How to utilize printer from computer keyboard.

[chiggi64]

I used to be able to use my printer from my laptop keyboard  There was an icon on the bottom task bar and I would just click on it and a screen would appear and I could do anything.  There is no icon in the task bar anymore and when I click on the icon on my desktop, all I get is a small screen asking me if I want the app to make changes, such as add a printer or reconfigure.  The only way I can use the printer is by that tiny little screen on the printer that I can hardly see. 

Is there any way of making the printer accessible from the laptop keyboard and screen?

Should I uninstall and reinstall it?

Also, trying to find out how to clean printer cartridge heads.  One said to immerse bottom quarter of cartridge into boiling water (that scares me) and another said to use distilled water. I have no idea where to even get distilled water.

Any help will be appreciated.  Thank you.

[The_Fossette]

@chiggi64,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I recommend you root uninstall the printer and then reinstall it.

Here is how it is done.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.) Restart the PC

14.) Download and install the printer software from the below link.

http://hp.care/2nikIQ9

You can clean the printhead from the printer front panel. Follow the below steps.

1. From the printer control panel, open the Setup  menu.
2. Open the Printer Maintenance menu.
3. If necessary, open the Tools menu, and then touch Clean Printhead.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[chiggi64]

Thank you; I will try that later today and will let you know.

[The_Fossette]

@chiggi64,

Thank you for keeping me posted.

Please post your results, as I will be looking forward to hearing from you.

Good day!

[chiggi64]

Hi,

I followed your instructions.  When I got to removing OfficeJet Pro 6960 PCL-3 (my printer is HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 but that is the closest that was there.), 

Then I can't click ok.  A small window comes up asking if I want ti remove the driver alone or the driver and devices. I have tried both but I get the same result.  It first asks me if I am sure and I say yes. Then a window comes up telling me it can't be removed because the printer driver is in use.  I even went as far as unplugging the printer but it still says the driver is in use.

Now where do I go?  I am printerless at the moment. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[The_Fossette]

@chiggi64,

I recommend you create a new user account on your computer following the steps in the below article then install the printer and check.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/4026923/windows-10-create-a-local-user-or-administrator-acc...

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[chiggi64]

Hi and thanks,

I just got off live chat with my ISP tech department and they were able to connect my printer up again.  Not sure if I am game to try to uninstall it again; going to give it some thought; will let you know if I do.

[Kumar0307]

@chiggi64

Sure, take your time. Feel free to contact us with any concerns related to HP products.

Happy to help!

[chiggi64]

Hi.

I found out how to print from my computer and never have to touch or r look at that little window on the printer.  I just kept rephrasing my question to the internet until finally I got a hit that led to a few more links.

I have had HP and Microsoft working on this for two weeks and nobody had any idea what I was talking about; yet I put it very succinctly.

I can't remember just how I found the first link but I found I had to download and install HP Smart;  you can find the link just by typing into the browser "How to get HP Smart". and then you have to download and install something called Smart Tasks.  It is quite different from what I was used to but similar enough and even identical in places that I know this is the same thing as I used to use; only updated to be more complicated, as companies usually do.  

It used to be just in the computer ready for use and it was very simple to use.  Now you have to jump through hoops to find it and it is way more complicated. I wonder why.  HP sure doesn't make it easy to find.

But I finally got what I want and I am one happy camper.  Thank you to everyone here in the forum who tried to help me but didn't seem to grasp what I was saying.

[Kumar0307]

@chiggi64

Glad to know that the issue is now resolved and thank you for the feedback which will be forwarded to the respective team within HP. Feel free to contact us with any concerns related to HP products.

Happy to help!