HP Deskjet won't install XP PRO

Just did a format, partition and clean install of XP with SP2. All hardware and software works great, except the printer. I know the following: the printer works (not because it formerly worked but because when I disconnect it from my PC and connect it to my laptop, I can print fine), the cable is good (same reason), according to device manager LPT 1 is functional, and I am trying to use the latest driver from windows update. The printer is an older HP DeskJet 812c.

When I allow windows to search for the latest driver, it brings up one for the 810, and one for the 812. Either one, of course, is suitable. As I am downloading the driver from Microsoft, I get a message that it has not passed Windows Logo testing, and to contact the hardware manufacturer for the proper driver. I have tried both the 810 and 812 drivers to no avail.

HP's website, of course, recommends that I use the driver suggested by Windows. Further, because this is an old printer, the install CD doesn't have XP compatible drivers.

After the driver installs, the 'puter tells me that there was a problem installing the printer.

I've tried all of the logical stuff to no avail. Seems like the driver but I can't get it to "take".

As usual I'm sure it's something simple.

Help is always appreciated.

jtone

 

did you try all the steps on hp's support page?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lang=en&docname=bpd09005&lang=en&cc=us

also, try to rollback the driver, or just install the one that is on the list in xp (not windows update)

 

SmokingGun-

Thanks for the reply. I've already tried all of the steps on HP's website. Ditto for rolling back the driver. The two drivers that are in XP (810 c and 812 c) don't work either. I've also tried Microsoft's troubleshooter, which is similar to HP's, also to no avail.

This printer used to work fine on this machine. I had a bunch of probs over the last year or so caused by bad memory and some persistent malware. Since I've updated the memory and reinstalled XP, this problem has occurred.

All my other progs/peripherals/sound card etc work fine.

I've hooked her up to the trusty old Vaio laptop and she still prints fine.

Other ideas?

 

Tim-

Sorry about the long delay; I've been out of town.

I have tried to install the printer both "manually", and also to allow the Wizard to do it. As far as being obvious, I have tried it with the printer on, off, and unplugged, all to no avail. Not sure which is correct; Microsoft says to connect the printer cable and turn it on to activate the "Plug and Play" but it doesn't make a difference either way......

Using the Wizard, here is what happens:
"Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard"
I select "install the software automatically" and click "next"
"Please wait while the Wizard searches......."
"Please select the best match from the list below"-it lists an 810c and an 812c-I've used both in the past and they both worked. So I select either one, then I get an error message that the driver hasn't passed logo testing. Interesting, since it's getting the driver out of the folder "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\Drivers\.....etc"
I tell it to "Continue Anyway"

It then says "Installing files", which it appears to do.

Next, I get an error message that the installation could not be completed and that the hardware may not work properly.

Manually, same thing happens except I'll try to tell it to install the driver either from: My XP Pro disk, or from the website. I cannot use my HP disk as it does not have drivers for XP.

I have tried to get the driver off of my XP disk, or from Microsoft, or HP, all to no avail. In other words, the only drivers I have are the ones that XP loaded on my C drive and for whatever reason aren't working.

 

Looking at HP's website, the drivers come with XP, but due to this is a older printer, you may get the Non-compatible issue. The best choice if you can afford it is possibly upgrade to a PhotoSmart or OfficeJet series since prices have come down, and speed is better then the older Deskjet series.

 

Thanks again, guys.

I never thought about networking it. I am not set up that way but since I have a router it should be fairly easy......

Brownizs; I agree with you, but this printer worked on this machine with the same copy of XP. Why now is it incompatible, if it wasn't before?.....I seem to get the baffling probs, anyway!!

I would love to replace this printer. We just bought new cartridges; 2 b&w, 1 color, for over $100. I'd like to use them up if possible before we can this one.

Currently, we store data on a USB key and print it off of another machine, (or Kinko's, etc.).

I recently had a mem. problem and upgraded to 1 Gb (a great decision!) but that kind of blew the budget for a little bit-wife and I pay cash for everything and don't like to use credit.

-There are three groups of people competing for the money pool; the government, corporations, and individuals. When the third group gets too much, the laws are changed to benefit the first two. That is the American economic model, in a nutshell.-

 

Hi. I have an idea or two you might try. My son uses an old 600-something series hp inkjet with xp with no problems. So, here goes. I am assuming that you are trying to use a parallel-port connection with your printer. One is to try another cable. They do crap out. Anyway, the other is to manually install your printer. Select "Printers and Faxes" in the Start Menu. Then, when the new window opens, click on "Add a printer" on the left-hand side of the window. The Add Printer Wizard will open, and you will click on "Next". Click on the radio (round) button labeled "Local printer attached to this computer", and uncheck the box just underneath marked "Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer". Click "Next". The next window opens, and the top radio button should already be checked, which reads "Use the following port:", with a menu box to the right of it. Click on the drop-down arrow, and select the port your printer is connected to. Click "Next". In the next window, select "HP" in the left pane, and "HP DeskJet 812C" in the right pane. Click on "Have Disk", and away you go. Good night and good luck.