I'm trying to install an HP 610CL printer to an HP Pavilion XE783, just given to me. The printer previously ran on this machine (OS is ME) but the original driver was deleted in error.

When I try to install the printer, using either dj615en or dj617en (downloaded from HP page or Driver guide), I first get the message "Error 10. Unable to add printer HP Deskjet 610C series." If I ignore this message and continue, I get another message "Error 07. Registry update failed for key 'Printer model installed.'" If I ignore this and follow instructions to reboot, I get a message "Congratulations, Printer successfully installed." If I click on the printer icon on the desktop, I get the message "Printer Driver problem. Data required by the printer driver cannot be found or has been corrupted. Restart Windows and try printing again." If I restart, I get the same results.

Any suggestions?

Try doing an Un-Install now.
Then reboot and do a reinstall

Also check the add-remove programs for the un-install
Not just the program folder ( There should be one )

It may be the last drivers were removed but not un-installed ( deleted)

If that doesn't work you could try running the Registry Tool [number 8 in the 1st menu] in the EBCD bootable CD below to clean up the registry of orphan settings [very useful that EBCD :) ].

1. How to make a free “Smart Boot Manager” floppy
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41498
This makes it easier to boot a chosen drive [particularly the one holding the EBCD].

2. How to make a free EBCD bootable CD
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41485
This has a number of useful utilities included including "Image" [for DOS, by Terabyte] & "File Manager".

Just delete the registry entries from the computer. Run the scrubber (s/w removal utility ) normally found in hp.com website and reinstall the printer, it shuld work.

Working in the registry (even with a reg cleaner) can be dicey unless you know what you are doing (you could end up with a non-working computer. If you go this route make a FULL BACK UP of the registry before woking there.

Can you unzip (open up) the install exe? If so make a copy of it and unzip it into a folder sitting on your desktop. Next go to System File checker ( I cannot remember how to get to it in ME) to run a check for changed or deleted files. When it comes to the printer files either point towards the folder you created and it should replace the missing files. Before you start this though, be aware that you will be there for a while as you will have to select confirm or ignore or replace all changed deleted files on your computer since SFC was last (if ever) run.

You could also try doing a SEARCH/FIND (from the start button) for both your printer and model number (seperate searches).

Try doing it in SAFE MODE as windows might try to hold onto a couple of the drivers and safe mode means a cleaner un-install. Also try copying the drivers onto your desktop and install from safe mode as well.

For ErnieK, Sylvander and ranjit jacob:

Tried all your suggestions with no luck. Tried to load another printer and it failed the same way. My next plan is to upgrade this computer's ram, erase the HD and load Windows XP.

Thanks for your help.

CFJ

The printer driver would need to be the correct one for both the printer AND the Operating System.
Which OS is installed at the moment?

Run the Windows XP Upgrade Advisor (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/advisor.mspx) whilst you still have your existing OS [before you attempt to install WinXP].

Sylvander:

Thanks for your suggestion.

All printer drivers are Windows ME, which is the system on the machine. It seems that it doesn't matter which printer I try to install, it hangs, with the same error messages. I've run the HP Scrubber for the HP 610CL and it removed everything related to that printer, but when I try to re-install, still come up with the same error messages.

There is something common to any printer, possibly the LPT printer port. Have replaced the printer cable, checked for bent pins, etc. The Device Manager says all seems OK. I'll start looking at the hardware. Hate to give up on this one.

CFJ

I'll bet it's a software problem.
How about doing a "repair" reinstallation of WinME?
Perhaps that will be more thorough when it checks out the connected hardware and installed drivers to match.
Unless youd rather start afresh with WinXP regardless.

Sylvander:

I formatted the HD and re-installed ME. Now, the printer software says it can't find the printer attached to the printer port. I've already swapped the cables. I have a set of HP 'restore' CD's and will use them to re-install all the drivers. It may be that the driver for the printer port is messed up. Thanks again for your patient responses.

CFJ

Does the correct printer show in the "Printers" folder in "Control Panel", and is it configured as the "Default"?

No. I never get that far. The driver quits loading.

CFJ

cjackson
You mighthave to ensure that the printer is turned (switched on and show ready for use) on before your OS will/can see it and thus install the drivers.

Does this printer connect to your PC's parallel port?

Assuming it does, check the settings in the BIOS Setup.
For my older PC I have:
In the "Integrated Peripherals Setup Menu"...
"Onboard Parallel Port : 378/IRQ7"
"Onboard Parallel Mode : ECP/EPP" [this is for Bi-Directional communication (does your printer do this?)]
[You could use EPP/SPP for one-way, PC to Printer communication.]
If ECP/EPP, then you also have:
"ECP Mode use DMA = 3"
and...
"Parallel Port EPP Type : EPP 1.9"

QUOTE
[For Windows 98]
"After installing the printer [connecting and switching on and booting Windows], you must enter settings in Windows to tell Windows which port Windows is connected to and to install a printer driver...
1. Go to Start->Settings->Printers.
2. Click the Add Printer icon. Windows starts the Add Printer Wizard.
3. Click Next.
4. Click Local Printer if asked, and click Next. A list of manufacturers and printers will be displayed.
5. Click Have Disk [assuming you have the driver on a disk].
6. Insert the disk in the CD-ROM or FDD, select that drive letter from the drop-down-list and click OK.
7. In the Manufacturers list, click the printer's manufacturers' name. The list of models will be displayed in the right-hand pane.
8. Click the model that matches yours, or the closest match, and click Next. The wizard prompts you to specify the port to which the printer is connected.
9. Choose LPT1 if the printer is connected to the parallel port. Click Next. You are now prompted to type a name for the printer.
10. Type the name you want to appear in the printers folder for this printer.
11. Click Yes to have this printer registered as the default and click Next.
12. The wizard asks if you would like to print a test page. Click Yes or No, then click Finish.
13. If the driver for the selected printer has not been installed, Windows prompts you to insert the Windows installation disk. Insert this and click OK.
14 Windows copies the printer driver and any additional files from the Windows installation disk to the HDD."

Ernie & Sylvander;

Thanks for your help. I went to Device Manager and found that there WERE NO ports installed. How they got uninstalled, I don't know. I had the HP Pavilion driver CD, so re-installed the ports and installed the printer, using the HP software that I downloaded. All works OK now.

Thanks for your detailed and helpful suggestions.

CFJ

Interesting problem, I know you can disable/enable ports in device manager and BIOS.

GREAT RESULT! :D

And just in time for Christmas too. :)

merry christmas that was the last thing that was left in my mind ECP :)