Difference Between File Repository and Actual Driver Folder?

[jtphenom]

Hi folks,

I was trying to uninstall a print driver for a network printer for one of my users (Windows 7), and I ran into that issue where it tells you that it can't remove the drivers because they are still in use (this after stopped and restarting the spooler, rebooting, etc.). So I was looking at the "File Repository" for this print driver (C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\hpcu115u.inf_amd64_neutral_4a9d334b04ff58b2), and it has the same files as another folder that is pointed to under the "Driver" tab in the Print Server Properties dialogue (C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3). My questions are the following:

1. What is the purpose of the File Repository folder as compared to the driver folder as listed above?

2. If I am unable to remove the print drivers through Print Management (using admin rights), should I manually delete the corresponding File Repository folder, should I delete the files in the corresponding folder as listed above (C:\Windows\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3), neither, or both?

3. Why in the world does it give that message, even after having deleted that printer? Is it a matter of other users on that machine being mapped to that same network printer, or what?

Thanks for your help!
James T.

 

[jtphenom]

Anyone? :huh:

 

[HammerHead]

Possiblity

You could have a driver still loading. You could have a service still loading.

Check your service panel and see if you have an active service related to the printer still running. If so (If the printer is no longer needed) disable it. To check services type "services" in the start search box and click the gear icon.

Check your startup at msconfig. This will also show you what services you are starting. Type "msconfig" in the start search box.

 

[jtphenom]

Thanks HammerHead. I did check that out and there doesn't appear to be any service related to that printer still loading. Any idea about my first two questions?

 

[HammerHead]

Read, Read, Read

I am not familiar with the file repository. I did a search for "Win 7 filerepository" and got a boat load of links all informational. I suggest you try that. There were too many for me to post.

That search should read "win 7 file repository".