hp officejet pro 7740 driver not available

[Skems]

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 driver unavailable when laptop is connected to wireless, but works fine on an Ethernet cable

[Tzaidi]

The issue is likely caused by a network communication problem or an incorrectly configured wireless printer installation, rather than a fundamental driver error, as the printer works with a wired connection. 

Follow these steps to resolve the wireless connectivity issue:

Step 1: Ensure both devices are on the same network 

• Verify the printer's connection: On the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 control panel, touch the Wireless icon to check the status. The wireless light should be solid blue.
• Verify the laptop's connection: Ensure your laptop is connected to the exact same wireless network name (SSID) as the printer.
• Check Network Type: Ensure neither device is connected to a public/guest network or a 5G network if the printer only supports 2.4Ghz.
• Set Network Profile to Private: In Windows, go to network settings and ensure your connected network is set to "Private". A public profile has stricter firewall rules that might block communication. 

Step 2: Perform a clean reinstallation of the printer software 

A clean reinstall removes corrupted or outdated driver components that may be interfering with the wireless connection. 

1. Uninstall existing software:
   • Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the printer and laptop.
   • In Windows, search for and open Printers & scanners.
   • Select the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and click Remove device.
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps and features (or System > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 11) and uninstall any HP printer software packages.
2. Restart devices:
   • Restart your laptop, printer, and wireless router.
3. Install the latest full feature driver package:
   • Download the most current full feature software package from the official HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
   • Run the downloaded installation file and follow the on-screen instructions, selecting the wireless connection option when prompted. 

Step 3: Use HP's diagnostic tool and update firmware 

• Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool to automatically diagnose and fix common printer problems.
• Update your printer's firmware from the printer's control panel or through the HP Smart app to ensure compatibility and bug fixes. 

Step 4: Manually configure a TCP/IP port (advanced) 

If the above steps fail, assigning a static IP to the printer can create a stable connection: 

1. Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer's control panel to get its current IP address.
2. On your laptop, go to Printers & scanners and open Printer properties for the printer (after re-adding it in Step 2 if necessary).
3. Go to the Ports tab and click Add Port.
4. Select Standard TCP/IP Port, click New Port, and enter the printer's IP address from the configuration report.
5. Click Next and Finish. 

This should establish a stable connection using the wireless configuration.