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Epson "Driver Unavailable" problem on Dell laptop

Anonymous
2019-07-29T08:33:36+00:00

Hi.

The past few days my Epson printer/scanner is showing "Driver Unavailable" on my Dell Inspiron 15, 5000  series laptop, running Windows10. It says Windows updates are current, when I look at driver properties, it says  it is working. I have tried everything the Windows Help has suggested, including unplugging printer, modem, and router from power source for at least two minutes, removing and adding printer. 

I downloaded and attempted to install the driver and "utilities" from the Epson website, and it could complete installation because it could not "find" the printer driver"(no kidding??, on Windows, it does say the printer driver is unavailable). The installation dialog also told me to "Install a driver" HELLO, what was I just attempting to do?? LOL. 

Anyway, if anyone has had this problem before and has any ideas or solutions for me, I would MUCH appreciate the assistance. 

Thank  you much,

NCWinDell

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-07-29T08:56:44+00:00

    Thanks Vijay.

    Actually I did spend last night and tonight doiing all of the above you suggested and still no success. Will contact Epson and/or Microsoft later in the morning when they are open. 

    Thank you for taking the time ro answer.

    NCWinDell

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  2. Vijay A. Verma 104.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-07-29T08:42:30+00:00

    Hi NCWinDell Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

    Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, Connect your Printer to the computer and Switch it ON. In case of Wireless printer, Switch it ON and connect it to the Wifi network.

    1. Run printer troubleshooter

    Type Troubleshoot in Windows Start Search box > Click Troubleshoot > On the right side, Click Printer > Run the troubleshooter

    1. Update Printer Driver

    Download printer driver from printer manufacturer's website and reinstall.

    1. Uninstall and reinstall the Printer (Credit to Andre Da Costa, MVP for providing steps)

    A. Uninstall Printer

    Click on Windows Key+X > Apps and Features > Scroll down and click Programs and Features > Select your printer > Select Uninstall

    Type Printer in Cortana Search box > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > Remove device

    Type Printer in Cortana Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > Scroll down and click Print server properties under Related settings > Under Driver tab, look for your printer > Select it and click Remove button at the bottom

    B. Install Printer

    Go to the Printer manufacturer’s website and search for the latest Windows 10 drivers > Reinstall the Printer driver > Reboot the computer

    Type Printer in Cortana Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > On Right side, Click Add a printer or scanner > If Windows detects your printer, it will be listed > Select the printer and follow on screen directions to set it up (In case of Wifi printer, your computer should also be logged into Wifi network)

    If Windows doesn't detect your printer, then you will get a blue message - Click The printer that I want isn't listed

    If you are using Bluetooth / Wirelss printer > Select Add a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printer > Choose the printer > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

    If you are using wired printer > Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings > Select Use an existing port > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

    Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

    (Source - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/401540...)

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  3. DaveM121 869.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-07-29T08:36:57+00:00

    Hi NCWinDell

    What is the Make and exact Model No. of your printer and are you using that printer wirelessly or connecting via a cable?

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-07-29T08:35:44+00:00

    Hi. Correction, that should have been the Epson website driver and utility installation could NOT be completed.

    NCWinDell

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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