Printer(s) no longer works after microsoft update

Question

There was a Microsoft update in December, since then I have been unable to use my printer (HP 2710e) or use the "save to pdf" function in Excel. I keep receiving the message "current printer is unavailable. select another printer" when trying to save to pdf.

When checking my printer and scanner settings it says the driver is unavailable for my printer, I've contacted HP and they have been unable to help me install the driver.

I've tried installing alternative printers (different models and manufacturers) and it also says "driver is unavailable" after installing these

Its appears the update in December has disabled my pc from being able to use a printer, which is also affecting my ability to save to pdf in Excel.

Also after the update in December which caused the problems described above, my machine has been unable to install any new updates

Answer 1

I've been able to temporarily fix this problem by uninstalling the latest "successful" update , it appears that windows update is deleting the c:\windows\INF\ntprint file which then disables the drivers for the printers. I am now able to print and save to pdf again.

However this update needs rectifying otherwise the problem will return on the next update. So I have paused updates in the meantime.

Answer 2

Hello Leigh, welcome to the Microsoft community, I'll be happy to help you today;

I understand that you are having issues with your printer and Windows Update;

Initially we need to solve the Windows Update problem try the following;

Completely uninstall any third-party antivirus you may have previously installed;

run the Windows Update troubleshooter;

Press Windows key + i and go to Update and Security;

Click Troubleshooting and then Additional Troubleshooting;

Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter;

Stop Windows Update services;

Press Windows key + X and click PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell as administrator;

Copy and paste the commands below and press Enter after typing each command line:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop msiserver

net stop cryptsvc

Remove Windows Update files;

Press the shortcut keys "Windows + R" and in the run box:%windir%\softwaredistribution\ press Enter;

Delete all content inside the softwaredistribution folder;

Restart Windows Update Services;

Press Windows key + X and click PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell as administrator;

Copy and paste the commands below and press Enter after typing each command line:

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start msiserver

net start cryptsvc

Check if you can download updates now;

If the problem with Windows Update is resolved, let's try to solve the problem with the printer;

Uninstall any software you installed for the printer:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_19800...

Then follow the step by step steps in the link below to install printer drivers and fix printing errors:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservic...

Hope this helps, see you soon!

Answer 3

Nicole:

Thank you for the reply! Yes, that is what I needed to know. The Image disk has sub-directories, so I did not know if double clicking would un-zip and install. I do not remember whether their was an option to select the file you wanted to "mount" the OS into or not. I will follow your advice and let you know how it turns out. Worst case I just Lap-LInk Pro, all my files, apps, and programs to the replacement computer I just purchased from Tiger-Direct. More mem 16g and faster processor 3.6mh and it has a clean Windows 10 operation system

Scott