Location of printer drivers?

Does anyone know where on the Macintosh HD that the printer drivers are stored?

These are located in the /Library/Printers/ and /System/Library/Printers/ folders.
(26710)

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Locating bundled printer drivers on OS X install disc

Months ago I deleted most of the pre-installed printer drivers on my Mac to reclaim almost 2GB of space. Naturally, I'm looking to get one of them back now.
Can I locate the drivers on the OS X Install Disc without re-installing OS X? I tried a custom install, but you can't deselect "Essential system software" when running install.
Lexmark's site doesn't have a driver for my T520 printer for Tiger, but according to Apple's list of drivers included on my Tiger install disc, it's on there.
My printer works with a generic Lexmark driver, but I would prefer the actual driver with all my options available.
Thanks!

Hi.
Printer drivers are located in the Optional Installs package of your Tiger install disc.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301229
Good Luck.
MacMini G4 1.25GHz 1GB Mac OS X (10.4.9)

How do you find the location of printer drivers?

First this may be in the wrong forum so if so can the moderator please move it to where it should be.
I have a driver installed on my computer for an older large format printer that is no longer supported by the manufacturer and has not been for several years. I had downloaded and installed a driver that had been modified to work in Windows 7-64 bit and
have used it for several years without a problem. I have sold the printer but cannot find where I downloaded the driver from and every driver I have tried on the other persons computer always says the driver we are trying to load is not compatible with a
64 bit system or something to that effect.
I don't understand as when I download a driver such as this I always save it in a directory with the name and model number of what it is for but do not have it saved there, but not sure why as that is out of the ordinary.
On my own computer if I go to add printer and then select the manufacturer name the specific model is shown in the window on the right so assumed it was a driver that came with Windows 7 which would also explain why it is not in a separate folder where I
would generally save it when I downloaded it and before installation.
Now I have setup the printer at the person's place that is buying it and when I went to add printer and selected the manufacturer's name that model was not in the list or printers so when I returned home I again brought it up on my computer and rather than
the driver being in alpha/numeric order in the models listed it was at the end of the list and there were several different models listed in that particular product line so it would seem obvious it was a driver installed after the fact and not one that was
included with Windows 7.
So after a long winded explanation, much of which was probably not necessary, can someone please tell me where I can actually find the drivers that are installed for a specific printer, or better yet the compete list that was added to the list where one
can select your printer model when "adding" a new printer?
Thank you

Hi Jack,
If this printer works on your computer, you could try exporting the driver from your computer, To install the printer driver from the machine, Open the registry and found this printer listed in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers\Version-3\
From there if you select the printer key you will see a string value for InfPath
It should give you a path to C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\xxx and the corresponding folder the cached driver is in.
Regards,
D. Wu
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help, and unmark the answers if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

Where is located or where to find the list of printer drivers included in Windows 7

Hello,
Like the http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293360 for XP
I wish to have the list of 'built-in' print drivers on Windows 7
Didn't find any from technet, KB, Forum, ...
Maybe wrong search critera or else.
May someone know where is located the list I wish
In advance thank you

Hello,
First thank you for your answer.
But, and I think you haven't folow the URL provided previously, I don't want to add or install a printer.
I wish to have a list of built-in drivers for printer's in windows seven (like the URL provided before)
Can you, please, have a look at this link : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293360
==> I wish the same but for windows seven
Thanks

How to locate printer drivers om 10.5.8

trying to find and delete certain printer drivers where can they be found? Need to reinstall software

See everything else but. I would assume there would be folders with each printers name but no. Oh well I'll search

Location to download and install lots of printer drivers?

We want to allow teachers at a college to checkout Macbook Pros that might be used anywhere on campus with any number of different printers. Is there a way to download a large number of the most commonly used printer drivers so they are already installed and ready to be used? The Macs will be locked down after being distributed, so only someone with an Admin account will be able to install drivers.
Thanks!

Probably not, since I don't know of anything else that might use drivers. However, trying to lock down the MBPs so they can't install stuff is a IMO a loosing battle and will just cause immense issues. Give them admin rights and just wipe the machines and restore your baseline installation when they turn them back in. How are you going to handle e-mail accounts and normal software updates? How are you going to handle backups? Have them bring the machines into IT to update them or run their backup programs, most of which require admin authorization? That's unnecessary overhead. They are college-level teachers and not irresponsible students. Treat them as such.

