windows keeps installing

[raftero]

i am running windows xp,i let windows install(really had no choice it just p&p when i connected)my lexmark Z32 usb printer,i then went to control panel and deleted printer,used the lexmark disk to re-install,all went well,worked fine.then i shut down and at start up- windows- re-installed the printer,on control panel it shows 2 printers with the lexmark disk install as default,i again deleted the second printer but every time i start up it finds new hardware and re-installs.doesent seem to bother,every thing works ok but i don't understand what happened.i couldn't find anywhere to uninstall except in control panel,is there somewhere else? the reason i wanted the lexmark software is it has features not on windows installiation.

[raftero]

sorry,i thought about putting it in peripherals but since it was hardware --well anyway i never thought of windows xp-anyway hope i find an answer.

[KHT]

I would delete the printers and uninstall any Lexmark software. Also search the registry for Lexmark (your particular model) and delete any entries and delete the Lexmark directory from the C:\ drive which will most likely still be there.

After removing the printer from your USB port, restart the computer.

After the restart install the Lexmark software from your CD without the printer connected. After the install is complete simply connect the printer which will be detected because it is USB and it should install properly. Or of course follow any directions the software installation should give you concerning connecting the printer.

quick edit....printers anymore can be a pain to install, particularly HP.

[raftero]

ok i found several what appears to be duplications in c:\ as soon as i get my income tax finished i'll delete them and do as you said.i had tried installing drivers before hookup but it quits saying no printer found.i am a little hesitant about the reg. don't know exactly where to look and dont want to mess it up,but if this doesn't work i will try that.thanks.sometime windows xp is a little too helpful.

[KHT]

If you`re uncomfortable with the reg then let it go. It`s just an extra step I do. Better to have the printer annoyance again than a system problem to deal with if you delete something you shouldn`t in there.

As far as the software reporting no printer found, try connecting it when you get the error message and then click retry or whatever option you have. With the USB it should hopefully then detect it and end up with your preferred install.

I know this sounds like a jury rigged way to install a printer but it`s what I`ve found I have to do a lot of times to get it right.

[raftero]

i think what i didn't do was delete the c:\ i did the retry thing and it did install and every thing worked,got all the programs etc.but when i restarted later it came up with the new hardware detected and installed it again with the windows drivers.it did however make the one i wanted the default printer,and it works fine.thanks again.