The printer driver is not installed on windows xp. How to install a printer without a disk. Dealing with software problems

Can you imagine a full-fledged work on a computer without connecting to a printer? Perhaps, being a gamer, the answer to this question can be given in the affirmative. Say what you like, but the lack of the ability to print documents does not affect the quality of games. Nevertheless, for those who like to work in Word, Excel and other text programs, having a working printing device at hand is not just important, but vital. Fortunately, such a pleasure is inexpensive today. However, it's not enough just to buy the right model, you still need to know how to install it correctly on your Windows 7 PC.

Overview of connection methods

Depending on the location of the printer and the actual access to it by the user, there are 2 options for installing this device on a computer with Windows 7, namely:

  1. connect it directly to the PC (local method);
  2. install via network (network method).

Is it worth explaining when and what method should be used to connect? Is that so? Well then, let's explain it, it's a simple matter. In principle, already from the name of such methods, it becomes clear that the local method involves using the device for printing only on one computer, while the network method makes it possible to print documents on one device to users of several PCs.

Have you sorted it out? Fine! Then it remains only to figure out how to proceed with the local and network installation method on Windows 7.

Option # 1: Local connection

How do I install a printer using the local method on Windows 7? Very simple! It is enough to connect it via the USB bus to the computer. Note that if windows settings are set correctly, have not changed since the installation of the operating system, the connected equipment is recognized and installed on the PC automatically.

However, this trick is not always successful. What if, for example, an HP LaserJet 1010 printer is not installed on my computer? In this case, we act like this.

Step # 1: Connect to PC.

First, we connect the printer with a USB cable to the computer and turn it on to the network. Next, open the "Start" menu and select the "Devices and Printers" tab:

In the window that appears, find and click the "Printer Installation" tab:

Then we decide on the connection option. Do you want to install it locally? Have you changed your mind? Then we click the item "Add a local printer":

Next, select the printer port. In principle, it is better to leave everything as it is, unchanged, since the LPT1 port fully meets the installation requirements. This completes the connection. It only remains to make settings for its work. To do this, click on the "Next" button and proceed to the next step.

Step # 2: We make settings for the printer.

What should be done first? First, install the driver. This can be done in three ways:

  1. using the installation disc;
  2. using the hardware installation wizard;
  3. via Windows Update:

Suppose that at the time of installing the HP LaserJet 1010 we did not have a disk with a driver for it, it cannot be installed, or we are using a computer without a drive. What do we do in this case? It would seem that everything is simple: you can install it from Windows Update. But it was not there.

There is no official driver for the HP LaserJet 1010 in Windows 7. In this case, there are 2 options:

  1. install it by downloading it from the Internet;
  2. select the driver for the HP LaserJet 3055 PCL5 in the installation wizard.

We will choose the latter option, as despite the difference in name, it is fully compatible with the HP LaserJet 1010:

Now all that remains is to decide on the parameters of access to the printer from other PCs. In this case, we either restrict it (the item "No sharing ..."), or let us print on it ("Allow sharing ..."):

This completes the device configuration. It remains to check its work.

Step # 3: Checking the seal.

So, if all the steps for connecting and configuring were performed correctly, after selecting the parameters for accessing the printer, a window will appear with a message about its successful installation. Whether this is really so, we still need to check. How to do it? Click the "Print test page" button:

Everything is working? Printing flawlessly? Then you can safely praise yourself! We did our best!

Option # 2: Network connection

Sorted out with local connection? Then install network printer in Windows 7 is absolutely no problem.

Step # 1: Connect and configure a network printer.

