LaserJet 6L Driver missing from Wiondows 7

[Super--Dave]

Just got back from Frys. They didn't have the same brand but they did have an adapter that is Win 7 32/64 compatible. Still getting the same issue. Will try several iterations again and see how it goes.

[Super--Dave]

Okay... almost home... I have made some progress...

1. I have Windows 7 now recognizing the HP Laserjet 6L... finally. (I ran an Internet connection from my computer to my daughters for a temporary connection).
2. During the many iterations, I ran some Generic and 5L drivers. Got some interesting output, but I was finally able to get Win 7 to update the driver and install the 6L.
3. The IEEE-1284 adapter cable was replaced with a new one that is Windows 7 32/64 compatible and the IEEE-1284 printer ICON and associated warning has disappeared and the HP Laserjet 6L ICON is in the Device/Printer Folder. Yea!!
4. My only issue now that the correct driver is installed, is that every document, including the Test Page, hangs in the Printer Que indefinitely. I am not sure if the IEEE-1284 Adapter Cable is now acting up, but I hope it is an easier fix than the 6L printer driver.
5. Any suggestions on the hanging print jobs would be appreciated.
6. It's late into day two and I need some sleep...

Thanks!

Dave

[8lives]

Check that 6L is the default printer also that the 6L port is assigned to the USB virtual printer port. 

Are you able to print a test page from the 6L front button panel?

[Super--Dave]

I really appreciate your help!

1. HP LaserJet 6L is the default printer
2. I can print a test page from the front panel button.

Here is what I have for settings:

1. Right click LaserJet 6L ICON in the Devices and Printers folder
2. Went to Properties at the bottom of the drop down list
3. Hardware Device Functions list

• HP LaserJet 6L - Printers - On USB Printing Support
• USB Printing Support - USB COntrollers - Port 0002 - Hub 0001

1. Right click LaserJet 6L ICON
2. Went to Printer Properties - middle of drop down list
3. Ports Tab

• USB 0002 - Virtual Printer Port for LaserJet 6L

I tried to change to a different port and got an error, so I know that USB 002 is correct.

Also, in Device Manager, I don't see any Printers on the list. I did a locate new hardware and nothing new showed up on the list. I would think that the printer should show up there, correct?

Dave

[8lives]

You will only see the adapter info in Device Manager.

What is the brand/model # of the adapter.

Try setting the "Print directly to printer" in the 6L properties.

[Super--Dave]

The USB Parallel adapter is a Gear Head High Speed Bi-Directional Model #CA2550 that is Windows 7 compatible.

It installed correctly and shows on the Device and Printer folder. I did set it for bi-directional printing.

I set the 6L to Print directly to Printer... no joy. Test page hangs in the queue.

I downloaded a user manual (lost mine a long time ago....) I want to see if the toner cartridge might influence printing or not printing, as it is getting low. Perhaps there is a sensor the detects toner levels and prevents printing documents but still allows me to force a test page from the direct print button on the printer.

[8lives]

One more thing to try, turn off the "bi-directional" setting for the 6L.

[Super--Dave]

bi-directional turned off but no joy. Test page still hangs. I can still force a test page directly from the printer.

I read the manual and there is no reference to toner levels preventing printing... in fact it says that low or no toner will result in poor print quality, so I doubt that has anything to do with it.

Printer and adapter still register correctly in the device and printer folder.

I suppose the adapter could still be the issue. Do you know that the Startech adapter works from experience? Perhaps I should order one online and give it a try...

Thanks for hanging in there with me. I feel I am 90% there... close enough to taste it.

[8lives · Accepted solution]

Yes I have used the Startech adapter with success.

It may be more cost effective to look a cheap laserjet, I picked up a Brother HL-2270DW for 79$ on sale.

[Super--Dave]

I think we have reached the point of diminishing returns. I will look into a replacement that is Win 7 friendly.

I appreciate all your efforts and hanging in there with me on this.

Dave