HP Universal Printing PCL 6 (v7.0.0) only prints grayscale

GabeCz · ‎10-19-2021

I downloaded the package, and installed via

start "Installing HP UPD" /wait "install.exe" /infstage /q /h

as in "stage only" aka it won't appear under control / devices & printers.

Then I add a HP printer, and use HP Universal Printing PCL 6 (v7.0.0) as its driver, it only prints grayscale.

I checked the supported printers page, my printer (m570dn) is supported.

If I install the printer's own driver, it prints color.

But as we need to create packages for over 200 printers it is close to impossible to select, add, and install (inject) the their own drivers to each package. I am guessing this is the generic idea of the universal printing driver.

Is there a way?

If so, how?

Thank you

Repairatrooper · ‎10-19-2021

One thing to check is make sure that it is setting the device type as color. Open the printer properties in control panel and click the device settings tab. Scroll down until you see the "device type" and see if it is set for auto, monochrome or color. I have often seen the drivers fail to poll the printer properly and set the device type as color.

If you find the information provided useful or solves your problems, help other users find the solution easier by giving kudos and marking my post as an accepted solution.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.

GabeCz · ‎10-19-2021

thank you.

forgot to mention, that I did that too. No luck.

Also tried all 3 product classes (HP, HP MFD, HP SPS)

I'm about to install the latest driver, after that try one of the 6.x.y Not sure what I'm expecting there though 🙂

Repairatrooper · ‎10-19-2021

We have had some install issues with 7.0, mostly taking forever to install. In some cases were are reverting to 6.9 as it seems to install and run more reliably.

If you find the information provided useful or solves your problems, help other users find the solution easier by giving kudos and marking my post as an accepted solution.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.

GabeCz · ‎10-19-2021

okay. so first of all my bad. sorry, i installed the printer (port) wrong.

now that i fixed that, and the test page goes through the print server queue, setting the advanced / type to color, the color tab appears, and i actually can set -color:1 to -color:0 and it works.

the 64.000 dollar question (x-files anyone?) is, if how to set hp universal printing driver by default to color, or if there's a powershell command that does the trick?

since it's about automating the process, i need a silent, command line way to do so.

thanks for the suggestions, really helped to move forward, and looking for more input!

G

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