Windows XP keeps trying to re-install printer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kennard in Albuquerque
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Kennard in Albuquerque

I installed a Lexmark X1240 printer on my computer with Windows XP and
service pack 3, and everytime I shut the computer down and turn it back on I
get the Windows has found new hardware message and it tries to re-install the
printer. Is there anyway to stop this annoying but typical Windows behavior?
 
"Is there anyway to stop this annoying but typical Windows behavior?" Yes.

(Its not really typical windows behavior, but might be considered by some to
be typical of problems with Lexmark drivers, and users that don't follow the
Mfrs install instructions.)

Shutdown
Disconnect the printer.
Restart
Uninstall the printer drivers, and if a multifunction, the drivers for the
other functions. (Scanner, Fax, etc.)
Run any Lexmark "cleanup" utility (if available) from the Lexmark web site
Shutdown
Reboot, and reinstall the drivers before the printer is reconnected. (Follow
any install instructions given)
If this does not work = =
An optional process involves the above uninstall process, followed by
uninstalling the USB controller and port driver used by the printer,
then shutting down and rebooting.
This seems to disconnect any software links to the old ports that are
involved in the defective driver install that caused the problem in the
first place.
Note: there are some special considerations/instructions for some Lexmark
printer driver uninstalls. Seems Lexmark may have done some "nasty" things
to the system printer subsystem. I don't know if this is the case with your
particuliar printer model and driver version.

It's also possible that something prevented a registry entry associated with
your printer from being set correctly.
On older windows versions, one bit of a registry entry value was involved. I
don't know if that is still the case.

If you are unplugging and reconnecting the printer to different USB ports,
you may be prompted to install the printer drivers.
A process such as the above uninstall/install has a better chance of
succeeding if done as the administrator. You may also see a prompt "for all
users" somewhere in the process. If so, yes is the obvious answer.
 
I went in and uninstalled the software, even removed all the registry keys
that referred to the printer. Unfortunately I have neither the install CD nor
the instructions, just the printer. The Lexmark site has proved less then
useless for either troubleshooting or finding the installation direction.
Tired the uninstall a couple of times, but every time I reboot my computer I
get the Windows has found new hardware icon and the message saying Windows
had trouble installing the hardware. SIGH. - Kennard
 
How did you "install" without the cd ?




I went in and uninstalled the software, even removed all the registry keys
that referred to the printer. Unfortunately I have neither the install CD nor
the instructions, just the printer. The Lexmark site has proved less then
useless for either troubleshooting or finding the installation direction.
Tired the uninstall a couple of times, but every time I reboot my computer I
get the Windows has found new hardware icon and the message saying Windows
had trouble installing the hardware. SIGH. - Kennard
 
I installed a Lexmark X1240 printer on my computer with Windows XP and
service pack 3, and everytime I shut the computer down and turn it back on I
get the Windows has found new hardware message and it tries to re-installthe
printer. Is there anyway to stop this annoying but typical Windows behavior?

It is annoying but not typical - it means something is wrong.

If XP detects a printer that has not been installed, it will try to
install it. That is what it is supposed to do. If you unplug it, XP
will not detect it.

Why not go to the Lexmark site and download the instructions and
installation package:

http://support.lexmark.com/index?page=home&locale=EN&userlocale=EN_US&segment=DOWNLOAD

The Lexmark installation instructions are quite clear. Which part is
not working?

They also have live chat and email support.
 
Thanks, Jose. The problem is I went there, it's where I got the latest
driver, but I couldn't for the life of me find detailed install instructions.
- Ken
 
On my Lexmark , it was/is -power on , install ink cartridges , plug
usb lead in , install software : had to be done in that order .
 
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