HP All-in-One Products, HP Deskjet, and HP Photosmart Printers - ‘Printer Driver Unknown’ Error Message Displays During the Printer Software Installation.
Here’s how to fix it. I ran into this problem with Windows XP Professional and the HP PSC 1510 All-In-One printer driver installation.
This has been one of my top ten computer time wasters of all time. I’m embarrassed to say this took me about 10 hours to solve. I could not find any documentation on the web for it, and those who had fixed it said they forgot how they did it. I must have done 30 or so searches on related terms, about 10 downloads from the HP site with uninstall and reinstall, and at least 20 searches on the HP website for support documentation. I finally found this info on about page 8 of an obscure Google search. Go figure. I would bet that if you found my page here on Google you have probably already wasted at least an hour on this problem. Let me know if I’m wrong.
So here you go. If this fixes your problem please post a note that it worked and helped you out.
QUICK INSTRUCTIONS - FIX THIS IN 3 MINUTES
(Below see link to HP help page, and full detailed instructions)
Here’s the fix:
HP HELP PAGE
* First uninstall your current HP installation.*
Step one: Uninstall the printer driver and software
1.
Disconnect the universal serial bus (USB) cable from the computer.
2.
Insert the printer software CD into the computer.
3.
A prompt to uninstall the software displays. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.
4.
Restart the computer.
Step two: Turn off the Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs and other background programs
When the computer is turned on, a software group called the Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs automatically loads. These programs activate some of the computer utilities such as the anti-virus software but are not required for the computer to function. Occasionally, TSRs prevent the printer software from loading so that it does not install properly.
In Microsoft Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows XP, use the MSCONFIG utility to prevent TSR programs and services from starting up.
1. Click Start and then click Run. The Run window opens.
2. In the Open: box, type msconfig, and then click OK. The MSCONFIG utility window opens.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Select Selective Startup.
5. If there is a check mark next to Load Startup items, click the check mark to remove it.
6. For Windows XP systems only - Click the Services tab and place a check mark in the Hide All Microsoft Services box. Select Disable All.
7. Click Apply and then click Close.
8. Click Restart to restart the computer.
Unplug your USB printer cable and reinstall. That’s it!
Visit the HP Help Documentation Page for this error.
Here’s the text from their page in case the URL for this changes:
Issue
The printer software installation stops and the Printer Driver Unknown error message displays on the computer. This document applies only to products connected with a USB cable.
Figure 1: Printer Driver Unknown error message
Solution: Follow the steps below to resolve this issue.
NOTE: These instructions do not apply to Windows 2000 because the MSCONFIG utility used in Step two does not exist in Windows 2000.
Step one: Uninstall the printer driver and software
1.
Disconnect the universal serial bus (USB) cable from the computer.
2.
Insert the printer software CD into the computer.
3.
A prompt to uninstall the software displays. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.
4.
Restart the computer.
Step two: Turn off the Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs and other background programs
When the computer is turned on, a software group called the Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs automatically loads. These programs activate some of the computer utilities such as the anti-virus software but are not required for the computer to function. Occasionally, TSRs prevent the printer software from loading so that it does not install properly.
In Microsoft Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows XP, use the MSCONFIG utility to prevent TSR programs and services from starting up.
NOTE: This step does not apply to Windows 2000 because the MSCONFIG utility does not exist in Windows 2000.
1.
Click Start and then click Run. The Run window opens.
2.
In the Open: box, type msconfig, and then click OK. The MSCONFIG utility window opens.
3.
Click the General tab.
4.
Select Selective Startup.
5.
If there is a check mark next to Load Startup items, click the check mark to remove it.
6.
For Windows XP systems only - Click the Services tab and place a check mark in the Hide All Microsoft Services box. Select Disable All.
7.
Click Apply and then click Close.
8.
Click Restart to restart the computer.
Step three: Install the product software
Listed below are several options for installing the product software. If the product software CD is not available, HP recommends downloading and installing the product software from the HP Website at www.hp.com.
Method one: Install the product software from the CD
1.
If the product software CD is still in the computer CD drive, remove it and re-insert it in the CD drive.
2.
