Unable to install LaserJet M1212nf MFP printer

[Aquilegia]

Hi. I have spent all my spare time the last couple of days trying to install my printer with a USB connection, including searching the forums and reading through the HP troubleshooting pages. I have seen similar issues to mine mentioned in the forums, but the solutions haven't worked for me.

I previously got the printer from someone else a couple of years ago, had no trouble installing it on my computer then. Then my hard drive was replaced, and Windows XP reinstalled. When I plugged in the printer to my new system, the SmartInstall program started right away and all appeared to be in order. But then at the end, I get a message that "Printer Installation Failed", and to disconnect the USB cable, turn the printer off and then on again, then plug the USB cable back in. I have tried this numerous times, choosing different settings (detailed install vs. easy install), different USB ports on my computer, same result.

I downloaded the Full Software Solution (drivers and software) for my Windows 32-bit system, run it, it indicates a new device is connected (or similar wording), extracts and starts installing, and then it winds up in a forever loop, with the little blue squares moving across, indicating progress, getting to the end, a new box with blue squares ... and on and on. I have tried this several times, with different settings. I have left it running for over an hour.

Thinking perhaps the file might have gotten corrupted when downloading, I deleted it, re-downloaded it, and tried again (and again...) No luck.

I have tried installing the printer from within Windows (Control Panel, Add new hardware etc.) but it doesn't recognize it as a Plug and Play device and when I try to install it manually (via USB), it shows it as installed but I cannot print. I have been through all the XP help/troubleshooting tips, but no luck. Wondering if perhaps I have not installed it to the right "port" ... have tried all the options and tried to print. (How do you know which USB port is which in your settings?)

Have tried deleting HP software from Control Panel (only the fax installation software shows there; it's there again now), rebooting etc. I have not tried a new USB cable; I live in a small town and can't easily get a new one. The cable seems to function properly - there is the audible Windows tone when it gets connected or disconnected, etc. It was working just fine up until the new hard drive was installed, so I'm thinking it's probably not the cable.

Am considering getting a network cable and trying to install it that way, but haven't been able to do that. 

Maybe I am missing something, but nothing seems to work. Any assistance would be very much appreciated. 

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@Aquilegia

Thank you for posting on HP Forums, 

Riddle_Decipher is at your service. 

As I Understand you are unable to install the printer drivers,

No worries, as I'll be glad to help you, that said, I'll need a few more details to dissect your concern & provide an accurate solution: 

Did you check if your printer supports WinXP OS? Click here to check if it matches the system requirements.

Did you know that Windows XP is no longer supported by HP or Microsoft?

Did you check for any other HP Forum posts to help resolve your concern?

If you haven't, Here's a related HP Forums post that seems to have helped others: Click here for the steps.

While you check that out, here's a few things you can do:

Step 1: Restart the computer

Restart the computer, so that the print spooler service restarts.

Step 2: Make sure the print spooler service is running

The print spooler service temporarily stores files to be printed in a print queue and doles them out when the printer is ready to process each print job. If the print spooler service is not running when you try to install the printer software, it can cause installation problems where the software installer program stops without an error message or warning.

Restart the print spooler.

1. Search Windows for view local services, and then click the View local services control panel setting in the list of results.

2. Find the service named Print Spooler, and then make sure the print spooler status is Started.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE STEPS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Let me know how that works out, keep me in the loop and Good luck! 😉

[Aquilegia]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

I had already tried most of the trouble shooting tips suggested on the HP support page including checking the print spooler service, but it was the first link to the other forum post (which I had not found, using search) that gave me the solution I needed, with the advice to Open Device Manager and look for any USB controllers with an exclamation point and delete them. In my various attempts to install the printer, I had looked at this in the device manager, but did not know it was related or that it could be deleted. Once I did that, the printer installed just as it had last time, on my other WinXP system.

Thank you again! 

[Riddle_Decipher]

@Aquilegia

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts, 

I'm glad I could contribute towards resolving the issue and finding the solution you were looking for.

Thanks for taking the time to let the community know about the solution

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉 

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