Why can't Windows 10 install a simple HP LaserJet 2100m printer driver?

In message , Danny D.
writes:
[]
I think there are three kinds of printers (essentially).
Multiply that by color or B&W.

1. dot matrix
2. ink
3. laser

Three universal drivers would do us just fine.

Actually, for the above, one would - because the above are all dot
matrix. (I've never liked the term dot matrix being used for what should
be called impact, or ribbon, or similar.)

All three of the above put marks on paper as a matrix of dots; it is
only the _means_ by which they make the dots that varies, and there's no
real reason the _computer_ needs to know which that is. The only kind of
printer that doesn't is the type that has pre-formed character hammers -
teletype, golfball, daisywheel, or (true) line printers (with a chain),
few of which are in any sort of widespread use any more.

Ideally, there would be a common dot matrix interface (and a similar one
for scanners). But there is no financial incentive for such to be
developed, and plenty against it, so it's not going to happen.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of
them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for
science intact. - Carl Sagan (interview w. Psychology Today published '96-1-1)

On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 07:23:57 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:


1. dot matrix
2. ink
3. laser

Three universal drivers would do us just fine.

Actually, for the above, one would - because the above are all dot
matrix. (I've never liked the term dot matrix being used for what should
be called impact, or ribbon, or similar.)

All three of the above put marks on paper as a matrix of dots; it is
only the _means_ by which they make the dots that varies,


There's another very big difference between them. When you look at the
print produced by a dot-matrix printer, you can see the dots; with the
other two you can not. And to me, that justifies calling it a
dot-matrix.

In message , Ken Blake
writes:
On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 07:23:57 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:


1. dot matrix
2. ink
3. laser

Three universal drivers would do us just fine.

Actually, for the above, one would - because the above are all dot
matrix. (I've never liked the term dot matrix being used for what should
be called impact, or ribbon, or similar.)

All three of the above put marks on paper as a matrix of dots; it is
only the _means_ by which they make the dots that varies,


There's another very big difference between them. When you look at the
print produced by a dot-matrix printer, you can see the dots; with the
other two you can not. And to me, that justifies calling it a
dot-matrix.

An impact printer in text-only draft mode, yes. In high-quality graphics
mode (unless it's a very cheap one), you'd have to look quite carefully
to see them - and you can sometimes see them in at least inkjet output,
at least with magnification.

(Mind you, an impact printer in high-quality graphics mode is SLOW. [And
noisy, if you're one of the type of people who's bothered by that.])
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

All's well that ends.

On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 23:40:48 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

In message , Ken Blake
writes:
On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 07:23:57 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:


1. dot matrix
2. ink
3. laser

Three universal drivers would do us just fine.

Actually, for the above, one would - because the above are all dot
matrix. (I've never liked the term dot matrix being used for what should
be called impact, or ribbon, or similar.)

All three of the above put marks on paper as a matrix of dots; it is
only the _means_ by which they make the dots that varies,


There's another very big difference between them. When you look at the
print produced by a dot-matrix printer, you can see the dots; with the
other two you can not. And to me, that justifies calling it a
dot-matrix.

An impact printer in text-only draft mode, yes. In high-quality graphics
mode (unless it's a very cheap one), you'd have to look quite carefully
to see them -


It was a lot of years ago, but with my first PC and dot-matrix
printer, I used to use software (I've forgotten its name) that would
emulate postscript and produce high-quality text in a wide variety of
fonts. No dots were visible, at least not without magnification.

But I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the normal text
they produced.

That is an older printer and if you read the HP forums for that printer you
will see plenty of others had problems.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJe...0/td-p/5295727

Try installing the Win8.1 x64 version or even Win7.

Bob S.

In message , Ken Blake
writes:
On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 23:40:48 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

In message , Ken Blake
writes:
On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 07:23:57 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:


1. dot matrix
2. ink
3. laser

Three universal drivers would do us just fine.

Actually, for the above, one would - because the above are all dot
matrix. (I've never liked the term dot matrix being used for what should
be called impact, or ribbon, or similar.)

All three of the above put marks on paper as a matrix of dots; it is
only the _means_ by which they make the dots that varies,


There's another very big difference between them. When you look at the
print produced by a dot-matrix printer, you can see the dots; with the
other two you can not. And to me, that justifies calling it a
dot-matrix.

An impact printer in text-only draft mode, yes. In high-quality graphics
mode (unless it's a very cheap one), you'd have to look quite carefully
to see them -


It was a lot of years ago, but with my first PC and dot-matrix
printer, I used to use software (I've forgotten its name) that would
emulate postscript and produce high-quality text in a wide variety of
fonts. No dots were visible, at least not without magnification.

But I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the normal text
they produced.

