Replace printer files

[Carlo]

Every time I try to adjust properties on my printer, I get a crash error.
How can I wipe out my printer configs and start over with a clean printer
file? I tried deleting the printer and reloading, but same problem- even
worse.


thanks

Carl

 

[DL]

If you made the mistake of using MS Update to update printer drivers then
rollback the drivers in device manager, or visit the printer site to install
their drivers.
Some printer manufacturers supply free utilities to completely remove their
drivers.
In the case of most printers you have to install their software/drivers
prior to connecting the printer

 

[Leonard Grey]

Who writes the printer drivers that are offered through Windows Update?

 

[LVTravel]

Who writes the printer drivers that are offered through Windows Update?

That's a good question and I can't answer it but unfortunately most of the
time if you do go to Windows Update to download any drivers you will have
major issues. Over the many years I have tried some of the drivers
recommended by Update just to see what would happen. During those tests I
have lost video, sound, network (wired and wireless) and modem on many
different machines. Probably 4 out of 5 times I tried the recommended
updates something crashed. Restored older drivers from either the original
install disk or the manufacturer's web site and all issues that presented
with the Update site drivers disappeared.

I feel that all of the people who post here that recommend to never get
drivers from Microsoft's site are giving valid advice.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Hardware makers write the drivers. Windows Update is merely the delivery
mechanism.

 

[LVTravel]

Hardware makers write the drivers. Windows Update is merely the delivery
mechanism.

May be, but with the history I have spelled out in my last post, obviously
something is getting lost in the transition between hardware manufacturers
and Microsoft.

 

[Leonard Grey]

So you believe that Microsoft is sabotaging the drivers they receive
from the hardware manufacturers.

Look, if I'm a hardware manufacturer, I want you to come to my website
to get your drivers. That's where I'll give you my best product support.
And while you're there, maybe I can entice you to trade up or buy one of
my other products. Especially if you're stuck with that second-rate OEM
crap that came with your computer.

You want to get your drivers from Windows Update? Fine...but don't
expect anything more than minimal support.

 

[LVTravel]

So you believe that Microsoft is sabotaging the drivers they receive from
the hardware manufacturers.

Look, if I'm a hardware manufacturer, I want you to come to my website to
get your drivers. That's where I'll give you my best product support. And
while you're there, maybe I can entice you to trade up or buy one of my
other products. Especially if you're stuck with that second-rate OEM crap
that came with your computer.

You want to get your drivers from Windows Update? Fine...but don't expect
anything more than minimal support.

Never said that Microsoft is sabotaging drivers. What I said is that
historically drivers obtained from the manufacturer's web sites work
reliably and the ones obtained from Microsoft's web site normally don't. I
don't know why and don't really care. Just have it your way. I just don't
care to argue with you.