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- HP Community
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Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
08-08-2022 08:00 AM
Welcome to the HP User Community.
Short Answer:
Yes, the full driver printer software is available for your printer.
Printer Software
- Download and Save HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software
- If printer Software is listed in Programs and Features > Uninstall existing printer software > Restart the computer and sign in
- Right-Click on the downloaded installation package and “Run as Administrator”
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
If using Easy Start
- Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
- When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
Details / How-to / Examples
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>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software
The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.
The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.
Preparation
If you have not done so,
In addition to the HP Smart application,
Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.
HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.
Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.
Printer Software Check - Is the printer software installed?
Notes
When the full driver printer software is installed,
Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.
The installation of the full printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.
The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools
HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.
Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_6
Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)
Uninstall HP printer software and drivers
Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >
Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software
Restart the computer and sign in
Reminder:
Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.
Next,
Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers
Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer
If you have to "remove" the printer, next: Restart the computer and sign in
NOTE: If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...
Microsoft: Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed
OR
Revo Uninstaller (Free version)
then
Restart the computer and sign in
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Printer Software
Installation package - Information and Download
HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software
Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software
Preparation
- If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers
After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.
If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.
- If using VPN, shut it off to install software. NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.
- Reminder: If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software. Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).
- Observation: It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection. Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.
Installation
- Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file (likely Downloads)
- Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
If using Easy Start
- Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
- When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2
- If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”
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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more
Open
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
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