That was using them in their draft mode - which was text only, and is
something I think most modern printers don't even have.

Windows - I think from around 3.1 on, possibly 3.0 - operates in
"graphics mode", so of course can print fonts and so on.

I guess I feel they're unfairly dismissed. They're noisy and slow, and
aren't really capable of colour (yes, I know they did try). But they
_are_ capable of high-quality output. They're also very economical to
run, and also in many cases, very solidly built. (I'm watching a
programme about steam locomotives - the Flying Scotsman in particular -
and can't help seeing some parallels! Except steam locos are
phenomenally _expensive_ to keep going.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

After a typical day at the BBC you want something to take your mind off work,
although in the end, decent people being eaten alive by heartless monsters
running amok proved no distraction. - Eddie Mair, RT 2015/7/4-10

On Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:58:19 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

In message , Ken Blake
writes:

[snip]

It was a lot of years ago, but with my first PC and dot-matrix
printer, I used to use software (I've forgotten its name) that would
emulate postscript and produce high-quality text in a wide variety of
fonts. No dots were visible, at least not without magnification.

But I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the normal text
they produced.

Which is quite adequate for reports and listings.

That was using them in their draft mode - which was text only, and is
something I think most modern printers don't even have.

Windows - I think from around 3.1 on, possibly 3.0 - operates in
"graphics mode", so of course can print fonts and so on.

I guess I feel they're unfairly dismissed. They're noisy and slow, and
aren't really capable of colour (yes, I know they did try). But they
_are_ capable of high-quality output. They're also very economical to
run, and also in many cases, very solidly built. (I'm watching a

Yes. I have an Okidata Microline 320 Turbo dot-matrix printer).
I got it at about the same time as a Dell laser printer. The Dell
printer died. I replaced it with a Epson Stylus NX215 that quit
printing properly. My Oki keeps on chugging along.

programme about steam locomotives - the Flying Scotsman in particular -
and can't help seeing some parallels! Except steam locos are
phenomenally _expensive_ to keep going.)

And they handle continuous paper. I love fanfold paper for
reports and program listings. One listing of sheets is bad enough,
but when one has to work with two (or more) listings at once, fanfold
is so convenient.

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko

On Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:39:19 -0400, Bob wrote:

That is an older printer and if you read the HP forums for that printer you
will see plenty of others had problems.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJe...0/td-p/5295727

Try installing the Win8.1 x64 version or even Win7.

Bob S.

Thank you Bob for that advice.
The advice here, in the Win7/HP-Printer newsgroups was perfect.
Basically, if you hit the secret button inside of Windows 10 printer setup,
everything works fine.

Nothing else worked - but that secret printer update button works so well
that I don't think, for Windows 10 anyway, any other solution is needed.

One thing I forgot to ask the team about was how to *archive* that printer
driver.

Is there an easy way to archive the printer driver that was installed so
that I have the Windows 10 x64 printer driver if Windows ever does stop
supplying it in the temporary update?

"Danny D." wrote in message
...
On Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:15:52 -0500, Tony wrote:

The following drivers are available on Win10 64 bit
CL5, PCL6 and PS for the LJ2100.
Microsoft are not and never have been responsible for manufacturer
specific
printer drivers.
Go to add new printer
Click the printer I want isn't listed
Click add a local printer or network printer with manual settings
Select use existing or create new port as required
Click on Windows Update and wait (it will take a few minutes0.
Look under HP and voila!
The above is from memory so the words may be different.
Tony

Thank you for that summary.
That process is exactly what worked.
All other attempts failed, to wit:

1. It's bad enough that Windows 10, using the *normal* process for
installing a printer (which we've all used for decades on Windows), failed
miserably to install the printer driver for one of the most common
printers
on the planet.

2. It's even worse that HP support failed just as miserably, using the
normal process (which we've all used for decades with HP printers) for
downloading a printer driver to a basic and very common laserjet printer.

3. The good news is that most likely HP drivers write themselves, in so
much as a printer driver is no big deal in terms of porting (and testing &
supplying & maintaining) from Windows 7 to Windows 10 - simply because HP
almost certainly has automated processes for such trivially easy ports
such
as these are.

4. Therefore, the better news is that HP already (secretly, as it were)
supplied the HP LaserJet 2100m printer driver to Microsoft, such that the
"secret temporary" update process worked to install the correct printer
driver.

In the end, who knew that there was a secret temporary "Windows 10 update"
that is entirely separate and outside the "regular" Windows 10 update?

I certainly did not know this temporary update existed.
But thanks to you (plural) on the Usenet, I do now.

Thanks!