What are we doing? Through "Start" go to "Devices and Printers", click "Add Printer" and select the item "Add network ..." in the window that appears:

As a result, Windows 7 will automatically search for all printers connected to the network. What do we need? First, find out the name of the network printing device to which we are going to connect. Learned? Then select the appropriate option and click "Next":

As a result, the computer will connect to the device and automatically install the drivers for it. What if it doesn't install? Pay attention to system messages. Sometimes this process requires manual setting... In particular, a button “Install driver” may appear in the window for setting up a network printer. By clicking on it, the problem will be eliminated by itself and the corresponding message will be displayed on the screen about the successful installation of the network printer:

Step # 2: Checking work

How to check if a network printer is working? Print any document. It seems that everyone should cope with this, right? But what to do if the document was sent to print, and did not print? This, we note, happens quite often. How to solve the problem? First, check the following settings:

  1. determine if the equipment is connected to the host computer;
  2. determine if there are any restrictions for such a network printer;
  3. check if it is connected to the network;

Unlike older operating rooms windows systems, in XP, adding a network connection to a printer might not be as logical. Below detailed instructions how to do it.

Adding a Network Printer Using the Control Panel

Open the "Control Panel" (Start - Control Panel), then select the "Printers and other equipment" category.

In the window that opens, select "Add Printer".

The Add Printer Wizard will open. We skip the first page of the wizard by clicking the "Next" button. In the next window, leave the "Local printer connected to this computer" item selected and uncheck the "Automatic detection and installation of PnP printer" checkbox. Click "Next".

In the next window, select "Create a new port", and in the drop-down list, select "Standart TCP / IP Port".

Now the Add Wizard will open before us standard port TCP / IP printer. Skip the first page by clicking the "Next" button. Next, we type the IP address of the printer in the top line "Printer name or IP address". The port name is filled in automatically, you don't have to change anything.


Further, if the system does not have drivers for the printer, we will be presented with a standard window for installing the driver on the device. If the driver is already on the computer, or there is a disk with drivers from the device, select "Have from disk", specify the location of the drivers and install.

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  • The computer must be connected to the Internet

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  • PC diagnostics (determination of malfunction, optimization of the computer).
  • Eliminating software problems ( Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and other applications).
  • Search and recovery of data, removal of viruses and other malicious programs.
  • Installing and configuring software (except OS installation)

Remote assistance process

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After starting the program, a window with a number and password will appear. Provide this information to the remote technician.

Confirm the connection, then the wizard can start diagnostics. You can observe all the actions of the wizard on your monitor.

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Typically, when you connect a new printer to Windows 8 (or 7), the system automatically finds a suitable driver in its own local storage. If there is no corresponding driver, the system searches for it on the Internet using the Update Center.

There are times when the automatic Internet search function is disabled and windows installer can not find required driver on your hard drive. A printer connection error occurs. To remedy this situation, you need to configure automatic search and download of these files from the Internet.

The site has a section Printers Drivers in it you will find various drivers for printers and MFPs for example or. I also publish an article there in which I describe the most common problems associated with the operation of printers as well as their solution.

Printer is not installed what to do

How to enable automatic download

This function is configured in the "System Properties" window, which opens in the following way: press the keyboard shortcut "WIN + Q" and in the "Find Applications" field enter "System" - the required element will be displayed on the left side of the screen.

The System windows will open in it you need to select the Additional system settings item.

Another dialog box will open. There, the above parameters are configured.

If you mark the box next to the line “do it automatically (recommended)”, the system will automatically search for and download drivers and software from the Internet not only for new printers connected for the first time, but also updates for all registered devices. The update will take place on schedule, in accordance with the settings of the Center windows updates».

If you are not satisfied with this option, and you want the drivers to be loaded only under your control, put a checkmark opposite the second line. And from the list additional options you need to mark the option "Always install ... from the update center ...". Such actions force the installer to search, download and install from the Internet required files for a new printer only at the moment it is connected to the computer, and also when this function is started manually from the "Device Manager".

Driver installation via Task Manager

Sometimes, when connecting a new printer to the computer, automatic installation required drivers doesn't happen for whatever reason. Then you need to open the "Device Manager" window, which can be launched by clicking on the WIndows icon in the lower left corner right click and select Device Manager.

