HP4100 printer lost all source/type selection, can't do letterhead 1

[LoonyLeif]

Here at the office, we have two networked HP4100 printers. They are exactly the same in every way, but behave completely different.

Here’s the Properties window of the printer that’s working as it should.

Okay, well, here’s the other printer. I’ve tried this on multiple other clients, it all shows up the same.

Our options here are limited to two Types of paper. The Source tray is dimmed. One can’t even point-and-click on the right-hand side printer picture. It’s like we’re being locked out of the printer’s options.

The problematic printer is setup as such:

Tray 1 = Envelopes
Tray 2 = 8.5 x 11
Tray 3 = Letterhead
Tray 4 = Legal

Both are even using the same drivers (PCL 6 Version 4.2.3.167). The only real difference between the two is the Tray structure; on the working printer, Trays 2 and 3 are switched. But I know it shouldn’t make that kind of difference.

So, while we are able to find ways around much of the lockdown on tray selection, much of the options we could have are out of reach. It does not seem to print Letterhead properly, but this could be something I could work around.

I’ve searched and searched for information about how the printer’s options could have just vanished like that, but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Cwgunder]

I'm almost certian it's a driver issue. I'm not sure how it happened, but likely a registry entry that's missing or changed on the server.

Check:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SYSTEM
CurrentControlSet
Control
Print
Printers
*here you should see both printers listed*

EXample:
HP Laserjet 4100 Series PCL6
HP Laserjet 4100 Series PCL6 copy 2

I'd make sure the entires for each are identical. Specificaly under the DsDriver key check "printerBinNames" and "printMediaSupported"



If that doesn't work

I'd start with returning the printer to factory defaults and setting the paper types on printer it's self. You should then be able to leave the driver set to autoselect.

The only other thing that seems logical is to remove and re-install the printer on the server, though you may have to setup the printer on each of the workstations as well.

Hope this helps

Good Luck!

Chris