HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 won't print in color

[valview]

I have seen many other posts of this same problem. The TEST PAGE prints beautifully in color, but not a Word document or anything else that I want to print.

     I have followed instructions given by @KarenV2 on how to fix this problem, but in the steps, in the user interface step, I've clicked on Drivers tab, located my HP Printer driver, clicked Remove. Then I get a popup message that basically says UNABLE TO REMOVE OFFICEJET 6970 BECAUSE THE SPECIFIED PRINTER DRIVER IS CURRENTLY IN USE.

    This is AFTER uninstalling the HP printer in "Programs and Features"  and AFTER removing the HP printer in  "Devices and Printers."

     PLEASE HELP ME! I must have color for reports that I need to produce!

[Kumar0307]

@valview, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I see that you are not able to print in color from your Win 10 PC. Delete the printer from Devices and printers.

Install the printer using the TCP/IP port:

1. On the PC, go to Control panel > Devices and printers > Add a printer(at the top) 
2. Under 'Choose a device or printer', click on 'The printer I want isn't listed'.
3. Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address'
4. Find the IP address of the printer by tapping on the wireless/ethernet icon on the printer screen
5. Type in the 'IP address in Hostname or IP address' box, click next
6. Proceed to the next steps by following the on-screen instructions.
7. Try printing in color.

If the issue persists, Install the printer using Windows built-in driver

Refer to this document to know how. Try printing.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[valview]

Yes, I am able to print a WORD document in color now. 

But this is the third time I have gone through this process: deleting, installing using TCP/IP port, etc. 

It has always been a "fix" but it doesn't stay. 

After a day or so, I'm back to printing only black. 

So.... once again..... I'll see how long this lasts. 

And I will be back to you, Kumar0307, if it fails again. 

Thanks for your help. 

[Kumar0307]

@valview

I understand. However, the issue will not occur until you use the printer we installed using the TCP/IP address.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day!