If the software installation does not start automatically, follow the steps below.
1.
Click Start and then click Run. The Run window opens.
2.
In the Open: box, type D:\setup.exe, where D is the letter of the CD-ROM drive.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software installation.
Method two: Download the software from hp.com
1.
Go to www.hp.com and click Software and driver downloads.
2.
Type the model number of your product in the Search box.
3.
Select the operating system of the computer to which the device is connected.
4.
Click the downloaded software to start the software installer.
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
Step four: Use the MSCONFIG utility to enable the Startup software
1.
Click Start and then click Run. The Run window opens.
2.
In the Open: box, type MSCONFIG and then click OK to start the MSCONFIG utility.
3.
On the General tab, select Normal Startup to automatically enable all features the next time the computer is started. In Windows XP, click the Services tab and select Enable All.
4.
Click Apply and then click Close.
5.
Click Restart to apply the changes to the computer.
*********
*Note to HP Web Staff: Yes, this information is indeed on your website, but it is near-impossible to find while searching support documents, and it is not linked to from the “Troubleshooting” section for the 1510 printer. I am betting other customers are having this same problem. We all love the story of Hewlitt and Packard starting the business in a garage, but we enjoy to a lesser degree troubleshooting these problems. :)”
January 18th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Thanks a million for this fix. I think I wasted more time than you on this. I even called the Geek Squad and after looking at it they told me I needed a new printer. Thankfully I’m persistent and eventually found your instructions. Worked like a charm.
January 18th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Hi Pete,
Thanks for letting me now it helped. I make quite a few geek posts like this and it’s nice to know that they are helpful. I went to the Geek Squad too! After spending four hours on it I took it to the Geek Squad and waited in line over thirty minutes. That was more frustrating than finding a fix, so I took it all back home and worked on it more. And thank you for letting me know it took you a long time too, now I don’t feel quite so lame.
January 22nd, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I followed your steps for my HP 1401, but windows is still popping up
telling me it cant install it. I’m about to chuck my computer from a 12
story building, can you help me?
January 22nd, 2007 at 5:03 pm
I’m not a computer tech, but my guess is you didn’t uninstall completely first. See the link to the HP HELP DOCUMENTATION PAGE - their support page is delineated better so will be easier to follow all steps. Go through all their steps slowly, especially the uninstall portions.
January 23rd, 2007 at 5:42 am
Thank you very much for your help… I was about to dump my printer. After wasting my time for much longer than you…
Vitoria. Spain
January 24th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Thanks! I finally got it working woot woot
January 24th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Score another one for the team!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:50 am
If this works, a free beer in Bristol, Indiana awaits the author!
January 26th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Thanks for the tips.. your solution worked fine!
January 27th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Dear Dan Watson,
Please respond as to your printer’s current status. I need to know if Bristol, Indiana should be marked on my map. hehe
January 28th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Thanks millions. I spent a few hours on the same problem with an HP PSC 1510. I downloaded the latest software. I did come across this fix earlier in the day on an HP website and tried a few other fixes. I was searching for that again, but I found your fix before I found their’s again.
Fortunately I did not have to uninstall the software again. I just disconnected and restarted in the mode suggested and it worked. I am smiling.
Thanks again
January 30th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
HP 920C USB and Parallel did the same thing. HP 712C Parallel did it too. I was going crazy Repaired Windows XP, Updated Bios Installed Re-Installed Downloaded Drivers All of this several times. I appriciate you posting this VALUABLE information. Wished I’d found it days ago. Thanks!
January 30th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! Bought printer (1 hour). A really “geeky” friend of mine unpacked my HP all-in-one printer, tried to install the software and printer (2 hours). Concluded the printer wasn’t communicating with the computer (defective merchandise). Packed it up, returned to store for refund (1 1/2 hours). Frustrated (2 days). Bought Epson Stylus CX6000 All-in-one printer (one hour). Unpacked, set up, tried to install driver, same error message, tried other approaches, same results, pissed off now (4 hours). Let go for a night (time out). Called the other “geek” who built my computer for me and explained situation, no answer, will come check it out later(10 min.). More time contemplating how it would feel taking a sledge hammer to the monitor (8 hours). Sudden brainstorm (instantanious). Went to computer and did a search: “troubleshooting printer driver error message for windows xp”, and VOILA, there you are (5 min.)! You have no idea how happy I am to have found you and how incredibly smart I suddenly feel!!!!!!!! OK, another beer and……….dinner! LOL!
