Windows PC updates completely wiped out both of my printers, unable to print now ... HELP!!!

[CindyB4]

My Desktop PC went through a series of Windows updates that ended up completely wiping out both of my printers  from being recognized which now prohibits me from being able to print entirely. This is detrimental for me because I have three businesses that my family owns (veteran owned and operated). I am the President of all three, Senior Events Manager of the Event Planning Industry in which I print at least 700+ copies per month on the one printer which can sustain up to 20,000 copies per month.  I have  downloaded the IT driver if I downloaded the correct driver but for whatever reason it is not working unless I grabbed the wrong driver. HELP! Does anyone know the exact drivers I need for both of these printers to get me back on track to being able to print?

[Dragon-Fur]

@CindyB4 

Yes, Windows Updates can sometimes create havoc with installed software, including the printer software.

It is possible the uninstall process has left "bits" behind that are preventing a clean installation of the printer software.

Full Feature Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

and

HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

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

Use this method when there are problems uninstalling the software.

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 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

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

• 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”
• Reminder:  If using Easy Start, select the Full Driver
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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 OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

HP OfficeJet Pro 8715 All-in-One Printer 

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