Windows 7: printer driver problem in Windows 7

I cannot install any of my HP printers to my laptop with Windows 7. I get the plug n play driver and it says install successful. When I try to add printer I get the message "unable to install printer. Some driver files are missing or incorrect. Reinstall the driver to try using the latest version." I have tried many times and have run diagnostics, but nothing works. I think it must be someting in Windows 7 is misconfigured, but I don't know what. Can someone help?

Hiya pal and welcome to the forums

Could you give a bit more info like the model printer you are trying to install.
Most HP printers require you to install the CD/Downloaded drivers before you plug the printer physically in. Same goes if you are installing it via Wi-Fi

I am trying to install HP Deskjet 6988 on my Windows 7 laptop which is already installed on my PC with Vista and is on my wireless network. The only driver available is if I use the usb port on the printer directly to my laptop. It downloads "successfully" but when I try to add the printer I get the dirver error message. I can't download the driver before turning on the printer because then it won't recognize the usb.

Soz pal I don't quite understand what your saying

1. Do not plug in or turn the printer on.
2. Install the drivers via the CD or download.
3 . Plug in/turn on the printer when prompted (follow the on screen instructions)

Windows 7 has no downloads for drivers. The only way to get the driver is to plug in the usb to the printer and it downloads automatically (which is where the problem is). The printer has to be turned on in order to do this.

Have you tried following the instructions here Install the Driver Located in the Operating System with a Wireless or Wired Connection in Windows 7

You could also try using the Vista drivers (if this fails try using compatibility mode aswell)

HP Full Feature Software and Driver HP Deskjet 6988 Printer

I have tried this and it didn't work. How do I use compatibility mode?

Pl. try my method to install the driver( I successfully installed HP Deskjet 670C for Vista, & Win 7) . Eventhough Ur printer is different the method will work.
1) Printer is switched on & connect it to the USB of the Computer.Window will automatically install some generic driver.But the Printer will not work as the driver is not the proper one.
2) Using Control Panel go to Printer & U will see the Icon of the connected printer as Unknown Device . Rt click on it , go to the properties and uninstall the driver.
3) In the Printer window , select ADD PRINTER and follow the instructions. When the Driver selection comes up & Window is not showing your HP Printer in the list , select Window update , for driver download.
For full detail of my method refer Window 7 Forum driver for 660C
I am sure this will work. No need to use compatability mode
milo499

The only problem seems in the installation of the drivers, so try once again to install the drivers properly and you will be done.