January 30th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
thank you so much. i didnt have to waste much time at all found your info and bam it worked. cant thank you enough.
January 30th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Two beers and one dinner, not bad. I think I’m going to change professions and go into tech support.
January 31st, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I cannot Thank You enough. I really appreciate your help.
February 2nd, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I spent days with this problem. Calling people, asking people, 2.5 hours(dial-up) downloading from HP what I thought to be the unknown driver and another hour on the phone with HP who ended up telling me that my computer was the fault. I called Staples and luckily the person who answered the phone told me to search and see if this problem existed with someone else. There were pay websites and you. I owe you. If you want, I’ll send you a complimentary copy of my new book: The Ring Master.
Thank you, again and again.
February 5th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Jack Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
February 5th, 2007 at 9:12 am
to whoever posted the solution to the Printer Driver Unkown, a huge thank you. I was going completely nuts. I don’t know how I stumbled onto your “fix”, but it saved the day big time! I had uninstalled my printer to see if that resolved a problem i was having and was planning on re-installing. When I got the error message, not only didn’t I have a functioning printer, BUT i could no longer open my writing software program (I am a newspaper columnist). For a few hours I was out of my mind. Then I came across your solution, and to my amazement, it worked!!!
February 7th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! After spending most of the night and morning trying to get my printer to work I was going a little crazy trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. It kept telling me ‘driver unknown installation error”. So I uninstalled and reinstalled several times and nothing would work. Finally, I went online and found your site where others had the same problem as me. I wrote down your notes and tried it myself and…..viola!!!!! I have a printer!! Whooooo Hooooo! You are wonderful, amazing and brilliant! Thank you so much from Iowa!!
February 8th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I am trying to fix this problem for a friends computer, your solution works great, however I am here for the third time redoing the installation. What is causing the printer to dissapear from the installed printers. It’s a HP OfficeJet 6210 All-in-One. If anyone can help thanks and free beer is available in kentucky as well.
February 8th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Double check the software is actually un-installed, use the Windows control panel to fully un-install the software. Let me know if that helps.
February 11th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Thank you so much for posting this for others to use! I spent hours on this, including a couple of frustrating, time-wasting on-line chats with HP. I tried your solution and my printer works fine now. One question though, should I go back into MSCONFIG and undue the changes or leave it like it is?
February 12th, 2007 at 3:12 am
I’ve left mine as it is just because I don’t want to waste any more time on it. Maybe someone can give us additional information on this.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:48 am
words arent enugh.
thanks a lot !
February 20th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Just to let you know it works with other multifunction devices other then HP. I work for a rival company and we use the selective startup to fix this issue with ours too. Just wanted to post this in case anyone else reads it with a C4n0n unit (no company name used) hehe cause it works for our Multifuctions too.
February 24th, 2007 at 10:14 am
I am trying to install a HP PSC 2350 but the install stalls half way through, No error message tho, just Stalls. Using XP. Any ideas?
March 4th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Thanks a bunch for this info. Like many others, I’ve spent WAY too much time trying to get my HP All-In-One printer to connect. After hours trying to get relevant info at HP (and deleting/installing drivers repeatedly) I followed these instructions and - voila! - all better. I did get one small shocker towards the end - when plug-n-play took over, it asked where the drivers were and I let it go look - computer froze up. When I rebooted, HP icon was there and all is functional. Remarkable. Thanks again.
June 1st, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Where do I find the update printer installation for 1401 all in one printer. I have misplaced my disk and was told it can be done by downloading?????
June 1st, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Is there anyway of downloading the disk I need- without wainnting for moderation???
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I updated my windows vista and after doing so i realized my printer was not responding. How can I remedy this?