Windows 7 x64 can't read/install any printer drivers from Windows Server 2003 x64 (AMD64 folder and HP Deskjet 855c)

I read the thread Widows 7 printer
HP deskjet 855c driver about possible installation of HP855c drivers onto Windows 7 x64 from "Windows Server 2003 x64" CD but I didn't have enough luck to succeed with doing it on my laptop. That thread appears to be dead now
as it is marked "Answered", so I'm asking for help here. I have Toshiba Satellite P500 with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (http://i55.tinypic.com/2zgth6v.jpg).
Let me tell you first that I don't have access to Windows Server 2003 x64 or XP Pro 64 CD's. However I did some research online, which eventually forced me to learn about the "file sharing". After extensive search I was able to get the copies
of AMD64 folders from Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard x64 with SP2 and
XP Pro 64. The reason that I went also after XP Pro was because I thought that the extra wording "R2 Standard x64 with SP2" in description of "Windows Server 2003" did not reflect the exact name provided by poster
Alan. I couldn't find just "Windows Server 2003 x64" (does it matter?).
Anyway, I followed first the drill with running "printui /s /t2" and disabling UAC, and then in both cases I was able to locate the
NTPRINT.INF file (http://oi51.tinypic.com/9qwvt2.jpg - this image is from XP Pro AMD64 folder) but each time when I
attempted to install the driver, I got the same message stating:
"The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software drive for your device. If the folder contains the driver, make sure it's designed to work with Windows for x64-based systems." (http://oi53.tinypic.com/27yveiw.jpg)
Why aren't there x64 drivers?
During several installation attempts I had the printer connected to or disconnected from my laptop. It didn't make any difference. I must add that for this purpose I had to use different cable than the original one designated only for the
Parallel port in my old desktop with Windows XP. My new laptop with Windows 7 x64 came only with 3 USB ports (plus 1 HDMI and 1 Serial). Because of that situation I bought in advance a new printer cable called “USB to 36-pin Parallel Port Adapter
Cable” (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A8I75E). I'm not sure, if it will work until I can install the printer.
Besides, nobody talked about this issue yet. I was also playing with the port choices in "Add printer" step; changing from default LPT1 to USB001 with the same negative results.
I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I was very hopeful after reading positive "case closed" notes there.
Can anyone help me here, maybe by making the necessary files available for download? I'm willing to pay for such assistance or make a donation, if necessary. Seriously. Judging by the large number of views of the original
thread, one could assume that there is a potential demand for such service. It would be more human to pay few bucks for a few driver files than $900 for the whole Windows Server 2003 x64 CD, no? Can Microsoft accomodate me/us, please? :)
Andrew*
P.S. I was advised to come for help here from
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/windows-7-x64-cant-readinstall-any-printer-drivers/4e7d06e1-33a5-4597-be70-4fdc087a63a7?msgId=9a045994-0d31-4d40-b17d-dba372393ee4

I have my HP 855c/driver working on Win 7 Ultimate x64. I used the 'printui /s' procedure and 4 files described above with some minor changes.
I pulled WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB914961-SP2-x64-ENU.exe down from the Microsoft website. Running the file causes the exe to unpack into a temp folder at the root drive. A 'Setup Error' message box is displayed once the file is run. I left this
message box up until I copied ntprint.inf, ntprint.cat, and sp2.cab from the temp folder.
I copied driver.cab from a Windows XP Pro disc. I also needed amd64\stdnames.gpd which was already in my Windows 7 c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\x64\3 folder.
I created a folder with the 5 files (ntprint.inf, ntprint.cat, sp2.cab, driver.cab, and amd64\stdnames.gpd). This is my 'Have Disc' folder.
I followed the 'printui /s' instructions, first changing the permissions mentioned above and then installing the driver. Next I followed the instructions to add a printer from Control Panel 'Devices and Printers' - 'Add Printer', choosing to 'use an existing
driver' when installing the HP 855c.
I used a slightly different ntprint.inf, size 1570418. The readable contents of ntprint.inf is as follows. Notice the line 'CatalogFile=ntprint.cat' is not included. I tried using the 1570468 version of ntprint.inf; when I did I received an incompatibility
message (probably the same one mentioned above).
; NTPRINT.INF (for Windows Server 2003 family)
; List of supported printers, manufacturers
[Version]
Signature="$Windows NT$"
Provider=%MS%
; LayoutFile=layout.inf
ClassGUID={4D36E979-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Class=Printer
DriverVer=10/01/2002,5.2.3790.4533
[ClassInstall32.NT]
AddReg=printer_class_addreg
[printer_class_addreg]
HKR,,,,%PrinterClassName%
HKR,,Icon,,"-4"
HKR,,Installer32,,"ntprint.dll,ClassInstall32"
HKR,,NoDisplayClass,,1
HKR,,EnumPropPages32,,"printui.dll,PrinterPropPageProvider"
Good luck

