Windows 10 Does Not Recognize LaserJet 3015 as a Printer

[Ted_P]

Hi,

I'm not having any luck, attaching my LJ 3015 Print / Scan / Fax machine to my new, Windows 10 Dell Latitude laptop. It was working fine under Windows 7.

I downloaded the recommended, DOT4 Driver, Ver. 7.0.0.29, dated 03/10/2015.

When I plug the device into a USB port, it appears in Device Manager under "USB Controllers" as "HP LaserJet 3015 (DOT4USB)", and the Properties for it state that no drivers are installed.

On the Driver tab, I choose "Update Driver", go on to say that I "Have Disk", choose the folder containing the uncompressed, *.msi files, and installation is successful. I see drivers

Dot4.sys
Dot4Scan.sys
Dot4usb.sys

on Port_#0001.Hub_#0001, with a status of "Working properly".

The problem is that Windows isn't recognizing it as a printer. When I examine the "Devices and Printers" Control Panel, it's listed under "Unspecified".

If I uninstall the device, deleting drivers, instead choose "Add Printer" from this control panel, and point the installer to the dot4.inf file, then I receive,

"The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for your device."

HP Print and Scan Doctor fails to detect it.

The "Troubleshoot" option says,

"HP LaserJet 3015 is an older USB device and might not work with USB 3.0. Plug the device into an available USB 2.0 port, and click Next."

1. I don't understand why Windows 10 recognizes it as a USB device and happily loads the DOT4 drivers, yet when I try to add it as a printer, I'm told that the driver is incompatible.

2. How do I promote this device from just something nebulous, installed under "USB Controllers" to a bona fide printer?

3. How would I specify a USB 2.0 port?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Ted

[bhushan_1939 · Accepted solution]

You try driver hp universal printing PCL6 driver version 61.186.1.20636.type3 user made.port name DOT4_002

[Ted_P]

Thank you very much for your feedback.

Are you also connecting the LaserJet 3015 to Windows 10?

Do you know what is the difference between PCL 6 and DOT 4?

[Ted_P]

Oh, I see what you are saying now.  It's not a question of using either DOT4 ** or ** PCL6.  I have to install ** both ** of them.

Once I did that, the printer was recognized when I plugged its USB cable into one of the laptop's ports.

For other readers:

1. Install the DOT4 driver bundle first.

2. Then, install the PCL6 bundle.  Select "USB Plug & Play" as the installation type.

3. Finally, plug the printer's USB cable into the computer.

Bhushan, thank you so much for your advice!  You saved me the cost of a new printer!

[boaterman]

This problem has plagued me for years.  Thank you so much for figuring it out!

[spacetanker]

Last weekend I bit the bullet and reimaged our Windows 10 laptop.  It was previously running Windows 10, but since it was upgraded twice without a clean install it was time for a fresh start.

Everything is now up and running EXCEPT our HP Laserjet 3015 multifunction machine.  We're primarily interested in its printing capabilities, and since that was was working under the prior installation I wasn't anticipating trouble.

I have now tried everything I can think of to no avail.  The checked solution in this post (nothing installed - printer off - connect USB - power on the printer) produced a sound as the device was recognized.  Alas, it wasn't recognized as a printer.  I tried installing the HP LJ 3015 driver from Windows Update, but it wouldn't let me install the driver.

FInally, bouyed by this posting I tried the HP Universal Printing installer.  Still...nothing.

I'm posting here hoping Ted_P or perhaps another would flesh out the process in a bit more detail.  Specifically:

1. I follow that the DOT4 and PCL6 drivers need to be installed, but how was that accomplished?

2. Where is the DOT4 driver bundle found and how is it installed? 

3. Similarly, where is the PCL6 bundle found and how is it installed?

4. Are the bundles installed prior to installing the Universal Printer driver?

I'm a reasonably intelligent, tech-saavy person and despite spending a couple of hours trying different tactics I've been unsuccessful making this thing work.  Any assistance or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

[Ted_P]

My pleasure.  I'm glad to read that this post has helped someone else.

[Ted_P]

Hi, Spacetanker:

The downloads are available here.

After all was said and done, I did break down and purchase a new, wireless printer / scanner / copier (another brand) for $50, because I could never get scanning to work on the Laser Jet 3015 after the Windows upgrade.  The only time I use it  now is the rare occasion when I need to fax.

Sincerely,

Ted

[Johnny_huy]

hello  Ted  -  I have been for months not able to get my window 10 to recognize my old HP laserjet 3015.  read your advice on -  DOT4 and PCL6 drivers need to be installed.  followed your instruction first installed the Dot4 then installed the PCL6  wola !!!!!  work beautiful !!!!  thank you very much! 

[Sky-S]

Hi Ted, 

Thanks for sharing the info. I have done all the steps you have given there. I don't see my HP LaserJet 3015 yet. The detected error is that  my Inspiron with Windows 10 (64 bit) has all USB 3.0 ports.  The HP LaserJet 3015 has USB 2.0. I probably need to buy a converter to make it work. Will google that info in the meantime.  All I care is to make the printing to work.  I'd appreciate if Ted or anyone could share your advice. Thanks very much. 

Jan-09-2020:  I have found online that "All USB 3.0 ports are backwards compatible with earlier versions of USB," Not sure why printer would not be recognized by the OS. Will deinstall and reinstall all the drivers given above. 

jan-09-2020: @ 8PM.

Okay, the printing has finally worked for me. Just like what Ted outlined:

1. Install Driver USB. (DOT4)  first

2. Then, install Driver Universal (PCL6) and  Select "USB Plug & Play" as the installation type.

3. Finally, plug the printer's USB cable into the computer. 

(I had the USB cable plugged in before installing the drivers, that did not work at first. I unplugged it and plug it in step 3 has made the printing to work for me.)

Thank you very much, Ted.