Cannot delete a printer - sort of

[nantucketbob]

A printer died so I deleted it from Windows 7. I probably went to Start, Devices & Printers, right clicked the printer, selected Remove Device. The icon disappeared, but I have two programs that use that printer as the default printer, even though it has been removed, so I get a printer error if I don't notice. It is irritating. Suggestions.

 

[Slartybart]

A few things to try

Set a new printer as the default in Devices and Printer
(can be XPS if no physical preinter exists)
-> this will set a new global default printer for the system

Check the two apps to see if they have a default printer setting that might override the system default printer. Change the printer in teh app.
-> this might set a new local default printer in the app

Print a short test "Hello world" document to the current default printer and save the test document. (XPS saves paper)
-> some apps remember the last used printer and won't change what it uses until it gets new information

Uninstall anything related to the old printer
check device manager for anything related to the old printer
-> some All-in-One (AIO) devices aren't completely uninstalled

Fairly simple things that you might have already tried.

 

[nantucketbob]

I tried those things. I think the problem rests in the application. They blame Windows; they have a point in that somehow the deleted printer still exists somewhere. But when I change the default printer in their software, it does not "stick." The print windows brings up the deleted printer. The software is Avery Design Pro 5. I am having other Win7 issues so I thought I would ask about this issue.

 

[TVeblen]

Try this:

• Start > Devices & Printers
• Click to select any printer listed > then on the top menu bar click: "Print Server Properties"
• In the Print Server Properties window > click the Drivers Tab
• Select the name of the problem printer > click "Remove"
• When asked, delete the drivers too

Now make one of the other printers the default printer > then restart the computer.


See if that clears it up.

 

[Slartybart]

Thanks for telling me the application.

I found the install help pdf http://www.avery.com/vgnfiles/OP/en_us/Help%20Center/staticfiles/DesignPro%20for%20PC%20Help%20for%20Windows7.pdf and it says to use XP compatibility mode in Win7.

In other words, they didn't update the product for Win7. Instead they depend on Win7 to pretend it's XP when running their software.

I agree with you - I think it's Avery.

Uninstall / Reinstall Avery? I don't know if that leaves configuration files behind.
Is Avery responsive when you call? Ask them how to remove all traces when uninstalling - I'm sure you have some things you want to keep, so ask them about export/import (or backup and restore data - labels, designs...)

See where you get and post your results (Uninstall/Reinstall worked...Had to call Avery...)

Hopefully you'll get it resolved.

Good luck.

On to other issues then!