Problem with adding printer to other network computers

[Byank]

I have a wireless HP printer (C410) set up on a network and have installed the software to an HPdesktop (h8-1017c) and accepted the license agreement on all the other items on the install disk. I also have two lap tops on the network. The first one had no problem installing the printer with the required drivers from the disk and it didn't go through the whole initial install process. When I tried to install the printer on the 2nd lap top, by just putting the software install disk in,  it would try to do the whole original install process, with license agreement, etc. When I tried to add the printer using using the Devices and Printers window, the windows printer install process wouldn't even ask for a driver, it would automatically look and then advise it couldn't find one..naturally.  The 2nd laptop can see the printer on the network, but can't print from it since the drivers aren't installed..obviously.  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

Byank,

This may be backwards... it is time for me to "walk away from the keyboard" as it were, but I'm thinking about it because I just saw this earlier, so here goes...

You might get away with "sharing" these notebooks on the network and adding the needed drivers. 

I'm looking at Windows 7 64bit Ultimate...

See if this makes sense...  on the notebook that needs the driver

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right Click on your Printer >

Properties > Sharing > Share this Printer >

Drivers > Additional Drivers....

Here is where I've not done any more ...  but it appears that you might be able to add the driver you need, assuming you have said driver on the CD, in a download, somewhere...

And More Sharing...

Control Panel > Network and Sharing > Advanced Sharing Settings

Home or Work (currnet profile)

Turn ON Network Discovery

Turn ON File and Printer Sharing

I hope this helps... or at least makes sense... or gives you a place to go next.

It is my pleasure to assist.

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[Byank]

Dragon-Fur,

Thanks for the suggestions...but none of them worked.  I did finally install it on the laptop, but it basically was an entire re-install of the printer as far as the HP CD was concerned,  this is after I had installed it on the main computer on the network....so I don't know.  Right now everything appears to be working so I'll let it go.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Byank

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

Having the full software for the printer on each system is my first choice, anyway. It is more of a hassle in the home network when you have to install everything manually on each system - an then do it more than once to get it working! All's wll that ends well, and all that. I am glad it is working!

[Byank]

Dragon-Fur...thanks...it's just that I spent a bit of time with the first computer installation....and not sure everything I did on second install exactly replicates the first....we'll see.
Byank

[Dragon-Fur]

Byank,

Depending on what Operating System you are using (Windows 7, Vista, etc), the following will make reinstallation of your printer's  Full Feature Software easier in the future.  If available for the Operating System, the Full Feature Software can be downloaded and installed for each system.  If the FFS is not available for a particular OS, then you may have to make due with the Basic Driver; there will be directions in the website for such if this is the case.

There are other tools at the website as well, plus your printer manuals, alerts, and various "how to" helpful hints.  Hint:  This is true for your computers, too:  Enter the name of your computer instead of the printer model for the same types of information for your Desktop and/or notebook systems.

=====================================================================================

Install Printer Driver / Software

If your printer stops working (and it’s not a hardware problem), it may be due to software or driver issues.  There are tools to help you diagnose the problem and help documents to guide you to success.  You might just desire extra features for your printer, or need extra tools to help with scheduled maintenance.

 In many cases, you can (re)install the Full Feature Software for your printer to enhance its capabilities.  The HP Solution Center is an integrated part of the FFS.

(Re)install the basic driver or Full Feature Software:

Drivers control hardware connected to the computer (wired or wireless).

Software controls the programs that interact with the User.

• Go to the top of the forum page to Support and Drivers
• Enter your Printer Model information, and then go to Software and Drivers...
• Enter your Operating System in the Drop-down menu...  Scroll down
• Look for category Driver - Product Installation Software
• Select the appropriate Basic Driver or Full Feature Software – if available for your printer Save the *.exe installation package on your computer -
• NOTE the name and the location - the *.exe file will likely save to "Downloads “Install the Software / Driver installation package:  It will be named *.exe – the package will most likely be located in the Downloads folder.  If you have ‘Admin’ control, you may highlight the package and “double-click” to install it, else Right-Click, Select ‘run as Administrator’ and install.

NOTE:  There is sometimes a lot of information at the printer’s website.  Be sure to take an extended look at what’s available.

=====================================================================================

It is my pleasure to assist.

Say “Thanks!” for the Help by clicking the Kudos Star to show your appreciation.

Fixed?  Mark this Post “Accept as Solution” to help others find the answers.

Note: You can find “Accept as Solution” only on threads started by you.

Good Fortune!  Year of the Dragon!

[Byank]

Dragon-Fur sorry late getting back.. working on other issues wrt my network....last night talked with HP tech ...couldn't link up using chat session. so phoned HP support....we even had problems with trying to initiate help pages...even after changing all the ActiveX settings and halting firewall and anti-virus...think I got issues resolved, will load FFS on each computer as you suggested...he had me run a utility that checks computer for each printer feature(file) that is installed..only did it on my desktop, but would like to run on my other computers. We just ran it rather than saving it and I can't seem to find it...could you point me there? Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

The Utilities are all in the last Category at the Printer's webpage.  Go like you are going to get the FFS, but frop to last category.  You may also find the print wizard in that section - this little software will look for the best software (your FFS), download it, and install it for you.  It works most of the time.  Just cuts out the selection part, really.  The diagnostic and other utilities are what I think you are after.  Either way, these will do the job.

Sorry for lack of detail.  Not in a location where I can see / do anything right now.

Hope this is enough.  Let me know.

[Byank]

I have those utilities, but not the one looking for....in discussions with tech last night he said since I didn't install the websupport files initially, I would have to reinstall the FSI..tried that several times today using the install wizzard...which failed everytime...when it starts to install after file extraction...get windows announcement it can't fine the C:\..\..\..\Application\..\Temp\...\..\hpzpn40.exe file and install halts at that time. Tried using the CD that came with printer and it looks like it is only installing basic files since I only see the printer icon on "Devices and Printers" where I used to see icon for fax and one for scanner. It never went through the fax set-up like it did initially and don't see any Printer file in the Programs HP folder. I think I'm going to talk with tech again tonight...I was able to do a FSI on one of the laptops successfully using the install wizzard, but have been wrestleing with this machine all day....

[Dragon-Fur]

Sorry for delayed response - was out of town.

Cannot find that file - I don't use Wizards as a rule, though, so it may not apply anyway.

What does he mean?

..in discussions with tech last night he said since I didn't install the websupport files initially, I would have to reinstall the FSI..

Huh?  (Technical term.)

You could start at C:\ and search the entire disk for log entries, but I suspect the extract failed in some way and went downhill from there.

The install Wizard is a catch-all.  Does not work all the time.  Best to install FFS with the single "Click and install" on the package itself once you track it down for each machine.  The Wizards are great when they work and downright useless when they fail because they give a false sense of security.

What is the Operating System (Windows 7, 32/64bit, etc?)  on the system(s) on which the FFS (Full Feature Software) will not install?

It would be worth seeing what you find if you go to each computer's website and track down the software path for the Full Feature Software package for that notebook / desktop.  Depending on the OS, there may not be a FFS for every system and THAT would explain the wizard trying to install the "basic" files. 

Did you ever get back with that Tech?