Where are printer drivers stored in OS 10.8?

I am trying to set up a Epson Stylus Photo R3000 as a new printer on OS 10.8. The printer setup locates the printer and automatically selects Epson Stylus R3000 with the notation "The selected printer software is available from Apple. Click Add to download and add this printer." However, clicking on Add leads eventually to an error message: "Can't install the software for the EPSON Epson Stylus Photo R3000 because it is not currently available fromthe Software Update server." This result blocks me from setting up the printer.
I know the driver is part of the Epson driver software package that is installed with OS 10.8. I would like to select it manually. My question is where are printer drivers stored? How do I select a driver?
Thanks in advance!

While a bit of a stretch, you can download the entire Epson printer package from Apple and install it. This will include all drivers for all Epson devices as opposed to the one just for your system. The package is 1GB in size, but will include everything supported.
The package can be downloaded here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1398
This following knowledgebase article says your printer is definitely supported, so the driver should be in that package: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669#epson

How can I uninstall Xerox print drivers and then reinstall them again

Somehow I installed the wrong print drivers for our xerox printers running on the latest version of leopard and installing the correct driver doesn't seem to solve the problem. I want to remove all xerox driver files and reinstall the correct version of the driver.

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Most applications create preference files which are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can located them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term.
There are also several shareware utilities that can uninstall applications:
AppZapper
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

How to Fix Disappearing HP Printer Drivers -- Disable HP CUE Device Discovery Service

I have a new HP G60-530US laptop with Windows 7 installed (less than 2 months old). It is connected to an HP 7410 All-in-One Printer and a Brother laser printer.
Three times now, the HP 7410 printer has mysteriously disappeared from the installed printers. The Brother printer does not disappear.
To re-install the HP 7410 printer requires disabling the AVS using the Services,msc utility (not just shutting down the AVS (Panda in my case)). It takes 20 minutes or so to re-install the HP printer driver software.
HP tech support is clueless about the cause or cure for this.
The laptop people referred me to the printer support people and the printer support people referred me to the laptop support people. The last tech support guy suggested that I restore the system on the theory that if the problem persisted it would be a hardware problem and not a software problem. He seemed to miss the fact that the disappearing printer driver software only occured with HP printers.
HP technical support was worthless.
Some internet forums suggest that this occurs when HP machines are connected to different networks. I noticed my problem occur after I took the laptop on a business trip and connected to a different wireless network.
On Vista forums, I've discovered that the disappearing HP printer drivers has been a problem for some time over a wide range of HP printers.
The solution identified on those forums is to stop and disable the HP CUE Device Discovery Service. Apparently, this service is used to detect HP printers and add them to the HP Solutions Center software.
In my experience, the HP printer drivers disappeared when my laptop comes into range of a "foreign" HP printer with wireless capabilities. For example, my laptop dropped my configured HP wireless printer when I went to an office that had a different wireless HP printer installed. The HP CUE service trashes the existing printer driver even though you do not intend to install and use the "foreign" printer. That would also explain why the printer drivers disappear when visiting a hotel or other location where any HP wireless devices exist. It would also explain why non-HP drivers do not disappear.
I've disabled the CUE Device Detection Service (using the Services utility). I'll see if that works. From what I've read, the CUE Device Detection Service is not needed after you have installed your printer, but it remains in your computer's active memory just "in case" you want to connect to a new HP printer and install software for that printer. Said differently, after your printer is installed, it remains as useless HP software that clogs your machine's resources.
A patch from Microsoft or HP (e.g., a patch that disables the CUE service) would be a big help to users if the number of posts on this issue are any indication of how pervasive this problem is.