In this window new printer will be located in the sub-item of the line "Other devices", and, possibly, will be designated as "Unknown ...". It is necessary to call its context menu (right mouse button) and click on the "Update drivers ..." command. Since I have everything installed, I go to the Printers tab.

A dialog will open in which you need to click on the upper frame " Automatic search... ". Of course, this must be active connection to the Internet. Then you will have to wait for some time (sometimes very long) while the system installs the driver for the printer.

In conclusion, I want to note that in rare cases, the above options may not solve the problem. In this case, you need to go to the printer manufacturer's website and manually download setup file drivers for Windows 8 (or 7). By running this executable file, you will install what the system could not find automatically.

Are you connecting a printer to a Windows XP computer, but nothing happens? The system does not recognize your printer, detecting it as an unknown device? Or even though the printer is installed and detected correctly, it cannot be printed on? Let's try to figure out why the printing equipment refuses to work properly.

Why Windows XP can't see my printer

The computer may not see or may not recognize the printer correctly for the following reasons:

  • the printer is turned off or defective;
  • the cable with which the printer is connected to the computer is faulty;
  • on older computers to which printers are connected via COM or LPT ports, these very ports either do not work or are disabled in the BIOS.
  • when connecting modern USB printers, the reason may also be in a non-working USB port;
  • the drivers are not installed on the printer;
  • the Print Spooler service is not running;
  • software printer is not supported by Windows XP or conflicts with other software;
  • if problems arise when connecting network printers - errors in the network settings.

Eliminating hardware causes

It is not always possible to cope with hardware problems on your own, but you need to check what is in your power first. To make sure the printer is working properly, connect it to another computer - if the printer is faulty, the problem will be observed there as well.

Also check the cable you connect the printer to the PC with. If you have the opportunity to replace it and test it with another, be sure to do so. And of course, try connecting the cable to the rest of the USB ports on your computer.

If your system does not see printers connected to COM ports, you need to make sure the ports are not disabled in BIOS. To do this, go to the “Advanced” tab - “IO Device Configuration” or “Integrated peripherals” and make sure that the COM Port parameter (other option names are Onboard Serial Port, Serial Port Address, Serial Port) is set to “Enabled”.

To check if the LTP port is enabled, also go to the BIOS on the same tab and look at the value of the Onboard Parallel Port (Parallel Port Address, Parallel Port) option. It shouldn't be “Disabled” either. If the port is enabled, you can see some values \u200b\u200bin the settings of these options, for example, Auto, 378H / IRQ7 or the like.

It happens that COM and LTP ports are enabled in the BIOS, but the computer still does not see the printers. This often indicates a malfunction of the contacts in the connectors or the controller microcircuit that controls these ports (Super I / O chip). Sometimes this happens when the legs located along the perimeter of this chip move away from the contacts on the motherboard.

Dealing with software problems

Installing drivers

The most common reason Windows XP doesn't see printers is because the required drivers are missing. To check this, open Device Manager. Right click on “My Computer” on the desktop, open “Properties”, go to the “Hardware” tab and click on the “Device Manager” button.

If you see interrogative or exclamation markslike for example here -

the reason is obvious: Windows XP simply does not know what kind of device it is, so it cannot use it.

A driver disc is always supplied with printers, and to solve this problem, simply insert the disc into the drive and tell the Add New Hardware Wizard the path to it.

The driver will be installed automatically. After restarting your computer, you should be able to check how your printer is printing.

If there is no such disk, but there is Internet access, you can find the required driver by the device code. To do this, do the following:

  • Find your printer in Device Manager and open its properties.
  • Click on the Details tab.
  • Select “Equipment IDs” from the list.
  • Copy the top line from the list of codes.

  • Insert it into the line google search, Yandex or others search engines... You will most likely find several web resources from where you can download the appropriate driver. It is safer and safer to download drivers from hardware manufacturers' websites.

Checking if the Print Spooler service is running

Service Print Spooler or Print spooler responsible for the interaction of printer drivers with operating system, I / O (ports) components and network protocols. If it's disabled, don't be surprised if your printer won't print or Windows XP won't see it.

