Universal vs Printer-Specific Driver

[John_Bigelow]

I am looking for a Printer-Specific driver for HP LaserJet Pro 3301 sdw. 

I've been having some issues with using the printer.  It keeps trying to use Tray 1 as the default source for printer paper, which is unfortunate, because on this printer, "Tray 1" is not actually a tray at all.  It's a slot that will hold one piece of paper, or one check, or one envelope.  Tray 2 is the one and only actual paper tray.  When I send a print job to the printer with Tray 1 as the source, I will either get an error message that the tray is empty, which it is, or sometimes I'll get the message that the printer is "offline," which it is not. 

In my searching on-line for solutions to this problem, I have read that sometimes a Universal Printer Driver, which is what I have now, will create these problems because (I guess), it's actually quite hard to build a well-functioning "universal" driver because different models operate idiosyncratically and the universal drivers don't always take account of all the differences.

So, I'm looking for a Printer-Specific driver for my printer.  I understand that these are also called "native" drivers or "class" drivers.

My problem is that it's very hard to find one.  I thought I had downloaded one from HP, but when I set it up, it up, it turned out to be the same "universal" driver I had.  So far, I have not been able to find one.  Can anyone help find one?  I would be grateful.

[Dragon-Fur]

@John_Bigelow 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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@John_Bigelow wrote:

I am looking for a Printer-Specific driver for HP LaserJet Pro 3301 sdw. 

I've been having some issues with using the printer.  It keeps trying to use Tray 1 as the default source for printer paper, which is unfortunate, because on this printer, "Tray 1" is not actually a tray at all.  It's a slot that will hold one piece of paper, or one check, or one envelope.  Tray 2 is the one and only actual paper tray.  When I send a print job to the printer with Tray 1 as the source, I will either get an error message that the tray is empty, which it is, or sometimes I'll get the message that the printer is "offline," which it is not. 

In my searching on-line for solutions to this problem, I have read that sometimes a Universal Printer Driver, which is what I have now, will create these problems because (I guess), it's actually quite hard to build a well-functioning "universal" driver because different models operate idiosyncratically and the universal drivers don't always take account of all the differences.

So, I'm looking for a Printer-Specific driver for my printer.  I understand that these are also called "native" drivers or "class" drivers.

My problem is that it's very hard to find one.  I thought I had downloaded one from HP, but when I set it up, it up, it turned out to be the same "universal" driver I had.  So far, I have not been able to find one.  Can anyone help find one?  I would be grateful.

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Want to skip all the reading?

Scroll down and read information in sections  

EWS - Tray and Paper

and then

Printer - Full Solution / Full Driver Software

-- So much reading --

Skip what you already know, do not want, do not understand, cannot use, or do not find interesting.

and

Ask if you need additional information.

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Start,

Tray and Paper control is configured / set first in the printer, sometimes in Word (if using the Options setting, always to some extent in Printing Preferences (when configured),partly in Printer Properties (Driver and Devices), and lastly in the applications or software that are used to configure a print job.

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The most important (and obvious) of these controls is Tray and Paper.

Paper choices are controlled at the Printer Control Panel or using the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to set the Tray and Paper (paper size and type).  Control might also be available to select the "Default" paper, size, and Tray.

------------------------------------

The HP Smart Universal Print Driver is possibly brilliant but is not, by itself, the only place to select, configure, or control all the settings.  Tray settings might be added to a Custom Preset and / or might be available in a previously created Printing Preferences Shortcut.

HP Smart Universal Printing Driver supports a number of additional nice features not native to the HP App, including:

• Watermarks
• Scale / Resize
• Paper Size
• Alignment

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            It's a dance.

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                -- Examples --

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

EWS - Tray and Paper

EWS > HP Document / How-to (InkJet Printers – Basic Information)

 Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

OR

 HP Laser Printers - Using the Printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

-- Reminder --

If asked enter the printer’s PIN number –

The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

See your printer's user guide for additional information.

