Why is the driver unavailable

[lisahtatesyou]

Every time I want to use this I have to set it up from scratch again.  And now it says there are no drivers available.  I refuse to install their Spam-Me 'troubleshooting' app, is there any other way to find the driver I need and download it?

[Dragon-Fur]

New User,

You may certainly avoid using troubleshooting software and / or tools - we do not have an opinion about that.

Use or ignore the following - it is meant to be helpful but might not apply to your situation.

Start...

I would guess that you are referring to something similar to HP ENVY 6030 All-In-One Printer 

For this and other printers in this general series, drivers can be installed using the Easy Start Wrapper.

That said, Easy Start should certainly recognize all except perhaps the VERY newest models in a category.

If your printer is a Brand New model, it might not be recognized.  Unlikely - could happen.

Did happen?  Contact HP Support:  USA / Canada >   HP® Customer Support - USA

Continuing...

Details on how to use the Easy Start Wrapper are includes later in this message.

First...

 Factors that can very much impact the setup include the Wireless Connection

Printers in this general category support a dual band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) but not at the same time.

You need to have the printer connected to the SSID (named network) for the frequency (band) you want to use on your network.  Printers do not easily switch network frequencies - if your router is set to automatic frequency switching, the printer might disconnect and not be able to find its way back onto the network.  A printer that is adrift on the network cannot find drivers, use software, complete assigned tasks.

In other words,

Failing to secure the printer on the network as needed can result in other problems, possibly including the "driver unavailable" error you have described.

So, take care of that first - make sure the printer is on your network and is assigned to the SSID network you intend it to use.

Next,

If you have the printer software installed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Open Programs and Features

Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Next,

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

• 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. 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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Reference Videos

HP Envy 6055 | Envy Pro 6455: Connect printer to 5 GHz network using HP Smart on Windows 10 computer

HP Envy 6055 | HP Envy Pro 6455 : Download & Install HP Full solution software on Win 10 Computer

References / Resources

HP DeskJet, ENVY 6000, 6400 Printers - Wireless Printer Setup

This document is for HP DeskJet Plus Ink Advantage 6075, 6078, 6475, 6476, 6478, HP ENVY 6020, 6052, 6055, HP ENVY Pro 6420, 6452, 6455, and 6458 All-in-One printers.

First time setup – WPS (router), “Find Printer Pin” > PIN Number inside carriage door for connection / EWS

HP DeskJet, ENVY 6000, 6400 Printers - Blinking Lights

Printer Reports 

 HP DeskJet, ENVY 6000, 6400 Printers - Printing Self-Test Pages

Wireless Network Test Results Preparation:

If Wireless is off (not steady blue or purple) > First switch on Wireless (bottom button on back of printer)

HP Envy 6000 series & HP Envy Pro 6452 | 6455 AiO Printer : Reset Wireless to defaults

Technology Tips Gallery  From our HP Expert greenturtle

Technology Tips – YouTube Video Help for Printers

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

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