Scanner driver message says "unavailable"

[Giselle53]

I have HP Laser Office jet 4650. All of a sudden is will not scan. The message is "driver is unavailable." How can I fix this.

[Anand_Andy]

Hi @Giselle53,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I understand you are facing a scan-related issue with your HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer. Not to worry I will help you to get a resolution to resolve the issue.

To assist better:

• May I know what operating system is running on your PC?
• What application are you trying to scan from?
• Have you tried using any alternate scanning applications?
• Was there any recent update on the PC prior the issue?

Let's perform a power drain: 

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Remove USB cable, if present.
• Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.
• Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord (This is important) and then plug back the power cord to the printer.
• Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle

Update the printer firmware 

• Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your product
• Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

If the issue persists, then follow the below steps:

 For Windows PC

Let's try to do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

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

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Otherwise, you can use the HP Smart App:  https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04675142

For MAC OS:

Uninstall HP Smart and reinstall:

• Click Finder, and then click Applications. In the list of apps, click and drag the HP Smart app to the Trash at the end of the dock.
• Go ahead and Update the software on Mac 
• Restart PC
• Once the PC is turned back and idle, download HP Smart 
• Once installed, check if you are able to access the app.

If the issue persists, then you may go ahead and download and install the below software according to your operating system and try to scan 

• For Windows Operating System: Download HP Scan and Capture (Reference document: Using the HP Scan and Capture App )
• For Mac Operating System: Download HP Easy Scan ( Reference Video: Scan from an HP Printer in macOS )

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Giselle53]

Hi Andy:

IN your email to me there are two section where you say "lick here"...but there is nothing to click. Can you try again. May thanks. I used to be Giselle53, but now changed. Thanks!