If your router uses DHCP, it will give the printer a new IP address after a power outage or reboot. The driver will stop working because it is looking for the old IP.
To fix this permanently:
| Error Message | Meaning | Solution |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| "Driver unavailable" | Windows Update replaced your driver. | Go to Device Manager > Print queues > HP 178nw > Driver > Roll Back Driver. |
| "0x0000007e" | Corrupted print spooler. | Open services.msc, stop Print Spooler, delete all contents of C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, restart Spooler. |
| "Printer in error state" | Connection lost. | Check USB cable or reboot router. Ping the printer’s IP address from your PC. |
| "Scan to PC is disabled" | HP Device Toolbox settings changed. | Type the printer’s IP into a web browser > Scan > Scan to PC > Enable. | hp colour laser mfp 178nw driver work
If you prefer not to use the HP Smart app, or if you need specific drivers for enterprise environments, you can download the full solution software manually.
The full driver package includes:
The generic Windows scan driver often fails with the HP 178nw.
| OS | Fully Supported | Driver Type | Source | |----|----------------|-------------|--------| | Windows 10/11 (32/64-bit) | Yes | Full Feature + Scan + UPD | HP Support Site | | Windows 7/8.1 | Yes (legacy) | Full Feature | HP Support Site | | macOS (10.15–14.x) | Yes | AirPrint + HP Easy Start | Apple / HP | | Linux | Partial | HPLIP (open source) | Third-party | | Android / iOS | Yes | HP Smart App | App Store | If your router uses DHCP, it will give
Note: The printer does not have a native Linux driver from HP. Community HPLIP builds may work but are not guaranteed.
The most reliable way to get print and scan drivers working simultaneously is to use HP’s official installation software rather than downloading drivers manually through Windows settings. | Error Message | Meaning | Solution |
For Windows:
For macOS: