G85 present in devices list. Does not print or scan via usb. Does not scan (print ok) via parallel.

[G85user]

I have a good working lightly used G85 I have had since new. It is hardwired to my PC by both the big printer cable and more recently a USB cable too. In Windows 10 it is detected as two separate printers in the control panel. Right clicking the USB version shows my OPTIONS to print or scan and options for 'properties' but doesn't actually do either. 'Print test page' does not work either. The printer cable version DOES print fine but does not give me any scan options when right clicked. This was the way it was the entire time it was running Windows 7. Today I had the desire to scan something thus my addition of the USB cable. Has anyone gotten over the hurdle of getting the PC not only SEE the printer/scanner but to actually communicate with it. BTW I have tried HP Print and Scan Doctor but it just hangs about 45% of the way through "communicating" even with my firewall turned off. I am pretty sure I have the latest (2013) drivers. HP's website has dropped downloadable files for this legacy product. Are there any generic scanning software that could help break through the communication issue?

[Sunshyn2005]

Hey @G85user, welcome to the HP Forums! I'd be happy to help you with your G85. 

I understand from your description that the printer is connected to your computer, running Windows 10, but you are unable to print or scan. I checked the Windows 10 Compatible Printers document and can see that although there is no full feature driver available, you should see be able to use the Windows Driver. 

I suggest unplugging the printer, removing the driver, restarting the computer and then reconnecting the printer for the computer to rediscover it. 

I suggest using the following steps to delete the printer from device and printers, and the driver from the server properties.

1. In the ‘Devices and Printers’ folder

2. Choose ‘Print server properties’.

• Win XP – With no printer selected, click ‘File’ then ‘Server Properties’.
• Windows Vista – With no printer selected, press ‘Alt’ then click ‘File’ then ‘Server Properties’.
• Windows 7/8, 8.1, and 10 – Select any printer in the ‘Devices and Printers’ folder and click ‘Print Server properties’ above.

3. Click on the ‘Drivers’ tab at the top of ‘Print server properties’ window

4. Choose the printer you want to uninstall and click ‘Remove’

5. Choose 'Remove driver only'

6. The next screen will give a warning, letting you know that deleting the driver package will remove it from the system. Click ‘Yes’ to say that you are sure you want to do this.

If documents are stuck in the print spooler, you may see an error, cancel any documents pending in the print queue, or try restarting the print spooler, then try to remove the driver from ‘Print server properties’ again. If it still won’t remove the package, restarting the computer and the printer should resolve this ‘in use’ error and allow the driver to be removed.

• If the you continue to get an 'in use' message follow the steps in the document here; The Specified Printer Driver is Currently in Use

After the driver is removed, be sure to restart the computer, then reconnect the printer. 

If this resolves the issue, please be sure to click the Accept as Solution button below to mark your post as solved. If you require further assistance, let me know and I will look for something else to try. 

Thanks. 

[G85user · Accepted solution]

Sorry for the late reply. What you suggested did NOT work. It came up with an error message which said "Unable to remove HP OfficeJet G85 x64 Type 3-user mode driver. The specified printer driver is currently in use. I then looked into "restarting the print spooler" but got nowhere with that either.

HOWEVER, Here is was did work. Unplugged both cables, Uninstalled both G85s, rebooted computer. Plugged in USB cable, printer found by PC/Windows 10. Printed test page sucessfully. THEN, went through find new devices and had Windows search for scanner which it DID find and now it works as well.

While your solution did not work in my case, I do thank you for the time you took to reply.