Vista Tutorial - Can't install print driver for HP LJ 2300D on Vista

I have a HP LJ 2300d printer. I download the driver from HP, and it saves as a zip file. I click on the file and it prompts me to unzip, then down loands 31 files. None of these files say "Install" or "Setup", and nothing runs automatically.

Also, when I plug the printer into via USB, the computer doesn't identify the printer as new hardware to install.

How do I get this driver to install.

This is doing my head in.

usually you goto the hardware wizard and run the new hardware part , then when it finds your printer and asks for a driver you manaully point to it via the browse function (in the files you downloaded , thats what those files you downloaded are for , there should be instructions on the download site)

look for other versions of the same driver that end in .exe in the filename of the download

it maybe however that the printer utility isnt supported in Vista so you only have the printer drivers to install , that could be why thats the only download availabe

if it is and your stuck , come back and we can talk you through the process , its easy

By hardware wizard, I assume you mean "New Hardware Found" when plugging in via USB. That's not happening when I plug in the printer.

I've tried doing "Add Printer" in the printer section of control panel. First I don't know which port to select, so I've tried all the USB ports. It installs a driver, but the driver wont print.

There is a choice of 3 drivers to download on HP's website, they all end in .exe However, when downloaded, they all need to be unzipped, which produces 31 files, none of which say "Install or Setup", and none end in exe.

I don't understand your last point that maybe "the print utility isn't supported in vista".

I have 3 other printers that all connect perfectly.

I have a laptop with XP OS, I plugged the printer in to it, and the "New Hardware Found" featured downloaded the driver straight away, and it prints. So it's not a problem with the printer.

I think it's a Vista problem.

sorry by printer utility i mean software like ink level indicator etc , sometimes with older printers they dont bother supporting vista properly but they do release basic drivers so you can at least use your printer , ive no idea how old yours is so im making assumptions

ill have a quick look

edit . is it the HP universal basic print driver your trying?

It's a 2003 vintage, I can't recall it every having features like ink levels etc.

ok ive just downloaded the universal print drivers............

HP LaserJet 2300 Printer series*-* HP Universal Basic Print Driver - HP Business Support Center

after unzipping i get the welcome wizard from HP , i think your just downloading the wrong ones mate try my link

I've tried this driver before. It does bring up the wizard, it goes through the install process, but then at add printer it asks me to select a port, so I select 1 of the 2 USB ports in the list. It then looks like it's installed OK, and there is a driver visible in the printers folder, but it won't print.

The only variation in this process it to try the other USB port, which I've done, and that didn't work either.

But at least I'm getting a wizard.

mmmmmmmm it shouldnt matter which usb port you choose they are all from the same hub usually , and if its usb you never should need to choose a port anyway

you may need to contact HP tech support , i hope thier more use than most :s

now thier site seems to be down...............

try their forums you never know your luck

http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/...73046+28353475

I email HP, they told me to go to HP chat, HP chat told me to call HP, the person I spoke to wanted me to pay $33 for any advice, then told me to email HP or us HP chat.

HP are possessed.

I'm thinking of dumping vista and going back to XP.

we had the same issue at work with our accounting software , we had two options , buy the upadated version that worked on Vista for £350 or pay the woman on the phone at tech help £100 for a years worth of tech help and then she would tell me the workaround to get our copy working.....they should all burn in hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!