Search the guide for “ PIN “

EWS – Tray and Paper Management / Paper > Trays

Notes

Depending on the printer model, the Printer Control Panel touchscreen might provide access to Paper Size / Type settings immediately after the paper is (re)loaded into the appropriate printer intake tray or when the tray is opened and then closed.

Reminders

EWS (Embedded Web Server) provides access and control for Settings, including Tray and Paper.

Paper Size, Type, and Weight loaded in the printer tray must be supported for use in that tray.

Alternate EWS format - Select newer InkJet printers and select LaserJet printers

-- Reminder - Printer PIN --

If asked enter the printer’s PIN number –

The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

See your printer's user guide for additional information.

Open your Browser

Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

      Note → If the browser security will not let you open EWS, try a different browser.

Section Paper > Trays > Select Tray(s) to configure

Next (as available)

Section Print > Default Print Options > Select default options / tray

EWS_9135_Tray_and_Paper_12EWS_9135_Print_Default_Print_Options_12

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

Word - Select Default Tray

Adjust / Set the Default Tray to be used in Word

Word → File → Options → Advanced

Scroll down to Print

⑧  Select Default tray → Select OK to save and exit

Word_Options_Advanced_Print_Default_Tray_3

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

Printer - Full Solution / Full Driver Software

The full driver provides access to the full range of printer features and supports printing from other software (for example, Word).

Open

Software and Drivers for HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide Format All-in-One series  

Set / Adjust the Operating System / version to Windows / Windows 11

The full driver is available in an "EasyStart" wrapper.

This method uses conducts a search for available printer software available for your printer.

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software (Internet connection required for driver installation)

-- Reminder --

This method requires that you select the "full" driver / solution when asked.

OR

↓  Hints  ↓

The Offline Use Only, Print and Scan Driver, or similarly named installation webpacks can be used in either a network‑connected or USB‑connected environment.

The name of the installation file depends on the printer model and the type of packaging.

This method includes the printer software in the installation package; hence the much larger file size.

You need not answer questions about which driver or type of printer software to select and install.

Using USB?

Be sure to unplug the USB cable between the printer and the computer before loading the software. 

Re-connect the USB cable when instructed to do so, generally near the end of the successful installation of the printer software. 

WebPack Installation package -- Information and Download

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw-3303sdw and 3388sdw Driver Installation Software – Includes Print,... 

Restart the computer after the software is installed.

Next,

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

Optional - HP Universal Scan Software

<< Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the HP Universal Scan Software is installed, the final steps add a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note:

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

 HP Universal Scan Software – Product Page

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

Select an Operating System and Version

Select Open-all to expand the driver list

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

HP_Universal_Scan_PDF_More_Menus_6

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

Windows -- Printing Preferences

Windows 11

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers and scanners

Check the list of devices – Select / Open Printer

Select Printing Preferences

Printing Preferences Shortcut selection "sticks" until it is changed, possibly for a different job.

Printing_Preferences_General_Everyday_Printing_Piece_3

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

Windows -- Printer Properties

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer

Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

• Driver:  Select the HP driver as opposed to the Microsoft / IPP class driver
• Reprint later:  Select Keep all documents
• All Jobs Default:  Printing Defaults

-- Example - Printer Properties -- Driver / Printing Defaults --

① → Driver 

② → Optional - Printing Defaults

Printer_Properties_Reprint_20

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HP Smart Universal Printing Driver

HP Smart Printing introduced the idea of having two parts to the "Printer" and the print job setup:

• Printer as Hardware -- the printer is the "final destination" of the print job settings.
• Printer as a Driver -- the driver is the "middleman", that is, the menus and settings used to configure the job.

HP Smart Universal Printing also supports this dual part concept.

Example - HP App - Windows - Print PDFs - HP Smart Universal Printing Driver

HP_App_Print_PDF_Smart_Universal_Printing_2

Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw  

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