By default, the Print Spooler service is assigned the “automatic” startup type. But sometimes users themselves turn it off as unnecessary when there is no printing equipment.

  • To check, open "Start" - "Run" or press the "R" and "Windows" keys.
  • Enter the command in the "Open" line services.msc and click OK. The service control program starts.

  • Find “Print Spooler” in the list of services and open its properties (from context menu).
  • Assign start type to it "Auto" and also start if stopped.

  • If the Print Spooler does not start, check if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is running and if there is a C: WindowsSystem32Spoolsv.exe file on your hard disk.

Why the printer won't install

However, in some cases, despite the presence of drivers and correct setting services, the system still does not see or install the printer. This happens for the following reasons:

  • Windows XP has not been updated for a long time and therefore does not support new printers;
  • printers have already been installed on this computer and their service utilities remain in the system, which conflict with the new drivers.
  • security software does not trust drivers, especially those that are not signed by Microsoft, and therefore blocks their installation.

The first problem is solved by updating Windows XP. To do this, open through the Control Panel "Security Center" and in the right half of the window select "Check availability latest updates Windows Update ”.

Download all available updates from Microsoft. It is especially important to install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP if you do not have it.

If the update did not help, and you know for sure that other printers were previously used on the computer, remove all components belonging to them through Add or Remove Programs.

The next step is to check if the installation of unsigned drivers is blocked on your system. Since installing drivers without digital signature Microsoft is quite dangerous (due to the possibility of viruses entering the system), Windows XP can prohibit it.

Open the system properties by right-clicking on “My Computer”. Go to the Hardware tab and click the Driver Signing button. If in the list of actions Windows XP you have checked the item “Block - prohibit installation unsigned driver”, Select“ Warn - suggest action every time ”.

If you use third-party software - antiviruses and firewalls - to protect your computer, temporarily disable them during driver installation.

How to connect a network printer

In cases when the network printer does not print or is not recognized home group computers, the most frequent causes are incorrect network settings.

First, make sure you have a computer in your network environment to which the printer is physically connected. Both your and that PC must belong to the same workgroup, which is configured through the System Properties - the “Computer Name” tab.

Open the "Network Neighborhood" window and click on the network tasks menu item "Display computers in a workgroup".

If the desired PC is not in this window, make sure that it is working and connected to your home network. Check it and your network settings. The local IP addresses of these two computers must be in the private network address range, for example, 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255, and not be duplicated.

If you see a computer with a printer in the workgroup window, but the printer still does not print documents on your PC, check the sharing setting. Open the “Printers and Faxes” window on the PC to which the printer is connected from the “Start” menu. In this window, you should see all of your network printing equipment.

Click on the menu “ Shared access to printer ”and enable in the properties“ General access”. Then check if the network printer is printing documents from your PC.

Still no result? See if the ports used by the print service are blocked (these are TCP ports 139 and 445). If you are using windows firewall XP, open it through the Control Panel. On the Exceptions tab, check the box next to File and Printer Sharing. Save the setting and check if the printer prints after these changes.

Why the printer won't print

What if the printer still won't print? Perhaps the turn has not reached your documents. This happens with a long print queue of this printer, as well as problems with opening a file.

To solve this problem, you need to clear the print queue.

  • With the Printers and Faxes window open, right-click on the printer icon.
  • Select the "Open" item from the context menu. You will see how many documents your printer is currently printing. Rather, how many are waiting for their turn.
  • Click on "Printer" from top menu and select “Clear Print Queue” from the list.

  • After all, send the documents back to print. If this was the problem, you can see how the printer prints them.

Other reasons that your equipment does not print are low ink or toner levels, as well as various problems in the device itself. Any modern printing equipment informs the user about the lack of ink by turning on special indicators on the case.

As for the breakdown, this option is likely when you have tried all the available solutions to the problem, but the printer still does not print or the computer with Windows XP still does not see it. There is nothing left here but to contact the service center.