Driver Options
Check HP's website for a driver (automatic check)
Specify a driver file to install
Select a driver from a list of drivers this PC knows about
In order for your printer (or All-in-One device) to receive the correct
data format from your PC, you need to install a printer driver. This screen
offers you three different options to find and install that driver:
- Check HP's website for a
driver
If this option is enabled, it means that you can let the HP
Install Printer Wizard search for and download the latest driver for your
printer from the Web. This option will only be available for HP
printers.
- Specify a driver file to
install
This option allows you to browse to a driver file,
such as from a driver downloaded from the HP website or the CD that came
with your printer. If you would like to use the driver on the CD
that came with your printer, exit this application and use the installer
on the printer CD.
- Select a driver from a list of drivers this
PC knows about
If you choose this option, the HP Install Printer
Wizard will display the Windows printer driver dialog box, and lets you choose
from a wide variety of drivers that came with your Windows disks.
Some general rules:
- Newer LaserJets can usually use drivers for older
similar LaserJets, although there might be slight differences in output.
- It is generally not a good idea to use a LaserJet
driver for a Deskjet or vice versa.
- Do not use drivers from one printer manufacturer to print to a
printer from another printer manufacturer.
Note: HP strongly recommends finding the correct driver that was
specifically designed for your printer model. However, the last 2 options offer
you the option to install and use any driver, even a driver for a different
type of printer. If you do, this might cause problems with the way your
documents will look. Not all printer drivers are compatible with each other. It
might even cause printer errors.
For more information:
Printing
an HP Jetdirect test page
Glossary of Network Printing Terms