HP Laserjet 2100/2100M/2100TN User Guide (184 pages)
-
http://h20565.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/p..._ na-bpl06466
- http://tinyurl.com/hhmwg3w

The HP LaserJet 2100 and the 2100 M printers include two interface ports: an
IEEE-1284 parallel and a LocalTalk port.
The HP LaserJet 2100 TN printer also includes an HP JetDirect 600 N print
server card that includes a 10Base-T (RJ-45) port.

Drivers - available for practically every OS including Windows 10 32/64bit

-
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/p...&lang=en&cc=us
- http://tinyurl.com/zeog5bj

Regards
wasbit

On Sat, 27 Aug 2016 10:13:31 +0100, wasbit wrote:

HP Laserjet 2100/2100M/2100TN User Guide (184 pages)
-
http://h20565.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/p..._ na-bpl06466
- http://tinyurl.com/hhmwg3w

The HP LaserJet 2100 and the 2100 M printers include two interface ports: an
IEEE-1284 parallel and a LocalTalk port.
The HP LaserJet 2100 TN printer also includes an HP JetDirect 600 N print
server card that includes a 10Base-T (RJ-45) port.

Thanks for that document reference.

For some reason, I had thought I had the HP LaserJet 2011m but it's the TN
model (aka HP LJ 2100TN).

Drivers - available for practically every OS including Windows 10 32/64bit
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/p...&lang=en&cc=us
- http://tinyurl.com/zeog5bj

The problem with that "drivers" page is that it's a propaganda lie from HP
Marketing. If you actually try to download the Windows 10 64-bit driver,
you get the PARK zip package, which has been explained to me is a
roll-your-own-driver for IT professionals.

I'm not about to roll my own HP driver.

That page *implies* the driver exists, but nobody on earth can find it on
the HP web site.

The *only* place on the planet the driver seems to exist is on the Windows
special temporary printer-only update mechanism.

[lots of postings from lots of people about drivers for HP 2100 printers]

I don't have an HP 2100 so I can't say if the files would help - but have
you tried going to

https://catalog.update.microsoft.com

and searching for "2100 windows 7 hewlett printers" (without the quotes)?
This returns a number of printers for LaserJet 2100 series printers (both
PCL and PS), with the drivers described as compatible with "Windows 7,
Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and later".

The site is not an installer; you download the files (and so can archive
them for future use).

Joe

On Sat, 27 Aug 2016 08:39:29 -0400, Joe Morris wrote:

I don't have an HP 2100 so I can't say if the files would help - but have
you tried going to

https://catalog.update.microsoft.com

and searching for "2100 windows 7 hewlett printers" (without the quotes)?
This returns a number of printers for LaserJet 2100 series printers (both
PCL and PS), with the drivers described as compatible with "Windows 7,
Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and later".

The site is not an installer; you download the files (and so can archive
them for future use).

That is a *strange* site indeed!

The whole point of web browsers were to make any content available, right?

What part about being able to display on any computer did Microsoft NOT
understand?

I use Firefox.
Here is the utterly crazy stuff that happens when I go to that site.

1. I point Firefox to: https://catalog.update.microsoft.com
2. It says I need a certificate.
3. After I install the certificate, it takes me to he
https://catalog.update.microsoft.com...ks.aspx?id=140
4. There it tells me it only works with IE
(I haven't used IE in probably a decade!)

Specifically, it says:
Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog
To use this Web site's full functionality, you must be running Microsoft
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.
To upgrade to the latest version of the browser, go to the Internet
Explorer Downloads Website.
If you prefer to use a different Web browser, you can get updates from the
Microsoft Download Center.

5. My only viable option is to go to the Microsoft Download Center.
6. That takes me to he
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download

There is a Hardware Drivers button, so I click that.

7. Clicking Hardware Drivers takes me he
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/driver.aspx

There are far too many options to scroll through so I run a search for:
2100 windows 7 hewlett printers

8. Unfortunately, that search only locates:

Hewlett Packard Connects With The MSN Video Audience

HP Connects With MSN Video Audience
Free
11/21/2007
Update for Windows 7 (KB2028551)

This update resolves instances where certain elements are clipped when
printing an XPS containing visual brushes with transforms to a GDI-based
printer.
Free
10/27/2010
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2028551)

This update resolves instances where certain elements are clipped when
printing an XPS containing visual brushes with transforms to a GDI-based
printer.
Free
11/10/2010
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC is ready
for Windows 7. It scans your hardware, devices, and installed programs for
known ...
Free
4/20/2010
PowerPoint Viewer

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer lets you view full-featured presentations
created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions.
Free
10/25/2011

Danny D. wrote:
On Sat, 27 Aug 2016 08:39:29 -0400, Joe Morris wrote:


https://catalog.update.microsoft.com



That is a *strange* site indeed!

The whole point of web browsers were to make any content available, right?

