Computer listed under Devices and Printer in Windows 7

[ryguy2008]

Hi all,

Just wondering, is your computer itself supposed to be listed under Devices in the Device and Printer area of Windows 7? Or is it a driver problem.

Thanks,

ryguy2008

[Madhampster]

Mine does the same thing. Must be normal.

[PC_Tester · Accepted solution]

It's normal.

Additionally, only externally connected devices or devices that can be removed will appear in Devices and Printers.

[funkinfurdro]

I dont think it is normal, and the issue isnt solved.  Because my computer is listed under devices, in addition to recognizing the system properties and all the other drivers that the computer as a whole recognizes, the computer also thinks it's the printer I have installed.  So half the time when I go to print, the "printer" within the computer attempts to make itself the default, knocking the actual printer that is set up wirelessly out of recognition, which results in me having to do a "clean" uninstall/reinstall of the printer software.  But it is apparently not "clean" because either not everything is being removed, or the entire thing isnt installing properly.  This is getting very irksome.  I believe it is an incompatibility between Win 7 and my printer drivers.  I got the printer 2 months ago and it stated that it was win 7 compatible.  Sometimes it is, sometimes it isnt.  I have attempted to update all hp printer drivers after reinstall of hp software, same thing keeps happening. 

When I double click on the computer icon I get this:

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p41/Burninbianca/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=0131001648...

When I right on computer icon I get this:

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p41/Burninbianca/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=0131001646...

So first, if I remove my computer from the devices list is the world going to end?

It wont let me remove the printer aspect

Second, how can I get the printer installed and not continue to get caught up in the cross hairs?

So someone may offer me some useful instruction Ill provide as much info as I can...

Dell inspiron 1525

manufactured april 2008

originally win vista installed, 3 weeks ago bought upgrade copy of win 7 and did a custom/clean install

Printer: HP photosmart premium c309-g

purchased 2 months ago, was not having these kinds of issues on vista.

Dont know if any of this part matters... 3 GB RAM, 250GB ROM,

Since 7, have also had graphics card issues - resolved by finding the latest driver

Amongst other random quirky things... IE8 hate every add on I attempt to use, most especially HP smart web printing (And I unfortunately really like this program and really wish it would work properly), which occasionally works, then freezes... works... then freezes... uninstall.. reinstall... same circular pattern..

Is it possible that the unintall and reinstalls of HP smart web printing are affecting the files for the printer ? ?(which have come off the HP install disc that came with comp.)   Maybe duplicating some of them upon reinstall and hence why my computer is having an identity crisis?

Sorry for the convolution... Now please somebody who is extraordinarily tech saavy help me sort through this...

Goal:  To have Computer, Printer, and HP Smart web printing operating harmoniously together