Hewlett -packard-usb- 12/5/2017 44.2.2601.17339 Will Not Install.

Trying to install from Windows Update, an HP USB update that just will not install. Its called Hewlett -Packard-USB- 12/5/2017 44.2.2601.17339
I tried the following to clear out past updates and still it failed to install. It shows it does download, but not install.

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

net start bits

net start wuauserv

New printer as of a year ago, worked just fine upon installation. So I ignored this update as it would never install, and the printer communicated with the computer just fine for the last year. Currently it is not allowing my computer to see my printer to print. Yet the computer can see the device, in that it can see the ink levels, and can see the print Que, but at the same time it says printer not connected, and it is by USB. Even HP support remote to my computer could not help me after an hour of poking at the problem.
My Windows Update program is working fine, as it continues to perform other updates without issue. It only keeps failing on this one update. I am stumped.
Any ideas on how to get this bug fixed, or get this update to install?
Thank you for reading my post.

 

Been waiting for a while for some advice. Can anyone lend an idea?

 

Why are you relying on Win update for non-Windows stuff? Go to the HP website and find and download the software for your printer and reinstall it

 

Sorry for the lack of information, I have not been here in a while, a bit out of practice.
The printer is an HP Officejet 5255, (1 year old) and I am running a Win 7 Pro platform. (hate Win 10, holding out) I have worked with HP tech support twice now, with them working remote in my computer. Nothing wrong from their end. They both concluded that the Windows Update as displayed to me on Windows Update reads as "Hewlett -packard-usb- 12/5/2017 44.2.2601.17339" is the problem and needs to be installed. When I use my Windows Update, it will download but fail to install. I tried the method posted in my first post to reset Updates, but that did not fix the issue. Since one cannot just pick up the phone and call Microsoft Tech like I could HP, I have done what I can and am here. At this point I am stuck as to what to do, and need some advice and direction. Can anyone please help?
Again, the Windows Update in question reads exactly as "Hewlett -packard-usb- 12/5/2017 44.2.2601.17339". I am assuming the "44.2.2601.17339" is the update number.

 

Your answer is in post #3. Is there a reason you haven't tried it? Here's your link -

https://support.hp.com/us-en/driver...in-one-printer-series/14095737/model/14095787

 

The HP tech people and I looked in their resources for this Update, and they directed me to Microsoft. I have long done my own search of HPs website looking for this Windows Update, and can find none.

 

There is no need at all to involve Microsoft in this. Uninstall the printer and reinstall it. You are making this unnecessarily difficult.

 

I did that. In fact it was the very first thing I did. I physically disconnected the printer and uninstalled it and any HP software from my computer. I then reinstalled from scratch. Problem still exists.
What can I tell you. I am not stupid, I have done all the steps any reasonable person would know to do. I did the full uninstall - reinstall thing, I did the call HP tech support - twice, and let them rattle around in my computer for an hour or more each. They even made sure that I was HP clean in terms of software and we did a full install together, and still zippo nothing. I have searched and searched on line for any website or blog to lend a direction, and have found nothing. I have looked all over HPs website for any reference to this update, and found nothing. Windows Update pops up every single week recommending this update, and every week that update downloads and then fails. HP keeps telling me that this is a Windows Update issue, and they cannot fix it. I am not going out of my way to make this "unnecessarily difficult". The problem itself has turned out to be a difficult one to solve. So I am here for help.

 

Did you also update the firmware? The firmware update is in the link I have provided. From what you say it does sound like a firmware issue.

 

The first HP tech did a firmware check and update on the printer itself. The second HP tech said all firmware was correct after picking through a lot of code. I have been taking it that they would know their product and be correct. I am guessing you do not have the same confidence in them that I do. I see the one firmware update posted in your link. I will download it and see what happens. Fingers crossed.

 

OK, it may not matter but best to ensure you are downloading for your version of Win 7, not the default 10. Good luck with it.