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Installing a printer

Mum very thoughtfully got me a HP deskjet F4850 printer for christmas. I'm trying to install it onto my EeePC netbook with much difficulty.

I tried using the installation CD through my external CD drive but when it came to plugging the printer in my computer didn't recognise the device so I couldn't install it.

Went onto HPs website to download the drivers, took forever and a day, only for it to not run, the computer says that the pathway cannot be found and just closes the installer.

HPs website troubleshooting section says that it's either the USB cable i'm using is too long (when i'm using the one that came with the printer), or the USB port is being depleted by using the cd drive at the same time, but i can't not use the cd drive because the download isn't working. Is there any way around this?

At some time in the future i want to use the printer wirelessly but i don't have a WPS modem, do i need one of these or can i do it with just a normal wireless modem?

Thanks,
Jen

Comments

  • scottishf
    scottishf Posts: 1,190 Forumite
    Linux or Windows ?
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    oops sorry, windows XP service pack 2
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I have a friend with an older model HP printer and her cable is a about 6 inches shorter than mine, is it worthwhile getting her to drop her USB cable in and seeing if it will work with the disc then?
  • hairy_g
    hairy_g Posts: 340 Forumite
    This is the only way i can think of doing this..
    Firstly, can you copy all the files on the Printer Installation Cd to a folder on your PC,
    best to make a new one.
    Then shut down your PC
    Plug the printer in, switch it on and then switch PC on.
    Xp should detect new hardware and either install drivers for it or give you the option to install them from a location.
    you should be able to browse to the folder you copied them to.

    hope this works for you.

    also do you have windows updates turned on?

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    yes I'm up to date with all the windows updates, i'll try making the folder and getting the files.
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Done :) all installed AND working wirelessly, quite chuffed really.
  • hairy_g
    hairy_g Posts: 340 Forumite
    Good to know it's working, did my method work for you? or was there some other way?
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