officejet 6600 won't stay installed

[RustyDHH]

I have a computer running Windows 7 (up-to-date) with an Officejet 6600 attached via USB. It has been working fine for 3 years BUT in the last 2 weeks I have had to re-install the printer 7 times. When I turn the computer off in the evening and turn it on the next morning and I start to print something, I get "no printer installed". It doesn't SEEM to make any difference whether I turn the printer off or leave it on when I shutdown the computer.

Any ideas?

Rusty

[Gemini02 · Accepted solution]

Hi @RustyDHH,

Thanks for reaching out to the forums! I understand that every time the computer is restarted, you have to reinstall the printer software. I would be happy to help you. 

I have provided some steps to try to see if we can resolve this from happening again in the future.

Here are steps to fully uninstall the printer from the computer.

From Devices and Printers, click once on any icon listed and select Printer Server Properties across the top of the screen, click on the driver's tab.

Select the Officejet 6600, then click remove, on the pop-up dialog.

Select Remove driver and driver package, click OK, click Yes on the pop-up confirmation message. (if they aren't listed, that is alright)

Then from the Devices and Printers window, right click and select remove device for the Officejet 6600 drivers.

Disconnect the USB cable from the computer.

Uninstall the printer software.

Restart the Print Spooler:

Click on Start, Run, type admin in the Search programs and files box, and then click Administrative Tools from the list.
Double-click Services.
Right-click Print Spooler and left click properties.
Click Stop to stop the Print Spooler.
Click Start to restart the Print Spooler.

Run the Microsoft Fixit Tool: Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically.

Reregister Windows Installer:

1. Exit all open programs.

2. Click Start, Run, type msiexec /unregister in the Open box, and click OK.

3. Click Start, Run, type msiexec /regserver in the Open box, and click OK.

4. Restart the computer.

Then disable all the Startup programs and temporarily turn off the Antivirus Software. There might be something running in the background causing conflicts. How to use MSCONFIG . Click on the Startup tab and click Disable All.

Make sure you are signed into the computer with Admin Rights and reinstall the printer again using the latest drivers. Here is the link: HP Officejet 6600 e-All-in-One Printer series - H711 Full Feature Software and Driver.

If the issue is resolved and you appreciate my help, please click the "Accept as Solution" button and the "Thumbs Up". Let me know how you make out. Cheers!

[RustyDHH]

IT WASN'T THE PRINTER! The problem was a corrupt Print Spooler.

Thanks to all.

Rusty

[RustyDHH]

THANKS! This worked great! I Also, I made sure the spooler automatically starts.

Rusty