EPSON/HP No Help...Can't Install NEW printer...parameter incorrect? HELP!

[Cindy]

O.k. I have an HP computer with Windows XP. I previously
had an HP Deskjet Printer
installed on the computer. It worked fine, but I really
like Epson printers, so
I bought the Epson Photo Stylus 820. I uninstalled all HP
printers, software, etc.

I have tried to install the new Epson printer using the
software, but I get messages
saying the "arguments are invalid" or the "parameter is
incorrect". I called Epson
NUMEROUS times and spoke with SEVERAL different techies,
including Senior Level Techies.
I was told to try installing the printer with the new
drivers from the Epson website.
I still ran into the same problem. The next step was to
install the software thru
Windows XP Add a Printer Wizard. I STILL got the same
error messages. I was told
by Epson that it was NOT the printer or software causing
this problem. To prove
this, I successfully installed the printer into a
friend's HP computer, and everything
was fine.

I called HP. They were NO HELP. Seriously, they would not
help me. I spoke with
several HP techies and they kept passing the buck.

I have tried to install the printer with both USB and
Port cables. I do NOT have
anything hooked up to a USB. My scanner is/was connected
via port.

I have downloaded all of thw Windows Updates, however,
this was after I uninstalled
my first printer, the HP deskjet. I am beginning to think
there is something with
the Windows Updates that is causing my "add a printer
wizard" to not work properly.

I am getting NO help from Epson nor Hp. I am running out
of options! My next step
is to call Microsoft, but I was wondering if you lovely
people can be of any assitance.


Thanks for taking the time to read all this and I hope I
hear from someone.

 

[FredP]

Hi, Cindy ...

Here's a 'snip' from MS in reply to a similar question in this same NG on
01-03-03 titled 'Cannot install printer ... "The parameter is incorrect."
Perhaps his suggestions might be worth a try ...

--snip
This sounds a little like the "corrupted .PNF" problem. Can you do the
following:

1. go to the %windir%\inf directory (it's hidden, so either you need to
change the explorer folder options, or you just use a command prompt)
2. move printupg.pnf (not printupg.INF !!) somewhere else
3. retry - .
4. if that didn't fix the problem, do the same for ntprint.pnf (not .INF
!!!)
5. if that doesn't fix it, move infcache.1
6. if that doesn't fix it, move oemxxxx.pnf (xxxx being a sequential number)
--snip

 

[Cindy]

Hi Fred,

Thank you for posting. I am not too computer literate,
so all this sounds very complicated! Would a Microsoft
expert be able to walk me thru this? I am thinking about
calling microsoft for help, but is it free? I just
bought this computer with XP installed already.

I appreciate your help Fred!

 

[FredP]

Hi, Cindy ... sorry this sounded so complicated. If you bought the computer
with WinXP installed, it's considered OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
and all technical support is handled by the computer maker, which seems to
be HP in your case. MS will not provide support for OEM problems.

The steps mentioned are not that complicated ... the '%windir%\inf
directory' is just a term for the Windows directory (usually c:\windows) and
the 'inf' folder is a sub-folder of the above Windows directory. I don't
know if that procedure is the answer to your situation but it sounded
similar ... take a look at the posting & answer at: http://tinyurl.com/icyt

Before you try anything, take a look at Cori Bright's website at:
http://www.coribright.com/Windows/Default.asp and try the complete
'uninstall/reinstall' procedures in Article One.

If it all still appears to be too daunting, feel free to email me directly.