Common printer driver problem... with a twist

[WootyBeans]

HP Laserjet 4L Driver Manual Install?

I just installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit a couple days ago, and I've been loving it, so far. Previously, I had been using the Win7 RC 32bit.

However, I've hit a bit of a snag trying to connect my printer. It's pretty ancient, an HP Laserjet 4L. I have it connected to another computer in my network (running Vista Ultimate 32bit).

I can go into "add printer", and it will see the printer just fine, but when I try to add it, it gives the common "no driver found" error, and asks me to point it to a .inf file.

Many other threads I've read make mention of a "Windows Update" button in the add printer wizard, that will connect to Microsoft and download the correct driver. I see no such button. Where, exactly, can I find this button? And, of course, the usual Windows update process won't find the driver because the printer isn't connected directly to my machine. (And, is physically incapable of being connected directly to my machine without some kind of adapter.)

HP's site says the only driver available is through Microsoft Update. I have tried to search for, and download the driver manually, but, so far, haven't had any luck. I've found two "driver updates." I downloaded them, but they're cabinet files, and I have no idea what to do with them.

I also find it interesting that when I was running the Win7 RC, I didn't have this issue.

So...

How do I find the right driver for my printer? Is there something I'm missing about those CAB files? Is there any way to use the driver from the Vista machine that the printer is plugged into?

Who would have thought I'd have this much trouble finding a driver.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[DocBrown]

I have moved printers to the win7 computer. And then installed it as a local printer on the win7 computer. Then I move it back to the Vista or XP computer. Then on the win7 computer I search again for it as a network printer. Usually has worked 5 out of 6 times for me.

 

[Ch@n]

LaserJet model specific printer drivers are currently available within the Windows 7 operating system. Installation of these drivers can be performed via Devices and Printers.
NOTE: If the model specific driver that you are looking for does not appear in the list of available printers, clicking the Windows Update button underneath the list of available printers may provide additional drivers to choose from. Requires opt-in to Microsoft Windows Update and internet connection.

When you get the Windows options of all printer drivers, select HP 4 Series PCL driver and hit properties and change to 300dpi and it should work.

 

[WootyBeans]

I have moved printers to the win7 computer. And then installed it as a local printer on the win7 computer. Then I move it back to the Vista or XP computer. Then on the win7 computer I search again for it as a network printer. Usually has worked 5 out of 6 times for me.

Unfortunately, I don't think this is an option. My Win7 computer doesn't have the right port on the motherboard to plug in the printer. Unless I'm missing something. (which is entirely possible)

LaserJet model specific printer drivers are currently available within the Windows 7 operating system. Installation of these drivers can be performed via Devices and Printers.
NOTE: If the model specific driver that you are looking for does not appear in the list of available printers, clicking the Windows Update button underneath the list of available printers may provide additional drivers to choose from. Requires opt-in to Microsoft Windows Update and internet connection.

When you get the Windows options of all printer drivers, select HP 4 Series PCL driver and hit properties and change to 300dpi and it should work.

Wait, drivers are listed on the list of available printers? I haven't seen any there. And, I still have no idea where this Windows Update button is. There is no such button under the list of available printers. What am I missing? I'm going to Start --> Control Panel --> Hardware and Sound --> Devices and Printers --> Add a Printer

 

[hubris]

Hi. Does your printer show up in Device Manager?