Can't seem to remove print device HP Photosmart C-6280

[tfcolligan]

Hi Gang,

The below image should give you an idea of my a.) dilemma and b.) frustration (note name of default printer).


This is a Home Network printer. Windows 7 in this instance is running wireless on my Dell D-620. It did not like the installation disk for the HP printer, but was able to locate internal drivers for it. It's set up using the IP addy. Sadly, it doesn't like to hold the printer mapping over time, and frequently drops it. I've tried a few things, but only removing/reinstalling the driver seems to solve it, and even then only temporarily. Problem is, the ghosts that you see in the pic. I remove them using "remove device" but they only reappear on refresh, or restarting of the "Devices and Printers" window.

HELP suggested removing in Device Manager, but there is nothing there to remove. I'm sure I am not seeing the clear answer here. Can anyone offer a suggestion? I just want those ghosts out of there and my life back. ~~ ~~

 

[tfcolligan]

I am a little surprised that nobody has responded to this. Anyway, the problem is on the back burner for me at the moment. If anyone has a thought, would appreciate. Any time's good. T/hanks

 

[Orbital Shark]

Hi tfcolligan, sorry for the late reply.

Have you enabled the 'Show hidden devices' in device manager?

   Note

You may need to change to the different views to see if there are any 'ghost' devices installed

Hope this helps




Jeff

 

[printme]

I've been able to remove stubborn printers in under both Vista and Win7 using the Print Management applet (under Administrative Tools). Good luck!

 

[andrea4s]

I have the same problem with HP4580 printer. I now have about 6 of them installed! Clicking remove device works until you refesh. Every few days the printer and computer stop talking and I have to reinstall. My PC on xp and my hubbys mac work fine (as did my laptop when it was vista). I have tried the above suggestions.

 

[hombre58]

Don't know if this will work for you as the issue is not exactly the same, but it's worth a try. Go to this link:
You cannot remove a printer that has the at sign (@) in its name from a computer that is running Windows 7

 

[andrea4s]

It works!! Some of the printers where still there after deleting. If you right click on them (in the devices and printers menu) and click open it says 'documents in queue'. Cancel the print jobs and the printer will then delete from the devices and printers menu.
Now just to solve the problem of having to keep reinstalling the printer every few days!
Thanks Hombre58!

 

[hombre58]

andrea4s - You're welcome! Your original problem of having to keep reinstalling the printer sounds familiar as well. We have the same issue with a Lexmark e234 laser printer, but it seems to only occur if we unplug the printer (or if our electricity goes out). Don't know why that should make a difference but the problem only occurs on those occasions. If you have the printer plugged into a power strip which you turn off, it might be causing the loss of communication. Don't know if it is applicable to your situation, but figured it couldn't hurt to let you know. Good luck!

 

[mhazel]

Trouble clearing the print queue to delete the icon

I am having the same problem and have followed the instructions here but when I go to delete the documents in the print queue for each old version of the icon, I am not allowed or receive an error message when I try to delete the docuements.

Please help if you can.

 

[hombre58]

Reply to mhazel

mhazel - It's possible that it will work better if you cancel the print jobs first, then follow the instructions on the site I posted earlier. Could be that deleting the printer first convinces Windows that the printer doesn't exist, making it impossible to cancel the print jobs. No guarantees, as I'm not a techie, just a guy thinking out loud. Good luck!

 

[M33]

Reply to Printme - Removing print device

@Printme

"I've been able to remove stubborn printers in under both Vista and Win7 using the Print Management applet (under Administrative Tools). Good luck! "

You were right on target! I've been trying to delete those annoying ghostly printer icons with no success until your post! Here's what I did (following your advice) Click Start button - Administrative Tools - Print Management - Custom Filters - All Printers and delete any unwanted printer icons there.

Thanks Printme that was a huge help!

M33