How to make Windows install a different driver for a device?

[SoultakerPT]

Hello and greetings from Portugal!

I would like to know if someone have any idea of how could a make Windows install a different driver for a device.

Here's the real issue:

I've a HP LaserJet 1200 printer to install on Windows 7.

The issue here is that we would like to install HP Universal Printing Driver automatically when the printer it's plugged in, instead of the HP1200 drive (that doesn't come with the OS, by the way).

Any ideas?

Best Regards,

Diogo Sousa

[Tripredacus]

The INF for the driver will need to have the HwID for the printer in it. If it is written correctly for the target OS, and there is no other driver file in the system for that HwID, Windows should use that INF to install the driver.

I am presuming that you are looking to install this driver into a live OS instead of an image?

[SoultakerPT]

Hi Tripredacus, exactly...

Humm any ideas how can I do that?

[Tripredacus]

If the printer is currently installed on the system, you should see it in Device manager. If you open its properties and go to the Details tab, there is a drop down. If you pick the "Driver Node Strong Name" you will see the line will look like:

oem31.inf:blahblahblah

The number after "oem" will probably not be 31, that is just an example. But this INF file is the driver that Windows has used for the device. Any drivers that do not come with the OS, or are injected into an install image, or (potentially) added by a driver or Windows Update will be renamed to oem*.inf, where * is the next number sequentially following the highest oem#.inf already in the system.

Anyways, this driver actually resides in "C:\Windows\inf" and also there will be a .PNF file with that name also. You can back these up if you don't have the original installer anymore. You now need to prepare the drivers you DO want to use. If they are in a zip file or so, they should be extracted out. You will need to tell Windows where the new INF is located. If it is only in an installer that may complicate things. WinRaR can open some installers like InstallShield.

Here is the rest of the process:

1. In Device Manager, uninstall the device and select the "delete driver files" checkbox.

2. Unplug the printer

3. You *may* want to reboot the PC, it doesn't hurt.

4. Plug in the printer

5. When Windows asks for the driver, point it to the driver you prepared earlier

If Windows likes that driver, it will install. It still might not, depending on how it was written, or if the driver isn't signed or whatever. Worse case scenario you can install the old driver again until you figure out other ideas.

[Guest kevinchaapel]

No wireless networks are listed. Of course, first make sure that the wireless hardware in your computer is currently in operation - some laptops have the potential to turn it off to save battery life.When equipment installed or connected to a computer properly, often due to a problem controller. The instructions are essentially the same for all types of wireless network hardware. However, some specific details such as the download locations will obviously be different.