computer doesn't detect printer

Question

desktop: Dell Dimension 4600 printer: HP deskjet 5150   I recently reformatted the hard drive and reinstalled Windows XP, and now when I insert the printer CD into the CD-ROM drive and try to run reintall the printer sofware, the install wizard will not complete; it says that it cannot locate any printer hardware.    The printer is connected directly to the desktop, via a USB port. The printer is plugged in, and is getting power.    I suspect this is probably a driver issue, but I don't know which driver I need. I do have the driver CD that came with the computer, have reinstalled all of the drivers except for the User's Guides, but the problem persists.     I went to the Dell website, but there are there are currently 78 drivers listed for the Dimension 4600, under several different categories. Would the printer-related drivers be under the 'communications' category, or the 'utilities' category, or some other category?   Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks!

fireberd · Answer

First, if there is a 'Intel chipset driver' listed for your system, that must be installed as it defines what is on the motherboard (and must be installed before installing drivers such as the sound and video).    Second, when you do a printer (or all in one) install you must first run the install program and ONLY when the program tells you then physically connect the device.  If you connect the device first, the install will either fail or Windows will install incorrect drivers.    You may want to run the System Restore and restore the PC to a date PRIOR to first attempting to install the Printer.  Then, if you haven't done it install the chipset drivers and restart Windows.  Then try the printer install again and do not connect it to the PC until the HP install program directs you to.

xray43541 · Answer

Hi Fireberd,   Thank you for your reply, I do appreciate it. I tried your suggestion:   1) ran system restore to a point prior to first installing the printer (specifically, November 4) 2) installed chipset drivers from the driver CD and restarted Windows 3) Tried the printer install again:      a) made sure printer was plugged in and getting power      b) disconnected the printer USB cable from the computer      c) ran the printer install CD      d) connected the printer to the computer when the Install Wizard said to do so At that point, the Install Wizard just hangs, with the little box saying 'looking for printer hardware'.   I'm wondering if maybe my attempt at reinstalling Windows is somehow corrupt, and maybe I should start over with a fresh install of XP?   Any suggestions would be most welcome. If nothing else, this has been a good learning experience! :)

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