[REQUEST] Weird Printer Install Issue

[wfc4life]

I have been battling a very weird printer issue for a couple of days, and I'm at the point I don't know what else to do other than a nuke and pave. I really don't want to do this since the client isn't experiencing any other issues with her laptop.

Background: Client is running an Asus Win 10 64 bit Build 1809 operating system. She has an Epson WF-2630 printer that worked fine with the laptop until recently. When the printer issue initially started, it displayed a status message "Driver is unavailable". I uninstalled the printer software, and downloaded a fresh copy from Epson's website. It will not install the printer driver; the error message is "Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000012). There are no more files." The printer is connected to the client's wireless network, and she has no issues printing from her iPhone. The printer installation software also sees the printer on the network, but the driver refuses to install.

What I have done: I verified that the print spool service is running, and is set to start automatically. I have done an in-place reinstall of the operating system. I have verified all updates have been installed. I have disabled real time protection of Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. I ran Tweaking.com Windows Repair AIO software. I attempted to install the printer software again with the same result. I have searched for answers on the Internet, but have only found the same ideas that I have already done.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Dave 1973]

Some of the things that have worked for me.....

Try creating a new user account, sometimes it gets corrupted. Sometimes a repair install of Win 10 will do it.

I have also used Revo to completely uninstall and re-install the printer software. Printers are a PITA !!

 

[Markverhyden]

@Dave 1973 has some valid points. Use a new account to see if the problem stays with the existing account or moves to new accounts as well. If it's just the existing account the nickel solution to the dime problem is use a new account.
Either way have your tried running AIO tool

 

[alexsmith2709]

Have you tried running the installer as admin?

 

[Mick]

I was going to write all this out, but as I'm lazy, have a look at this. It's written for Win 7 but (largely) applicable to Win 10. Will cost you nothing (but a few minutes) to try! Once you've completely got rid of the old, failing, installation, you may have better luck with the reinstall.

 

[wfc4life]

Some of the things that have worked for me.....

Try creating a new user account, sometimes it gets corrupted. Sometimes a repair install of Win 10 will do it.

I have also used Revo to completely uninstall and re-install the printer software. Printers are a PITA !!

I am doing a remote session with my client early next week. I will definitely try both of your suggestions. I use Revo all the time, but never felt the need to use it for printer software. The user account idea is wonderful. A fresh set of eyes definitely can get the troubleshooting juices flowing again ) Thank you!

 

[wfc4life]

@Dave 1973 has some valid points. Use a new account to see if the problem stays with the existing account or moves to new accounts as well. If it's just the existing account the nickel solution to the dime problem is use a new account.
Either way have your tried running AIO tool

I ran the AIO tool, and performed an in place install. Unfortunately, no luck.

 

[wfc4life]

Have you tried running the installer as admin?

Yes, great idea though.

 

[wfc4life]

I was going to write all this out, but as I'm lazy, have a look at this. It's written for Win 7 but (largely) applicable to Win 10. Will cost you nothing (but a few minutes) to try! Once you've completely got rid of the old, failing, installation, you may have better luck with the reinstall.

I'm adding this procedure to my list of new ideas to try when I have my remote session with the client next week. I don't blame you, I wouldn't want to write all this stuff out either <loll>. The link worked just a well. Thanks for this great idea!

 

[nlinecomputers]

This is likely a permissions issue. Disable or flat uninstall any AV programs or backup programs like Carbonite, Mozy, or Ibackup.

 

[wfc4life]

This is likely a permissions issue. Disable or flat uninstall any AV programs or backup programs like Carbonite, Mozy, or Ibackup.

Great ideas! I did disable both Windows Defender and Malwarebytes during the install. My client doesn't have any cloud based backup solutions, and is the one and only user/local administrator on the laptop.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Event logs. Something is probably logged when this fails.

 

[wfc4life]

Event logs. Something is probably logged when this fails.

I'll check them. I didn't think of it before. I was too brain dead.

 

[Dave 1973]

Last week I had a Brother printer I had installed with their software. It would print wired but not wirelessly. I finally got it to print by using Control Panel to add a network printer. It was already listed there, but as soon as I selected it in the Add Printer section, it began to print wirelessly.......go figure !!

 

[NJW]

It was already listed there, but as soon as I selected it in the Add Printer section, it began to print wirelessly.......go figure !!

Probably changed its IP address since the last print job? (Not having printers on static IPs is asking for trouble, imo.)

 

[Dave 1973]

Probably changed its IP address since the last print job

It was a new install. It had never printed wirelessly.

 

[HFultzjr]

Delete ALL references to the printer, and I mean all, not just a usual uninstall. Revo is a good idea, then a manual look for remainder.
Re-install by going to Win 10 add a printer. Should show up. Re-install and most likely let you know their is an app available. Download and install the app.

 

[wfc4life]

Last week I had a Brother printer I had installed with their software. It would print wired but not wirelessly. I finally got it to print by using Control Panel to add a network printer. It was already listed there, but as soon as I selected it in the Add Printer section, it began to print wirelessly.......go figure !!

The joy of printer installations...or not <loll>. I did try installing from Epson software, Control Panel, and the new Settings app, but it never would install the printer driver. Another great idea though.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Can you install any other program? I still think that is some kind of weird permissions issue. And again event logs. Something has got to be reported in the event logs.

 

[wfc4life]

Yes, I upgraded the operating system build from 1803 to 1809 without an issue. I also installed CCleaner. One weird thing though, it wouldn’t let me make a backup of the registry prior to cleaning it. So I didn’t do it. I don’t remember the exact error message, but it said “it wasn’t allowed”.