What part about being able to display on any computer did Microsoft NOT
understand?

The catalog.update.microsoft.com site uses an ActiveX plugin.

The ActiveX plugin runs the "Shopping Cart" interface
provided on the catalog server.

It allows you to queue up a bunch of downloads, like
search for 30 different items, and "add them to your cart".

Then, once you start the download, you can go off and
make dinner while it downloads.

The list of downloads could be stored in a cookie, or
a cookie could be used to sync a server-side grocery
list.

The reason for the ActiveX plugin, is to give
the user that capability. When asked to install the
ActiveX plugin, give it permission.

Microsoft "promises" to modify the Catalog site design,
but given how Microsoft is also going to **** over
Win7 and Win8 updates anyway, I just assume they're
not doing anything at the moment.

If you use Internet Explorer, even Internet Explorer 6,
you will be able to use catalog.update.microsoft.com .

Have fun,
Paul

On Sat, 27 Aug 2016 15:44:47 -0400, Paul wrote:

The catalog.update.microsoft.com site uses an ActiveX plugin.

The ActiveX plugin runs the "Shopping Cart" interface
provided on the catalog server.

It allows you to queue up a bunch of downloads, like
search for 30 different items, and "add them to your cart".

Then, once you start the download, you can go off and
make dinner while it downloads.

The list of downloads could be stored in a cookie, or
a cookie could be used to sync a server-side grocery
list.

The reason for the ActiveX plugin, is to give
the user that capability. When asked to install the
ActiveX plugin, give it permission.

Thank you for explaining why that site doesn't work with a major browser.
I can't stand non-standard web sites but I'm currently stuck on WinXP for
the archive of the printer driver because that's where all my archives are
and the win 10 machine is at work.

Microsoft "promises" to modify the Catalog site design,
but given how Microsoft is also going to **** over
Win7 and Win8 updates anyway, I just assume they're
not doing anything at the moment.

I am on WInXP for my archives (that's where I have kept my software
archives for years).

If you use Internet Explorer, even Internet Explorer 6,
you will be able to use catalog.update.microsoft.com .

I located the never-used IE shortcut on WinXP and clicked on it and it said
"Welcome to IE 8": http://i.cubeupload.com/rGjtq0.gif

Then I went to https://catalog.update.microsoft.com with IE8.

Ooooh. Pretty baby blue color! It says it wants to install a "catalog".
http://i.cubeupload.com/wIUSmP.gif

Wow. Whatever it installed sure does consume resources!
http://i.cubeupload.com/BvJgYN.gif

My CPU went to 100% in a second when the catalog started!
http://i.cubeupload.com/Anxnqf.gif

But a search does seem to find a huge amount of related "stuff".
http://i.cubeupload.com/MJL47r.gif

But most of the "stuff" seemed to be the same file.
http://i.cubeupload.com/F4VMsK.gif

Here's the description for just one of the stuffs:
a. Microsoft driver update for HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
b. Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1 and later drivers,Windows Server 2008
R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2012 R2 and later drivers
c. Drivers (Printers)
d. 6/21/2006
e. 6.1.7233.0
f. 11.6 MB 12129488

The fact that a 10KB driver is "11.6MB" is already pretty suspicious.
1. But I hit the "Add" button.
2. And then the "catalog" button.
3. And then the "download" button.
4. And then the "browse" button.
5. And then the "continue" button.
6. And then the "done" button. (Can they make this more steps?)
http://i.cubeupload.com/ugFCp9.gif

Is "this" the archive of the HP LJ 2100 TN printer driver that I want?
AMD64-all-4188_bacd1413e93b4a6362d9a2ca653c869f1c02f6f7.cab 11,846KB

Danny D. wrote:


Is "this" the archive of the HP LJ 2100 TN printer driver that I want?
AMD64-all-4188_bacd1413e93b4a6362d9a2ca653c869f1c02f6f7.cab 11,846KB

If you open the archive with 7ZIP, one of the
files at the top level is

prnhp001.inf

And that is a text file. INF files are
used by installers.

There is a section in there, which lists the
hardware supported. For PNP subsystem usage.

7ZIP can be obtained here. It's a tool which
will open a variety of archive types. GZIP,
7Z, RAR, VHD files, raw disk img files. Opening
some file types causes unfortunate usage of
%temp%, while some of the other types can be
processed quite quickly. This is one of the
first programs I install on a fresh OS install.

http://7-zip.org/

7ZIP will not open InstallShield cabs but it
will open the Microsoft cab in your example.
There is a whole sub-species of "packers"
which cannot be opened by 7ZIP as well.
For example, I wouldn't expect a UPX compressed
EXE to open in 7ZIP as an archive.

Paul