LaserJet Pro MFP M127fn software install

[Railbender]

I have installed the M127fn as a network printer on 5 machines with no problem, MAC, Win Vista, Win 7 and Win 8.1 (2).  However on another machine, also running Win 8.1, Preparing to install gets to 73% and fails with the following;   "Error  A problem occurred while preparing to install software to your system.  Please restart your computer, and run this installer again.  If the problem persists, please check the product support web site for your product."  It does this with both the software on the CD as well as the downloader version.  I am running it as administrator with Norton Internet Security and Malware Bytes disabled.  I have used the Uninstall on the CD several times to remove any partially installed files to no avail.

[Gemini02]

Hi @Railbender ,

I see by your post that you were successful in installing the printer on 5 computers. But this other computer also running Windows 8.1, you are getting the message "A problem occurred while preparing to install software to your system.  Please restart your computer, and run this installer again.  If the problem persists, please check the product support web site for your product". I will certainly do my best to help you.

Check the Print Spooler on the computer.

Software Installation Stops without an Error Message.

If you haven't already, perform a clean boot. How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

Run the installation again.

If the problem persists, try and install the printer as a USB connection to see if you have the same issue. You can always create a new port later for the network IP.

If you need further assistance, just let me know.

Have a nice day!
Thank You.

[Railbender]

The print spooler is running.

I tried the USB install over the weekend with the same error message.

 A clean boot install also gives the same error message.

In Services I see  Pml driver HPZ12 and Net driver HPZ12, which I believe are from the HP universal driver for an old printer which is no longer in use.  I stopped those services however it made no difference.

[Gemini02]

Thanks for letting me know Railbender. I am sorry to hear that you are still having issues installing the printer software, even by a USB connection.

I am thinking, it still might have something to do with permissions on the computer or the operating system itself. Since you were able to install the printer on the other computers.

Any difference in operating systems or Antivirus software on the two Windows 8.1 computers?

Please try the following steps to see if it will help.

Remove the PCL drivers and install the software again.

Go to the start up screen, (tiles menu) type in "Devices and Printers", select settings, click on Devices and Printers.
Click once on any icon listed and select Printer Server Properties across the top of the screen, click on the Drivers tab.
Select any HP Universal Printing PCL 6 and HP Universal Printing PCL 5, then click remove, on the pop-up dialog, select Remove driver and driver package, click OK, click Yes on the pop-up confirmation message. (if they aren't listed, that is alright)

Run the installation, immediately after connecting the USB cable, follow the steps in this document to update the drivers so it doesn't error out again. A Fatal Error Displays During Software Installation. Then the installation should continue. Temporarily turn off any Antivirus Software, just to make sure it doesn't interfere with the install.

I have provided a document for Windows 8, for How do I get into Windows Device Manager?

If you are getting the error even before connecting the USB cable, let me know.

Try the following steps if the issue persists.

Run the Windows updates.

Check the version of Microsoft .netframeworks on the computer.

Check Your DOTNET.

Delete all temporary files:

In desktop mode, press the Windows key and R at the same time, to show the run command line.

Type %temp%, and then click OK.

Select all the files in the Temp folder, and then press the Delete key to delete the files.

Unregister and reregister Microsoft Windows Installer:

In desktop mode, press the Windows key and R at the same time.

Type msiexec / unregister and then click OK.
Press the Windows key and R.
Type msiexec / regserver and then click OK.

Unlock Hidden Administrator Account:

Press the Windows key and R. Then type CMD

CMD will populate as a search option above, just right click on it and 'run as administrator'.

Once CMD (Command Prompt) opens, type net user administrator /active:yes and hit enter.

Next, close CMD and restart your computer.

When your computer comes on log into the new account that should show. It will be called Administrator and will not have a password on it.

Try the installation again.

Create a new User Account with Admin Rights, just to rule that out. How to create a new user account in Windows 8.

Let me know if any of these steps helped.

Thank You.

[Railbender · Accepted solution]

Using Windows update solved the problem.  It provided 2 updates pertaining to the M127fn.