Windows 7: Canon LBP 5100 64-bit Driver

I notice that there are a number of posting in regards 64-bit drivers for Canon printers but no other posting for the Canon LBP 5100. I purchased this printer around 12 months ago and simply love it, mainly due to the auto duplex that make printing out PDF such an easy task.

I intend building a new computer in the coming months and have more or less decided on installing Windows 7 Home Premium or Pro (Retail) 64-bit. The only major problem I can see with the 64-bit is with the Canon Printer LBP 5100, the canon website shows a 32-bit driver for Vista but no 64-bit versions. Contacting Canon NZ I received a reply stating that as far as they can ascertain there will be no 64-bit drivers for this printer unless Canon Japan decides different.

Questions please: I have been told that Windows 7 will come with a driver for the Canon LBP 5100 but can't find any information in regards this, so my question is does Windows 7 come with a driver for this printer?
If it does will the auto duplex still work?

Anyone knows how to contact Canon Japan (in English) about a 64-bit driver for this printer?

Had anyone that uses this printer come across a work around for a 64-bit driver for this printer.

Their is a similar post above yours for the lpb 5000. And from their question I can ascertain that windows 7 doesn't come with a driver for your printer since they can't be theirs to work. Even if W& did cone with a driver it would be a printer driver (just basic ) and most likely wouldn't include the applications needed for duplex. Sorry but after 7 is released on the 22 nd maybe with enough inquiries cannon will get with the program. But from their point of view i assume they would just rather sell you a newer model printer. Fabe

Okay, thanks.

I'll try the virtualization section now and ask a question there in regards getting an 64-bit printer driver to work in 32-bit XP mode.

Although the Canon i-SENSYS LBP5100 is still being sold and is listed on Canon's current laser printer product page, they have no interest in producing a 64bit driver and have added a tiny footnote to the LBP5100 specification page stating "32 bit driver only".

The Canon helpdesk was less than helpful and it looks like my only option is to replace the printer - although working as Head of Computing I do have the satisfaction of banning all further purchases of any kind from Canon for our group of companies.

As much as I like the LBP5100 I'll think long and hard before purchasing another Canon printer. Extremely disappointed with the support offered by Canon

I've contacted Canon NZ support requesting a Windows 7 driver either 32bit or 64 bit for the LBP5100. Was informed that Windows 7 drivers are not available yet. I think thats very poor from a supposedly leading printer manufacturer for a 12 month old colour laser printer. Would not recommend Canon to anyone intending to purchase printers.

Update - Windows 7 32bit driver is now available !

Canon Advanced Printing Technology for Canon LBP5100 R1.12 Ver.3.02 (Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/Windows 7)

Will test tonight..

Have you had the chance to try out this driver yet? If so was it successful? How did you come across the information?

Thanks for the link.

Still no sign of a 64 bit driver though.

Hi there
You *might* find something on Windows Update.

I'm still using an OLD OLD Epson 1290 photo printer - Windows update even gave me a 64 bit driver for this one --- Epson's last drivers for this model were Windows 2000 - but I like the printer because I can still print at A3+ size.

Try and see if Windows update finds a driver.

Otherwise another solution is to load up a tiny Virtual windows XP machine (don't install any apps on it) and just use it to share the printer with your Windows 7 machine.

You can download VMWARE server for free -- this IMO is a better option for this application as the VM can be started in the background (and automatically on boot). You just then install the printer on the vm and then share it.

On the Windows 7 machine -- as you don't have a driver for it you''ll have to define the printer as a NETWORK printer.

Then define this as your default printer.

Cheers
jimbo