November 4th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
OMG! I am so glad I found this post. You have not a clue what I have been through over this. I re-installed windows (had to buy an external hd to do this.) Then did the ‘driver dance’ as most everyone else. then I lost my XP desktop completely. Nothing just black. You would think that it might be easy, plug and play is a misnomer. I will never buy an HP printer again. Their support sucks and so does their software. You are awesome for posting this…that is what I love about the internet. Maybe if we all had Apple computers and Cannon printers we could have more time doing what we do and less time spent playing tech sleuth!
November 8th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Thank you! Thank you! I thought my pc was really messed up. I thought about reinstalling windows untill I found your page. You made my wife happy which in turn makes me happy. Thank you again!
November 10th, 2007 at 7:55 am
it was really good.
now my printer working fine.
December 11th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
very helpfull and it worked on first try
December 16th, 2007 at 9:44 am
THANK YOU!!! I too wasted many hours on this one and your solution is the one that finally worked.
I have been putting up with these bloated, buggy, crappy HP drivers for years. Their hardware may be great but if I can’t access reliably it then it’s worthless to me. After this experience I’ve decided enough is enough.
I will NEVER buy another HP product.
I will prohibit my employees from purchasing HP equipment on the company dime.
I will steer my clinets away from HP, even for servers.
January 9th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Gracias por esta informacion, la verdad que ya me traia bien asoleado este problema y mas los usuarios, ya que siempre se quejaban que no podian imprimir.
Bueno, con esto ya quedo.
Saludos!
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
HELP HELP HELP SOS SOS i have spent 70hrs with hp tech & still cannot install on my new toshiba laptop. I have tried all of your steps & the ones from the website. NO go. there has to be someone to help me. before i comit harry carry. i have spent this much time i am not ready to toss it yet. cant afford to. help sos please geeks unite to help me!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Just got this message today:
Thanks so much for you solution to the problem. You were correct, I spent over 2 hours trying to fix the problem and the person I was supporting spent over two days on the phone with HP support and they could not fix it.
I was able to get the printer to work but still got the error message. After following your steps - it all worked. Thanks again.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Askland, thanks for posting this. We also spent numerous hours first trying to fix it ourselves, and then with HP support, and then after spending 2 hours on the phone with the tech who was from ?Mexico and another from Argentina, we were still left without access to our printer. Then in a moment of brilliance we found the solution on your website. Thank you so much!!
March 6th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Well I spent 2 hours on this before looking on line. The selective start up did work.
thanks for taking the time to write this tutorial.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:48 am
This worked for me.The HP online support did not help at all.Thanks so much.
March 20th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
YOU RULE. ENOUGH SAID.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Your solution works for the HP Deskjet 952c. Thanks a lot!
June 15th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
had to try this fix a few times to get it to work (PSC 1210 all-in-one). i’m guessing that i did not follow the instructions to the L E T T E R the first 2 times…make sure you do and it should work fine. thenks for the hard work in finding this fix
July 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Unbeleaveable, I spent 3 hours on the phone with HP only at the end for them to tell me they wanted me to pay 50 bucks to go further. I did a google search and this was the first thing I clicked on and I ahd the problem fixed in 2 minutes. thank you so much I was at my wits end.
I also did not uninstall, I made the change rebooted and then just clicked add a device from my start up disk.
July 20th, 2008 at 6:02 am
i have an HP Deskjet 3745 that won’t install successfully. after doing the msconfig thing, it worked!!! thanks a lot!!! merci beaucoup!!! maraming salamat!!!
August 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I’ve been trying to install my HP printer for 3 months! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Thank you very much! Not my strong point! I was very frustrated until I just followed your “fix”! It worked and made me feel brilliant! (Well, maybe not brilliant…but much better! YOU’RE brilliant!) Thanks for taking the time to help others!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for the post,
unfortunately it did not work for me. I have spent many hours on this and am done. Thank God this is not my printer because if it were, I would throw it away and buy an Epson, Lexmark, or ANYTHING else other than HP. HP makes great printers with absolutely the worst software and support possible.
“%1 not a valid WIN32 application”
November 6th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Amazing! I was having impenetrable problems with my printer before I came across your post. Thanks so much!