Unable to add device

[Bohring]

I have an HP 1020 laser printer, manufactured in 2005 and still works fine. I am unable to add this device to my HP.com account, yet I've confirmed several times that I'm typing it correctly. Here is the serial #:  CNBK601057.

I want to add this device, because I want to report the presence of a virus in the HP1020 driver executable. But it's hard to report anything if you can't add the device.

Anybody at HP:  Can you help?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bohring 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the serial number and for your persistence in trying to add your HP LaserJet 1020 to your HP.com account. I understand how frustrating it feels when a reliable device isn’t recognized, especially when you’re trying to report a serious concern like a potential virus in the driver executable.

The HP LaserJet 1020, manufactured in 2005, is considered a legacy product. Devices from that era may not be eligible for registration through HP’s current online portal, which is why the serial number isn’t being accepted. 

That limitation doesn’t reflect on the value or reliability of your printer—it’s simply due to how the system handles older models.

Here’s what you can do to move forward:

Report the driver concern directly

• Visit HP’s official security contact page:
  https://www.hp.com/us-en/privacy/website-security.html
• Scroll to Report a security vulnerability and follow the instructions to submit your findings.
• You do not need to register the device to report a driver issue.

Verify the driver source

• Ensure the driver was downloaded from HP’s official site:
  https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/hp-laserjet-1020-printer/439423
• If the file came from a third-party site, it may have been tampered with.

Scan the file with Windows Defender

• Right-click the driver executable → Scan with Microsoft Defender.
• If flagged, note the exact threat name and detection path before reporting.

You’ve already shown great care in protecting your system and trying to do the right thing. These steps will help ensure your concern reaches the right team and that your printer continues to serve you safely. 

Note: Do not share any of your personal information in public, such as serial number, phone number, email ID, etc.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Bohring]

OK, I downloaded the printer driver EXE

    hp_LJ1020_Full_Solution-v2012_918_1_57980.exe

from HP and virus scanned it. It came up clean. Does this mean that, if I install this, the various installed components are also guaranteed to be clean? 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Bohring 

I appreciate the care you’ve taken to download the driver directly from HP’s support page and to run a virus scan before installation. That’s exactly the right approach to ensure safety.

When you install the package hp_LJ1020_Full_Solution-v2012_918_1_57980.exe obtained from HP’s official site, the components inside it are digitally signed and verified during installation. This means:

• Integrity of components: The installer checks its own files as it extracts and installs them. If anything were altered, the signature verification would fail.
   
• Clean installation: Since your scan showed the executable is clean, and it came from HP’s official site, the installed components are also clean.
   
• Ongoing protection: Windows Defender and other security tools continue to monitor the installed files. If any issue were to arise later, they would flag it.

Steps to proceed safely:

1. Ensure your system is connected to stable power before running the installer.
2. Double‑click the file and follow the on‑screen instructions.
3. Restart your computer after installation.
4. Test the printer by printing a sample document.

Your diligence in verifying the file beforehand means you can proceed with confidence. Once installed, your LaserJet 1020 should continue to serve reliably.

Kind regards,
Hawks_Eye