This seems to be a common problem that exists for many HP devices, varying computer moakes and models and different operating systems. So, the conclusion must be that it is a HP issue. WHY ARE THEY NOT FIXING IT?
Based on this I am quite happy to buy a different make of printer so how does HP justify the continuing lack of support?
I posted a message about my C7180 All-in-one which had been causing problems but I put it down to me making (unrelated) changes to my system then noticed it got worse when I connected a new Trust digital pad. However, even when the pad is not connected I get the problem of disappearing drivers with the printer still visible.
What seems to happen to my set-up is it works when it is first reloaded and used, but the next time I open the HP software it fails and no other software is able to print/scan on the device.
Can somebody explain what the CUE is? I'll give it a try but I don't know what it refers to.
Who'd have thought that in the 21st century, software/hardware engineeers still can't make a simpy process for a computer. Whatever happened to the promise of plug'n'play?
P.

Cannot Authorize to Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

I have had an HP Photosmart 2575 All-in-One since about November or so. It was all working fine until one day I tried to print from Microsoft Word. The print didn't get processed, the program said it could not locate the printer, and that I needed to choose one in printer utility. I went in and the computer cannot communicate with the printer. I ran my Virus Scan and found a file corrupted in the HP files. Tried to unistall and the program would not authorize, even though I am the only user on this computer, have the admin access, and the password is correct and still works for other installers. I manually deleted all of the HP stuff I could find, and then tried once more to un/install. Still says I do not have the admin access required. Can anyone help me out with this, I need my printer. I even tried to download different drivers from HP's website, they still said the same thing.

Start by repairing permissions (Disk Utility). Then restart and try installing again.

Powerbook not recognizing hp printer drivers

so, my powerbook for some reason is not recognizing new HP printer drivers. this has happened twice now with two different printers (both mac-compatible). this is a new thing--i used to use an HP printer quite happily with this laptop.
here's what happens:
i install. installation is successful, hooray. the hp device manager opens, i choose my device (the Deskjet F300, in this case), and i'm ready to go.
i open Word to print a doc. i get an error saying "word cannot print due to a problem with the current printer."
i open my Print Preferences panel and lo and behold, there's no printer in the list. i click the [+] button to add a printer.
my Printer Browser appears. the DJ F300 appears in the list as a USB device (there are no other printers). I select it.
in the subwindow below, i see this:
-printer name: Deskjet F300
-location: home
-print using: [dropdown menu of printer drivers]
i can't proceed until i select a driver. the F300 is not listed among the HP drivers in the dropdown menu, so i click the button that says More Printers.
the AppleTalk browser opens. there are no printers, but after a moment, a dialog box pops up saying a new driver has been detected, and do i want to reload the browser? i click OK to reload the browser.
and nothing happens. the driver still does not appear anywhere.
i have uninstalled and reinstalled the software, both from the CD and by downloading it from HP's site. i have run disk utility, but it didn't help. does anyone have any ideas?
if this is at all related--my computer also doesn't recognize that i've agreed to my iTunes user agreement (i have to re-agree every time i launch iTunes) and it doesn't remember that i want make iPhoto my default (although i click OK every time). it also won't remember changes to my screen saver--all small, annoying things i can live with, but maybe a clue to what's not working?
g4 titanium powerbook Mac OS X (10.4)

Liz, when you download the new drivers from HP's site download them to your desktop, then open HP's folder, and drag the download to this folder it could be located in the Applications folder or the Utility folder, Then and only after you drag it in the HP folder double click it to launch the drivers.
When you use the installer or just plug in the USB it may or maynot print. This will normally give you the folder I speak of in one or more locations. When you go to Hp's site it normally will not download the upates and drivers to that folder and launch them. You have to double click them.
Don

