How to install a HP LaserJet Printer using the HP UPD (Windows)

Transcription

1 How to install a HP LaserJet Printer using the HP UPD (Windows) This guide shows you how to install the HP UPD to install HP LaserJet printers with one driver instead of having multiple print drivers installed. Written By: Nick ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 1 of 8

2 INTRODUCTION If you have a Legacy HP LaserJet HP no longer supports and does not provide drivers for or you do not want to install drivers for every new LaserJet you buy, this guide will show you how to use the HP UPD to install your printer in Windows. Note: Some printers may have problems with their utilities using this driver. This affects most older printers like the M401 Series, P2055 Series and P2035 series. Newer models like the M402 Series usually ship with the HP UPD for Windows by default. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 2 of 8

3 Step 1 Research your printer Due to the general nature of this guide, specific printer languages are not covered. HP supports PCL6, PCL5 and PostScript. Find out what print languages your printer supports. This printer (LaserJetPro 400 M401n) supports PCK6, PCL5 and PostScript. PCL6 is recommended for this printer. If you use USB, plug your printer in now. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 3 of 8

4 Step 2 Download the drivers needed Since I knew what my printer already used and was ideal, I knew what driver was needed right away. Depending on what printer you have, your language options may be limited. Once you know what print languages your printer supports, download the best driver for your printer. The HP UPD driver can be found on the HP website. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 4 of 8

5 Step 3 Driver installation (USB Mode) This method copies the driver files to your computer. If you connect a new printer and don't install the printer specific driver, this can be used in place of that driver. At the installation screen, select USB mode- Plug and Play. Note: The selected options are recommended for most people, but you do not need to use them. Once you select the mode, pick the options you wish to use. Note: While you do not need to use the options shown, these are recommended for most users. Click Next and the files will be copied to your computer. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 5 of 8

6 Step 4 Driver installation (Dynamic mode) This installation method is only supported with networked printers. USB printers are not supported. After the driver loads, agree to the license agreement. Once you agree to the license agreement, you will be asked which installation mode you want to use. At this point, select Dynamic Mode and click Next. After selecting Dynamic Mode, click Next. The printer driver will be installed, along with a universal printer selection printer. Once the driver is installed, additional configuration is required. At this point, you will need to go into Devices and Printers, so you can use your printer in this mode. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 6 of 8

7 Step 5 Printer configuration (Manual) This install procedure is required when you choose to substitute printer specific drivers for the HP UPD. Note: If you try to install a networked printer with the Dynamic Mode print object and have an issue, this may work to get the printer functioning. If you are installing the printer over USB, USB_001 is a safe port. Unless you are using a special configuration or this is not available, this port will work in the majority of cases. Note: Some older printers use a DOT4 port. If your printer does this, you will need what port your printer uses. Find Devices and Printers. The location of this varies from each version of Windows, but generally this is found under the start menu or searching Devices and Printers in Windows 8. Click Add a Printer. If you are installing over USB, select Add a Local printer. If you are installing a network printer, select Add a Network, Wireless or Bluetooth printer. Allow your computer to populate the driver list. Find HP and then locate the driver that says HP Universal Printing PCL6 (Version). Click Next after selecting this driver. Name your printer. Once you name it, click Next and the installation will finish. Note: Changing the printer name is not required, but it makes printer identification easy. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 7 of 8

8 Step 6 Print a test page After the printer is installed, print a test page to make sure it works. To do this, click Print a test page. To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. This document was last generated on :50:16 AM. ifixit CC BY-NC-SA Page 8 of 8