean Utility to clean out everything HP/HP related in Windows - where ever it may occur.

[Dragon-Fur]

@DrBear 

Offline doctor is not the same as the standard doctor.  Offline doctor can handle port issues / connection problems, for example.

The normal uninstall process does not always pull out all the software from every corner - "bits" can be checked / removed.

That said, your comments indicate you have already opened a separate thread of your own and investigated what we would offer. 

To those reading, 

When you wish to comment, we suggest you create your own thread as a courtesy to those seeking help.

Comments are welcome on the Community as long as they adhere to the  HP Support Community: Rules of Participation

Good Luck.

@LeucadianGirl 

Let us know how it goes - though the 8610 is an older printer series, it may well still be able to work as expected.

Thank you for participating in our HP Community .

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[LeucadianGirl]

Thanks Dragon-Fur, I tried the Offline Doctor and it did the first install steps but then got to the next window, asked if I wanted to make this my default printer, I clicked YES and nothing happened.  After several tries I did the restart and the printer shows still Driver Is Unavailable.  

I attempted to set the ports in Devices but there is no setting for that.

Something odd I've noticed is that the system seems to think this is just a scanner.  Not sure what's up with that.

I was able to print by sending a file to the email address I'd set up for the printer.  So that's something. 

What I don't understand is how the software can see the printer but the print queue cannot.  Hmmm

[LeucadianGirl]

@DrBear, I did see one entry that advised revising the registry keys, so you may be on to something.  I didn't feel that should be necessary since mine is a new laptop and it worked and now doesn't.  (and I'm loathe to mess with registry keys...)

[Dragon-Fur]

@LeucadianGirl 

I will leave it to you and @DrBear to discuss and / or edit the registry keys.  Before you do so, remember to Export the entire Registry and save the file for later use if needed.  Editing the registry can indeed effect a positive change - or it can create additional problems.  Be careful when editing.

 Create a backup of your full registry prior making any registry changes:
     https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03485724

The following provides a full removal, check, and (re)installation of the Full Feature Software.

NOTES

• The extra detail (text) is added to help those not familiar with the File System.
• If you object to any of the steps, simply skip / ignore.
• Information is offered "As Is" and is not intended to override what you "know to be right".

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

References / Drivers / Software for your printer

Reference - Printer Support Website Homepage

HP Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series

Reference - Printer Support Website Software and Drivers

Software and drivers for HP Officejet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series

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

Download and Save each of the installation packages to your computer

Full Feature Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 e-All-in-One Printer series / HP OfficeJet 8600 Series Printer Full Feature So...

Firmware - 1828A - 3-Aug-2018

HP Officejet Pro 8610/8620/8630/8640/8660 and HP OfficeJet 8600 Series Printer Firmware Updater

OCR Software (Editable PDF File)

Readiris Pro 14 for HP

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

Clean Remove and Reload Printer Software

 First >> Read through the procedure to better understand your options.

1. Installation woes?   To uninstall the software, start the Uninstall at the "All the bits" section
2. Read and follow the uninstall instructions, including the removal of leftover device entries and any printer software in the user account.

1. Install a fresh copy of the printer software.  Remember to read-and-heed the message regarding a possible different location of the printer software installation package ("Important - Things are Changing").

1. Restart the computer and log in

NOTE

If you wish to skip the Preparation, start at The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

Preparation / Information

Windows Updates

Before you install / reinstall printer software, do check and run Windows Updates.  Even if Windows Updates appears to have caused trouble in the past, it is always possible rerunning Updates again can resolve odd issues (for example, printer not recognized).

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

The Print and Scan Doctor – Which Doctor?

The Doctor can help with several issues, including driver, connection, and "jobs stuck in the queue".

HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

Wait!

Having offline, installation, or odd connection issues?

Use this version of the Doctor first:

HPPSdr.exe

Information / version file

HPPSdr.xml

HP Smart – The “Smart” Printer Application for Windows 10

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer

Check the Box Get the App

OR

Links to HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices,  includes an FAQ section

 HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

Windows key > All Apps > scroll down to category H > click on HP Smart

Optional: Right-Click on the application to Pin to Start and / or Pin to Taskbar

Reminder:  For best results, after installing, be sure to log into the HP Smart app.

NOTE

HP Start is an Application – it lives in a different part of the File System

Remove / Install Steps:  Settings > Apps > Apps and Features > scroll down, find, Click on HP Smart > Uninstall > Restart the computer and log in.  A new copy of the application can be downloaded / installed from the Windows Store.

Adobe Reader DC – Needed 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

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

Oddities and Contributions

• Issue:  Missing EWS Options for Printer - HP Smart for Mobile (might be relevant to HP Smart for Windows)

Solution:  Reset printer to network defaults > Add printer back into network > “Forget” and then re-add the printer back into HP Smart Mobile Application.

Thread: HP Smart app Advanced Settings (EWS) option missing from HP Smart mobile apps w/OJ Pro 9020

• Fix for the dreaded error “Call to Drivepackageuninstall returns error 5”

TKB article contributed by  ShlomiL 

Call to DriverPackageUninstall error 5 returns during HP Device Software uninstall

Reminder – First Step “Run as Administrator” is crucial in Section: HP PC Solution

Where is the Full Feature Software? 

• If available, use the Easy Start method to install your software:  During the installation, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) – wording may vary.
• Some printers now offer (and use) the HP Smart for Windows as the main printing application.  If offered, the application might be listed on the Software and Drivers web page as "Get the App"
• Full Feature Software might have been relocated to Software and Drivers > Subcategory Software Utility
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

The Basics - Standard - Reinstall Full Feature Software

Choose this option when everything is generally OK and you (just) want to remove and reinstall the software.

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Open Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
• Download-and-Save the printer software (Full / HP Smart / Easy Start)
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

OR

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

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

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed “but not”

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

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

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

Check / Remove – Print Server Properties  / Printers in Print Manager

Method – Print Server Properties

Windows key + r (opens "run" window) > type/paste printui.exe /s /t2

 Left-Click on each unwanted printer entry in the list > Highlight and Remove

Click OK to save changes and exit the menu

OR

>> For those who are familiar with the methodology

Method – Print Management

Windows key + r (opens "run" window) > type printmanagement

Open Section Print Servers > Subsection Your computer (Local) > Subsection Drivers

Right-Click on each printer entry to Highlight and Delete

Delete / remove every instance of every printer entry you find in the list 

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

• Open Category Software and Drivers (possibly subcategory Software-Utility) in your printer Support Website  
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software / Print and Scan Driver and Accessories or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

• 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”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Both the HP Smart Application and the Full Feature Software can be installed on the same computer.

HP Documents

HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers

HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

Optional - Install - 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

** Install - 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 Support Website Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

Install - HP Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery

Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search. 

For example,

Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers

Select your Video

 Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminders

• Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
• If there are continuing installation issues, try updating the Firmware first.
• Firmware does not have to be updated if you change computers.
• Firmware does not have to be updated when you reinstall the printer Software.

 HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

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

Installation - Optional / Extras

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 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

More information may be needed.

OR

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. 
   
   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 under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

** Install - Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 8 (or the closest you can find)

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

(Finish)