How to delete printer driver Windows 7

Discussion in 'Software' started by JeanetteNZ, Apr 14, 2010.

  1. JeanetteNZ

    JeanetteNZ Private E-2

    After upgrading to Windows 7 I reinstalled printer software and driver (HP Photosmart C4480) on both desktop and laptop. I have computers connected on Home Network but can only get desktop to print. Today I connected laptop directly to printer and still no printing. Tried reinstalling driver and software and still no go. After researching I suspect my old Vista printer driver is being used and not Windows 7 driver, apparently a common problem with HP printers. Having real problems finding out how to remove this.Bought up the MMC, went to file menu and selected add/remove snap in then I am supposed to scroll list and click on Print Management but its not in the list?? So went to start and typed in Print Management which appeared at top but when I click on it nothing comes up?? Can someone give me some advise on how to remove this old Vista driver? :(
     
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    In Windows 7 all you should need to do is to click Start > Devices and Printers and right click the printers icon and choose Remove Device.
     
  3. JeanetteNZ

    JeanetteNZ Private E-2

    Unfortunately this does not remove the driver.
     
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    So the HP Printer is listed in Devices and Printers though, with its icon? if it is then try this, highlight the Printer and click on the top menu "Print Server Properties" then Drivers tab and highlight the Printer and click Remove.

    Do you have any HP driver listed in Add/Remove? could also try the Windows Cleanup Util HERE and look for any HP printer software/drivers.

    You are logging on as Admin? (just checking)

    In Print Managment what did you click, which option or folder? was anything listed in the "All Drivers" folder?



    Edit: Just remembered an oldish Printer Driver remover I have from Kyocera and have uploaded it HERE (in Windows 7 you will have once unzipped need to right click "run as administrator" the exe file to run it properly)
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2010
  5. JeanetteNZ

    JeanetteNZ Private E-2

    No, printer device is not in Devices and Printers because I deleted it (by right clicking and remove device) at the beginning of this exercise and presumed it would delete the driver also. Then reloaded new W7 software/driver but could not get printer to work. Found a credible article stating that Vista driver could have been left behind therefore computer does not download W7 driver OR both drivers are on computer but printer still using Vista driver. Yes I am logging in as Admin and as stated in first post "Print Management" is not listed in MMC and when just typing in search it appears at top but upon clicking on it nothing comes up.:cry Will try your suggested Cleanup tools and report back...I did use CCleaner but will try yours
     
  6. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Just following on and before I know your results of the other cleanup tools, do you have much saved personal files on this PC, as I would really suggest a clean install of Windows 7 as a route, I personally NEVER upgrade as too many legacy files to mess things up.

    What is listed in the C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3 or C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\3 folder? a screenshot attached will do.
     

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