windows 7 mass storagecontroller driver help needed  

The list of OS for the driver at HP shows one for Vista 64 bit and another for Vista with no bit specification - is the latter the one I should download?

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YES the latter with no bit spec - they just say Vista FOR THE 32 bit driver version it is 14.2 mb

Wo w I bet your only had a pc for 12 mths, as you know absolutely nothing, but I was the same when I first started with computing, so its nothing to be embarrassed about.

driver downloaded and extracted - again no setup.exe or any individual files - just the same files that showed before extraction

You can also do it this way which may be easier and is the recommended way -

1. Download the HP LaserJet 1010/1012/1015 Host Based Driver to your PC.
2. Close any software programs running on your computer.
3. Double click on the downloaded file
4. Click "Extract all files" to extract driver files. Remember the directory where files are extracted
5. Open Control Panel -> Devices &Printers . Click Add a printer.
6. Follow instructions of the Add Printer Wizard. Point to the inf file located in the directory when prompted.
7. Upon completion print a test page to verify. Restart the PC if needed.

I tried yr last suggestion before I posted on the forum - unfortunately, it didn't work

Sorry i'm such a computer bonehead

Well install the software first, try both ways, dont connect the printer until the software is installed - you can plug it in to the USB port after the software is installed or when the software asks.

Im runing out of suggestions be back in a couple of hours.

I just read this on the support page for installation -
All applications need to be closed, and all TSRs need to be shut down. TSRs include anit-virus software and other system status monitoring programs.
Have you been shutting down your antivirus program?

Has the printer a yellow asterisk in device manager, well if so, after reading troubleshooting at the hp site, i found they instruct you to installl it thru device manager, as I outlined in a previous post - can you do this please? Follow the instructions in my post by clicking browse and locating the vista info file - if this fails you could try the XP driver as a last resort.

HP LaserJet 1012 Printer- HP Color LaserJet and LaserJet Series Printers - Failed USB Install - c00096429 - HP Business Support Center