USB Printer problem (can't install or uninstall)

[philbobilbo]

Cannot install or uninstall old printers through Add/Remove Programs. Allow me to explain. Originally, I could not get my I/O Magic 3.5" HDD enclosure to be discovered via USB. Thought perhaps that my USB 2.0 card was the problem, so I uninstalled it, plus all drivers relying on it, and removing all USB items from Device Manager in Safe Mode. However, at that point, Windows would freeze (unlocked with control/alt/delete) upon trying to uninstall printer drivers (a Samsung ML-1740 and a Lexmark Z25). I was able to fix the USB/HDD detection issue with those 2.2 USB drivers on this website (thanks), but I can't seem to get the darn printer issue fixed. Before I found that USB/HDD fix, I had tried the following:

1. Reinstalled the 98SE2ME, using the #1 selection.

2. Installed the 2.0 Unofficial Windows SE Service Pack.

I'm wondering; should I try to install something else? My guess is that the entire print features of Windows are now screwed up, and need reinstalled, but where, I don't know. Thanks for your help.

[Rhelic]

But have you updated your USB drivers as I don't think SP2.x includes any USB improvements but I could be wrong. The recommended USB driver update around here is

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=43605

[Gape]

1.  Reinstalled the 98SE2ME, using the #1 selection.

2.  Installed the 2.0 Unofficial Windows SE Service Pack.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Please install these packs in this order:

1- Remove all related (printer) drivers from Add/Remove Programs and Device Manager in Safe Mode.

2- Boot in normal mode.

3- Close ALL open programs (antivirus, ICQ, etc.).

4- Install Service Pack.

5- Install 982ME.

6- Install USB 2.2 drivers.

Service Pack and 982ME has newer and better USB files, so they contain some USB improvements.

[philbobilbo]

Thanks guys for the replies; yes, indeed I had installed the 2.2 drivers, but I did not install them in the order that Gape mentioned.

One problem, though. As I stated in my previous post, I can't uninstall the printer drivers through Add/Remove Programs. The uninstallers lock up, which I can close through Task Manager. So I'm at a loss as to how to do so. I'll wait for a reply regarding this to see what you folks think before I do things in Gape's order.

[philbobilbo]

Ok, decided to do things Gape's way, but I still can't install the Samsung printer (only one I care about). As it finishes its install the program mentions "printer repair/install failure", and no matter if I uninstall, reinstall or try a repair install of the drivers, it doesn't work. No printer is showing up in the "Printers" except my crummy Lexmark. Don't know what to do next.

[Gape]

Ok, decided to do things Gape's way, but I still can't install the Samsung printer (only one I care about).  As it finishes its install the program mentions "printer repair/install failure", and no matter if I uninstall, reinstall or try a repair install of the drivers, it doesn't work.  No printer is showing up in the "Printers" except my crummy Lexmark.  Don't know what to do next.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

These USB 2.2 drivers are generally for storage-based devices Flash Disks, Cameras etc. So you need to (re)install your printers' drivers individually.

Has your printers USB connection? Did they work previously before these packs?