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64-bit Printer Drivers on Windows 2003 R2 Std x64

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14 replies

by jaymen

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Greetings, all.

I can't seem to install any 64-bit printer drivers on a Windows 2003 R2 Std x64 server. Regardless of the driver source (CD vs. download vs. built-in), I get the following error when I try to add a new printer:

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Printer driver was not installed. Windows cannot install this printer until your system administrator first installs a new driver for it on the print server. Or, to install a driver on your computer without the assistance of your system administrator, run the Print Troubleshooter and select the option that contains this message:

"The current printer driver is not compatible with a policy enabled on your computer that blocks Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 kernel-mode drivers."
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If I try to install a 64-bit driver through Server Properties --> Drivers, I get the following error instead:

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Unable to install HP Color LaserJet 3600, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, x64 driver.
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Factors to consider:

1) I am logged on as the domain admin (this is the DC in a single server domain).

2) This server is also the Exchange 2007 Hub server with Edge Transport.

3) I have tried drivers for several different manufacturers, including the Generic Text Only printer.

4) I have changed both the Default Domain and Local policies as follows:
A) Computer Configuration --> Administrative Templates --> Printers --> "Disallow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers" = Disable.

B) Computer Configuration --> Windows Settings --> Security Settings --> Local Policies --> Security Options --> "Devices: Unsigned driver installation behavior" = Silently Succeed.

C) Policy changes have been followed up with gpupdate /force and reboots.

5) All Microsoft Critical Updates are applied.

6) Help in Print Troubleshooter was of no help.

7) I have tried LPT, COM, and IP ports, with no change in results.

8) I exhausted HP Level 2 technical support.

Any advice or pointers would be highly appreciated.

jaymen

14 replies

by maniacman

I know it's a stupid question to ask of you, but you'd be surprised how many people try to install drivers on a server when the spooler service is disabled or not running and then run into issues like this.

by jaymen

Yes it is, and I've verified that the spooler service is running in the Services applet. I've also tried removing and re-adding the role via the "Manage my Server" wizard.

by maniacman

If your workstations are running 32 bit version of XP, then you'll need to install the 32 bit version of the printer driver, even though the server is running a 64 bit OS. Always look at the printers from the point of view of the desktops and what's compatible with them.

by jaymen

I've successfully installed the 32 bit drivers, but as far as I know (and if I'm wrong, please tell me) you can't install/share a printer unless you have drivers compatible with the hosting OS.

by jaymen

I can install the 32-bit drivers within File --> Server Properties --> Drivers.

I cannot install the printers using the Add Printer wizard. If I try this I get "The specified location does not contain a compatible software driver for your device. If the location contains a driver, make sure it is designed to work with Windows for x64-based systems" as an error message.

by jaymen

Just for hoots I tried installing a locally-attached Ricoh Aficio MP 161 on a USB port using the downloaded drivers. It worked like a champ.

Is it possible that the previous drivers were somehow corrupted and are stuck in a cache somewhere? If so, can I somehow delete or clear out this cache?

Jaymen

by jaymen

If it makes a difference, the drivers that I've been fighting with have mostly been HP, the 3600n and 4350tn to be exact. Again, I've tried installing drivers for other printers with no success (with the Ricoh exception mentioned above).

by cas.vogel

I also have the same problem with a relatively new Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 SP1 x64 Edition. Any attempt to install an x64 print driver for any make or model whether pre-loaded with Windows or downloaded from a Vendor, viz. HP, fails every time. However, I was able to install an x86 print driver which is not much use because if you can't install an x64 print driver you can't add a printer.

At the moment this problem has me stumped. Any ideas anyone has for a solution to this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Cas

by richard kirk

It is indeed a corruption of drivers.
1) In Printers window right click and select server properties
2) check there are no drivers installed - if so delete all
3) stop spooler
4) delete all files in C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\x64 (but leave the 3 folder
5) delete all files in C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\x64\3 (but leave the 3 folder intact
6) Start the spooler
7) Add a printer
8) Smile smugly ;>)

Cheers

Rich

by jaymen

Just when I had thrown up my hands in despair, this solution worked perfectly. Thanks a ton!

by cas.vogel

I tried it on our Windows Storage Server 2003 x64 edtion box and it also worked!!!!! I did find since my previous post that I was able to install Postscript printer drivers but no other types of printer drivers. Even though I was able to install Postscript printers there was also another strange related issue. These printers didn't show up in the list of available printers in Active Directory even though they were configured to be published in Active Directory. Your fix also fixed this issue. Now the printers I have added so far are showing up in Active Directory's list of available printers.

Many thanks for finding and publishing your fix. It's really appreciated.

Regards
Cas

by marcus

I use an OKI C980DN printer. This only supports PS drivers on 32 bit operating systems. Using any 64 bit application means you can only use the PCL drivers for most printers. Install the drivers on a 32 bit server and run from there. Not the 64 bit machine. Drivers are not common for 64 bit computers as yet.
Hope this assists.

by marcus

I use an OKI C9800DN printer. This only supports PS drivers on 32 bit operating systems. Using any 64 bit application means you can only use the PCL drivers for most printers. Install the drivers on a 32 bit server and run from there. Not the 64 bit machine. Drivers are not common for 64 bit computers as yet.
Hope this assists.

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