Windows 7 and HP3030 Laserjet

Question

We purchased an HP Pavillion with Windows 7 For Home.  We already have an HP 3030 Laserjet connected to the Network.  Works fine with the Windows XP.  New Laptop keeps looking for a driver in Windows Update and cannot find a satisfactory driver. What are we missing here?  Help.  Is there a historic issue with HP 3030 Laserjet and Windows 7?  The HP 3030 is about 5 years old.

Answer 1

There are two main areas for issues installing a Laserjet 4 in Windows 7:
Ports.  The Laserjet 4 and its derivatives had a standard parallel port but most Windows 7 machines no longer have a parallel port.  The most common solution is a USB-parallel converter cable.  This can be problematic because many of the converter cables do not support Windows 7.  [Edit - the posts flagged here have models of converter cables users in the forum has reported as working in Windows 7.] Additionally, most of the cables have no documentation (or even a brand name) making it difficult to resolve issues.  The converter may provide a simulated parallel port such as LPT3: or it may be a port like USB001:.  Another option with the Laserjet 4 would be to add a JetDirect card which would provide a network port for the Laserjet 4.  This will require the Laserjet to be connected to a router and would provide network access to multiple computers if you wish.  A typical JetDirect card for the Laserjet 4 is shown here.
Drivers.  The drivers for the Laserjet 4 (and 4M and other derivatives) are delivered through Windows Update.  If Windows Update is enabled (as described in step method 2 here under the section to "Configure Windows Update to"...) you may be able to just connect the USB cable and have the driver properly install.  If not do the following:  click on the Start Orb, Devices and Printers, Add a Printer, then select the appropriate port.  When the list of printers comes up click on Windows Update.  It will take several minutes for the list to repopulate, once this is complete the Laserjet 4 series printers will be available under HP (not Hewlett-Packard).
Bob Headrick,  HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V