Some "Windows 2000" printer drivers are actually the "Version 2" variety,
not the "Version 3" variety required for XP. Windows 2000 supports the
"Version 2" printer driver model that was introduced with Windows NT 4 as
well as the "Version 3" model that was introduced with Windows 2000.
I suggest checking the printer manufacturer's web site for updated drivers
for Windows 2000/XP.
Also, see
http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/AddDrivertoOldOS.htm.
If you open the Printers and Faxes folder on the Windows 2000 computer from
the Windows XP computer, click File, Server Properties and select the
Drivers tab, if the Version column says "Windows NT and 2000", this is a
"Version 2" driver. If it says "Windows 2000 and XP", it is a Version 3
driver. To open the Printers and Faxes folder on the Windows 2000 computer
from the Windows XP computer:
1. click Start, Run
2. key \\windows2000ComputerName press Enter or click OK
3. from the Windows Explorer window that opens, double click on the Printers
and Faxes folder in the right pane
Another way to tell is to check the registry entries for printer drivers on
the Windows 2000 computer. If they are listed inside the "Version-2"
sub-key, they probably won't work with Windows XP. If they are listed under
the "Version-3" sub-key, they should work, although I have seen some Version
3 Windows 2000 drivers that won't work with Windows XP. The registry key
for printer drivers is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windo
ws NT x86\Drivers
--
Bruce Sanderson MVP
It is perfectly useless to know the right answer to the wrong question.
Alan Morris(MSFT) said:
Use the have disk option and point to the IHV driver. If the driver is on
the XP cd point there. Win2k and XP drivers are the same version type.
--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Willie said:
I have my 4 computers networked at home and I would like
to share my printer with 1 other the computers, which is
running WIndows XP. The computer which has the printers
connected to it is running Windows 2000 Professional.
When I go to set up the printers for sharing it does show
the Windows XP operating system. Is there a way to load
the Windows XP print drivers into Windows 2K Professional
or do I have to connect the printers to the computer
running Windows XP.
Thanks,
WLB