Installing additional 32bit printer drivers on Windows Server 2008R2

Hi,
I'm trying to add additional printer drivers (32bit) on a 64bit server so that 64bit and 32bit clients can add printers from the print server. I have found several posts about this and none has helped me so far. I found one from GeorgeLawr that
I copied below:
I have found the best way to do this is:
Install the printer/driver for the type of device you are installing on the server, i.e. Xerox printer WCP7765 and driver for this printer (64-bit).
Share the printer out (optional).
Test print to make sure it works ok.
Then from a 32-bit client (must be logged into the client with an account that has admin rights on print server), browse the printer server shares, i.e. go to "Start\Run" and type \\printservername\ then go to "Printers and Faxes" right-click
and select "Connect" for the required printer and it will say it does not have the required drivers and will ask if you want to install.
Install the required 32-bit driver and it will install on the print server. You then have to enable this in the printer properties.
In the print queue window that opens up after you install the queue, go to "Printer\Properties\Sharing\Additional Drivers" and enable the "Intel Windows 2000 or XP" option (note, if you are doing this from a Windows 7/Vista client you might
have to click "Change Sharing Options" or something, before you can click "Additional Drivers" option).
And that's it. You should now be able to go to a different 32-bit client and add the printer and print no problem.
This one gets me closer to an answer; however, on step 5 once it asks for driver path, I direct it to the CD that has the driver and I get a message that states something similar to "this driver is not correct for this version of Windows"
It's like it's looking for 64bit drivers and the drivers on the CD are 32bit. The printer on the (64bit) server is already installed. I'm on the 32bit client.
Can somebody help me get this correct?
Thanks,
MC

Hi,
We can add drivers for client computers running 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows.
To add client printer drivers to the print server
==================================
1. Open Print Management.
2. In the left pane, click Print Servers, click the applicable print server, and then click Printers.
3. In the center pane, right-click the printer to which you want to add additional printer drivers, and then click Manage Sharing.
4. Click Additional Drivers. The Additional Drivers dialog box appears.
5. Select the check box of the processor architecture for which you want to add drivers.
For example, if the print server is running an x64-based edition of Windows, select the x86 check box to install 32-bit version printer drivers for client computers running 32-bit versions of Windows.
6. If the print server does not already have the appropriate printer drivers in its driver store, Windows prompts you for the location of the driver files. Download and extract the appropriate driver files, and then in the dialog box that appears, specify
the path to the .inf file of the driver.
Note: You might not be able to extract some printer drivers without installing them. If this is the case, log on to a client computer that uses the same processor architecture as the printer drivers that you want to add to the print server, and install those
printer drivers. Then use Print Management from the client computer to connect to the print server, and add the additional drivers from the Additional Drivers dialog box. Windows automatically uploads the drivers from the client computer to the print server.
For details:
Print driver installation on 32-bit versus 64-bit servers
http://blogs.technet.com/b/askperf/archive/2010/01/19/print-driver-installation-on-32-bit-versus-64-bit-servers.aspx
Hope this helps!
Best Regards
Elytis Cheng
Elytis Cheng
TechNet Community Support

Can't locate wifi printer

I just had a router change to Netgear and after stting up my printer (Brother MFC 490CW) and my iMac wireless to it, my computer can't locate the printer as it has done with the old router. Any help on this please?

Care to share which OS you are using?
Read the user manual that came w/your printer. Should be instructions in there regarding wireless set up. Also, contact Brother Support if their user manual is of no help.
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11070 OS X Mountain Lion: Troubleshoot a network printer
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11143 OS X Mountain Lion: Reset the printing system
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669 Printer and scanner software available for download
What to do when you can't print
Sometimes, installing the GIMP drivers help with printing issues: http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/MacOSX.php
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CLICKY CLICK-----> Help us to help you on these forums
***This will help in providing you with the proper and/or correct solutions.***

OK to delete boms for uninstalled printer drivers in /Library/Receipts?

I've trashed a bunch of unnecessary printer drivers from /Library/Printers. Can I trash their related Receipts in /Library/Receipts/boms? Together they are using quite a few MBs. They all start with com.apple.
Another quick question: A 3rd party app called DockDoctor installed a number of Receipts in the same location at boms. I've uninstalled the app, but would like to know if it's OK to trash their Receipts located there. If I do, could that cause some sort of conflict (permissions?) with the a.receiptdb (inside the db folder) which I noticed was changed at the time I installed the app? Thanks

You can delete items from the receipts folder if you really really want to, but I wouldn't recommend it.
- It shouldn't cause problems if the item is definitely removed.
- It could cause problems if the item isn't removed.
In any case, for most people the risk outweighs the benefit. If you're really short on hard drive space, I'd recommend other strategies. It's also generally a good idea to stay out of the /Library folder.

Location of printer drivers?

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