Can't install printer software

Question

I just got off of a half-hour long session with an HP Printer tech about this issue. He now says it's a system problem and he can't do anything with it. Here is the issue I'm experiencing:

I deinstalled my HP4650 printer in order to try and fix a situation where it wasn’t printing in color from my PC only (phone and tablet were ok). Now I am trying to reinstall and system won’t let me. I get the following error message: “Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install. I have restarted PC, done a file cleanup, deactivated firewalls and unchecked startup programs and it still will not install software. Any other suggestions? Windows 10  64; V1709 (just upgraded to April2018 version. Problem is existent on both versions.

Answer 1

Could you confirm if this also happens in the default Administrator account?

Open Start

Type: cmd

Right click CMD

Click Run as administrator

At the command prompt, type:

net user administrator/active:yes

Hit Enter

Close command prompt, restart, then try signing into the Administrator account.

Could you then try installing the printer?

You can also try installing the printer using Windows Update:

Connect the printer.

Press Windows key + R

Type: control printers

Hit Enter

Click Add printer

Click 'The printer what I want isn't listed'

Select 'Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings'

Select 'Use an existing port'

Click Next

Under Manufacturer, scroll down then select the printer brand

Over the right hand side, scroll down through the list and look for your printer model.

If you don't see it, click Windows Update and wait while Windows Update checks for the printer.

If it doesn't find it, click the back button, then click Next again.

This time, select printer brand and in the printer list, select a driver series that closely matches your printer model

Answer 2

Open Task Manager - CTRL+SHIFT+ESC

Look at the Processes tab.

Do you see one or more processes that belong to your printer? Select each and click on the End Task button.

It sometimes happens that a process terminates for whatever reason and stays resident in RAM (your computer's memory.) Windows thinks the process is still working.

The only risk with the above procedure is that you need to be sure you're End Task-ing the right process(es.) If you make a mistake, just restart your computer.

Once the processes have ended you should be able to install your software.

Answer 3

Right click Start>Run

Type in services.msc

Locate the service Windows Installer.

Right click it and select Restart.

Does that help?

Answer 4

Unplug the printer and disconnect any wireless connections to it

Go back to Control Panel>>Programs & Features

Uninstall any software for your Printer/Scanner

There are a few in the package and there might be separate uninstalls.

Go to C:\ and delete the TEMP Folder for the printer install files.

Restart PC

HP lists Windows 10 64 bit drivers and software package.

Download it

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-officejet-4650-all-in-one-printer-series/5447930

Install and restart PC.

If it fails again, make sure nothing got installed and repeat process above. Restart PC. But before install again, do this.

Task Manager>>Services>>Spooler (Print Spooler)

STOP IT From RUNNING >> STOP

Go to

C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64

Delete everything inside the x64 folder

Now go into the

C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\W32X86\3

and delete everything in the 3 folder

Restart PC

Make sure spooler is on and running in Services.

Install printer using the Windows 10 x64 package on the web link.

This should work. It has for me and others many times over the years

Before you delete files from inside x64 and 3 folders

If you have your delete settings set to move deleted files to recycle bin first instead of completely deleting them, then good.

If not, set it this way. (Excluding the selected size)

Recycle Bin>>Right Click>>Properties

After the successful install, empty your recycle bin.