Policy Enabled on your Computer that blocks NT 4.0 drivers  

I have been researching this issue for more than a week. I am installing an Epson ET-2800 printer. Yes, it is compatible with Windows 7, both 32 and 64. Yes, I have the correct drivers.

If I install it using the files downloaded from the site, I get the error: printer cannot be found. This is after it recognizes the printer and starts installing the drivers.

If I install it using the files from the included CD (I know, right, an included CD), I get the same error message.

It installs the scanner drivers without an issue. I can use it to scan, but not to print.

Since the printer is visible in Device Manager, I used that to install the driver, but I got a different error message: Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device... The printer driver is not compatible with a policy enabled on your computer that blocks NT 4.0 drivers".

When I used "Devices and Printers" to add a printer, I got the error message: "Windows can't install the EPSON ET-2800 Series kernel-mode print driver. To obtain a driver that is compatible with the version of Windows you are running, contact the manufacturer".

There is an option to install as a network printer, which I have used. I get the same error as using "Devices and Printers".

After each fail, a pop up tells me that the installation was successful, which it was not.

I take screen shots of all the error messages to do proper research for the problem.

Each time it fails, I remove all aspects and reboot the PC.

Epson tech support spent two hours on the phone with me. He walked me trough the exact steps I'd already taken, but I didn't want to tell him that. I thought he would have another method of installation after all the others failed.

Those instructions should get you going IF you follow them to a T. The first link is just about how to backup the registry in case there's an issue. I can tell you exactly how to do that. Just type regedit into Windows search under the Start orb. Now while in the registry click on "computer." Now go to File and Export. If you need to import the last registry full backup then simply chose the import option in the registry and navigate to where you saved the several l hundred megabyte registry backup file. I would also set a system restore point as an additional safety measure. To do that, go to Windows search and begin typing create a restore point.

If you would like to see the now dead link, then it's archived at the Wayback Machine here. (May be slow to load).

If you have any questions about the procedure outlined at the HP website then ask. Or ask at the HP website and point to that link. Specify exactly what doesn't work in the outlined step by step process to fix this issue.