Unable to print after latest Windows update

Question

Curtailed printer access seems to be a common problem, from what I see on the forums.  Here is my situation:  Lenovo desktop running Windows 10; HP OfficeJet Pro 6968; all Lenovo operating software and drivers up-to-date as of today; all HP drivers up-to-date as of today.  Printer has been reinstalled.  Windows print spooler indicates operating and automatic.  All cable and wireless connections checked and re-checked.  When I select File-Print or the equivalent, I get a box showing my existing printers and virtual printers, including the HP 6968 as default.  I confirm and select print.  Result is a blank screen and no activity from the printer, or else a dialog box with the message "we couldn't print because there doesn't seem to be a printer installed."

When I installed the HP drivers a test page was printed successfully, but I suspect that this operation bypassed the Windows 10 system.

Help?

Answer 1

This might help some people.

I use Office 365 and from yesterday I was unable to print anything in Word using my HP OfficeJet Pro 6970.  An error message appeared saying "word can't print due to a problem with the printer setup".

I had never had a problem with printing from Word.  I saw that there had been a Windows Update (KB4524147) yesterday.  I uninstalled it (Update & Security, rightclick on KB4524147 and click Uninstall).

I can now print from Word again.

As usual, Microsoft will instruct users to uninstall and reinstall printer drivers, etc, etc, to resolve printing issues but if these have arisen in the last two days or so, it is likely that KB4524147 is the reason.

Answer 2

That's why I specifically explained how to block Updates which if removed resolved problems they caused.

Did you see my post above your latest? Please follow that now.

Answer 3

my printer [Epson xp 330] don't recognize ink cartridges I have been using these for a while. now that last download from Epson happened it don't recognize them anymore and wont print. the ones I have are NE-RT288XLBK. WHAT HAS HAPPENED ? IF I DELETE LAST DOWNLOAD WILL THAT WORK?

Answer 4

Hi SD. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

Rather than spending too much more time fiddling I'd simply Clean Install the printer which always works, lasts longer and actually saves time:

1. Power up the printer, if wired unplug it's USB cable from PC.
2. Go to Settings>Apps>Apps and Features to find and Uninstall any printer software.
3. Go into Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, from View tab Show Hidden Devices, open Printer, on Driver tab if present Uninstall the driver. If prompted include the full software package as well. Then do the same for any other printers listed that you do not regularly use.
4. Now type Control Panel in Start Search, open CP, choose Icon View. In Control Panel open Devices and Printers, right click printer to delete Printer and any scanner or fax of the same name. Restart PC.
5. Delete old printer drivers for unused printers that can interfere:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/101274-unin...

https://techjourney.net/failure-unable-to-delet...

6. Go to the printer model’s Support Downloads webpage to download and install the latest full software package. Now is also the time to check for any newer printer firmware to install which matters a lot.
7. Extract Printer software, right click Setup file to Run as Administrator. Follow the setup screens closely as you install the software. For USB it should prompt when to plug in the printer.

Older software may need to be installed in Compatibility Mode to run correctly: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-install-non-...

If you have further problems reply back with results of each step.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

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Answer 5

Thanks, Greg!  I appreciate your prompt reply and thoughtful step-by-step suggestions.

Actually, all of the above steps were accomplished during several hours of searching for help and suggestions through Windows 10 trouble shooting and HP updates.  I had uninstalled and re-installed the printer, as well as deleting the old software and replacing with new.   Nevertheless, I went through your scenario as presented.  I still get the same message that there does not seem to be a printer installed, even though Windows shows me my printer "ready" and spooler "automatic."  This is a great puzzlement.

I am willing to keep working on this to get it fixed.  Thanks for your help so far!