Help installing HP WiFi printer

Big Chris · 20 Feb 2022 at 11:33

Printer is an HP Envy 5640 Inkjet connected to my Lenovo T460 running Windows 10 via WiFi, which I've had for about 4 years and never had any problems with until recently.

I lost the option to scan and could not find it anywhere, so decided to go for a complete software reinstall. I've removed all trace of HP software and drivers from my laptop then reinstalled using the latest full drivers from the HP support website but although the setup wizard finds the printer over WiFi almost instantly, it then fails after about 5mins of trying to actually complete the install with no further information.

I've rebooted the laptop, downloaded the software again from the HP website, reset the printer to factory defaults and reconnected it to my WiFi network with no issues, and again the HP setup wizard finds the printer straight away when searching for devices - but the setup will not complete. Not been able to try using USB cable as I don't have one to hand. HELP!!!

Setup:

HP Envy 5640
Full_Webpack-40.15.1230-EN5640_Full_Webpack
Lenovo T460
Windows 10 21H2 (19044.1566)

Orcvader · 20 Feb 2022 at 12:52

Does going through Windows Settings -> Devices -> Printers & scanners and then adding the printer via there work? I've been using this method to avoid the printer manufacturer's bloat with the installer and it usually works. This scan app usually works but HP also offers their own one: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9WZDNCRFHWL0

Big Chris · 20 Feb 2022 at 13:52

Actually it's already showing under printers & scanners so it must have installed a basic driver. Tried a test page and it seems to be working.

The scanning apps suggested don't work though as they can't detect a scanner, presumably as the HP installation won't complete.

Big Chris · 20 Feb 2022 at 14:03

Orcvader you inadertently solved it, thank you! I removed the entry from Printers & Scanners, ran the HP installation again and it worked!

Didn't even think to look in there when removing the HP software from Progs & Features, not sure why that stopped the HP reinstallation but the main thing is it's working. Now I can spend the rest of this rainy Sunday scanning an inch thick pile of bills and other such thrilling paperwork.