How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

[Danny D.]

How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

In another thread, we found a secret trick to get Windows 10 to install an
x64 printer driver for an HP Laserjet 2100m printer which has been
discontinued, hence the printer driver is no longer available on the HP
site nor is the printer driver part of the "normal" Windows 10 update
process.

The printer driver for the HP LJ 2100 is only part of the "special"
temporary Windows 10 update process.

That's fine - but what if the special Windows update stops carrying that
particular printer driver?

Just in case, is there an easy way to *archive* the printer driver?
Here's what I know from printing a test page after running the super-secret
special temporary Windows 10 update:

- Windows Printer Test Page
- You have correctly installed your HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL5 on NAME
- Print Processor = hpzpplhn
- OS Environment = Windows x64
- Driver Name = HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
- Driver Type = Type 3 - User Mode
- Driver Version = 6.1.7233.0
- Additional Print Driver Files:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZLSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZUILHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZLSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPCDMCLH.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZ5RLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSMLHN.GPD
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPMCPD25.CFG
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSCLHN.INI
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPMCPDPS.XML
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSCLHN.DTD
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZEVLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIDR12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZINW12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPM12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPR12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPT12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZISN12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBMIAPI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBMINI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBOID.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBOIDPS.DLL

Given that above (which is all that I know), the question is:
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

[Good Guy]

export-windowsdriver -online -destination c:\temp

To run this, search for Windows Powershell and then right-click on the
APP and run as Administrator.

Then run the above command and your c:\temp will have the backup of your
drivers.

For windows 10, you will need to download the powershell from Microsoft
website. I suggest search for it but please note it is part of dot net
framework so it is quite big and some of you don't like big files for
installations.

How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?
In another thread, we found a secret trick to get Windows 10 to install an
x64 printer driver for an HP Laserjet 2100m printer which has been
discontinued, hence the printer driver is no longer available on the HP
site nor is the printer driver part of the "normal" Windows 10 update
process.
The printer driver for the HP LJ 2100 is only part of the "special"
temporary Windows 10 update process.
That's fine - but what if the special Windows update stops carrying that
particular printer driver?
Just in case, is there an easy way to *archive* the printer driver?
Here's what I know from printing a test page after running the super-secret
- Windows Printer Test Page
- You have correctly installed your HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL5 on NAME
- Print Processor = hpzpplhn
- OS Environment = Windows x64
- Driver Name = HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
- Driver Type = Type 3 - User Mode
- Driver Version = 6.1.7233.0
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZLSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZUILHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZLSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPCDMCLH.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZ5RLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSMLHN.GPD
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPMCPD25.CFG
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSCLHN.INI
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPMCPDPS.XML
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZSCLHN.DTD
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZEVLHN.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIDR12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZINW12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPM12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPR12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZIPT12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZISN12.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBMIAPI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBMINI.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBOID.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPBOIDPS.DLL
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

[Paul]

Post by Danny D.
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?
In another thread, we found a secret trick to get Windows 10 to install an
x64 printer driver for an HP Laserjet 2100m printer which has been
discontinued, hence the printer driver is no longer available on the HP
site nor is the printer driver part of the "normal" Windows 10 update
process.
The printer driver for the HP LJ 2100 is only part of the "special"
temporary Windows 10 update process.
That's fine - but what if the special Windows update stops carrying that
particular printer driver?
Just in case, is there an easy way to *archive* the printer driver?
Here's what I know from printing a test page after running the super-secret
- Windows Printer Test Page
- You have correctly installed your HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL5 on NAME
- Print Processor = hpzpplhn
- OS Environment = Windows x64
- Driver Name = HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
- Driver Type = Type 3 - User Mode
- Driver Version = 6.1.7233.0
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\HPZLSLHN.DLL

<<drive file names snipped>>>

Post by Danny D.
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/need-hp-laserjet-2100-printer-driver-for-a-windows/ff67dbf9-fca8-4b6f-a873-ade6e3b5434d?auth=1

View this in Internet Explorer only. Notice they're careful to *not* list
Windows 10 content in there.

http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=hp%20laserjet%202100

Microsoft driver update for Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1
HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5

Drivers (Printers) 6/21/2006 6.1.7233.0 11.4 MB

;
; Windows Inbox Printer Drivers
;
CatalogFile=prnhp001.cat
DriverVer=06/21/2006,6.1.7233.0

"HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5" = hpmcpm25.gpd.IA64_WINSVR,
HEWLETT-PACKARDHP_LA928D,
HEWLETT-PACKARDHP_LA928D&BPRINT,
DOT4PRT\HEWLETT-PACKARDHP_LA928D,
HP_LaserJet_2100_Series_PCL_5 ; Hardware ID

[hpmcpm25.gpd.IA64_WINSVR]
PrintProcessor="hpzpplhn,hpzpplhn.dll"

*******

Now, many times the catalog.update.microsoft.com file is .msu
and you can just select "install" to install it.

This printer driver is a .cab and some items from
the Catalog server are cabs. To install a cab, try

dism /online /Add-Package /Package-Name:F:\some.cab

That's the only command I have logged in my notes
file for that. Obviously that won't work on
WinXP, which has no dism.

You can also find a folder with a whole bunch of .msi files,
and sometimes those are used for Repair/Uninstall operations
in Programs and Features. But maybe this time, such a
thing is not involved, and printer drivers are handled
(and stored) some other way.

Just a guess,
Paul

[Danny D.]

Post by Paul
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/need-hp-laserjet-2100-printer-driver-for-a-windows/ff67dbf9-fca8-4b6f-a873-ade6e3b5434d?auth=1

This URL "implies" that there is a "universal printer driver":
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/need-hp-laserjet-2100-printer-driver-for-a-windows/ff67dbf9-fca8-4b6f-a873-ade6e3b5434d?auth=1

So there *is* a "universal" printer driver after all!

Which, the URL implies, supports the HP LJ 2100 that I have:
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c04324001#N107C4

But, that URL (and all that follow) only gets you the PARK kit, which is
basically a roll-your-own-printer-driver kit - which for a layperson - is
useless.

Bummer. The words were all there (HP universal printer driver) but the
marketing is that you can write your own.

[Paul]

Post by Paul

Post by Paul
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/need-hp-laserjet-2100-printer-driver-for-a-windows/ff67dbf9-fca8-4b6f-a873-ade6e3b5434d?auth=1

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/need-hp-laserjet-2100-printer-driver-for-a-windows/ff67dbf9-fca8-4b6f-a873-ade6e3b5434d?auth=1
So there *is* a "universal" printer driver after all!
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c04324001#N107C4
But, that URL (and all that follow) only gets you the PARK kit, which is
basically a roll-your-own-printer-driver kit - which for a layperson - is
useless.
Bummer. The words were all there (HP universal printer driver) but the
marketing is that you can write your own.

I have used the HP Universal Printer Driver,
for PostScript "print to file" operations. It was my
replacement for the old HP750C print driver
I used to use for the same purpose. So there is
no printer connected to the computer, but I can
print and make a .ps file. Which is suitable
materials for Distiller or for my Postscript editor.

(We had one of these at work...)

Loading Image...

And the genealogy of this stuff is not documented.
You won't find careful URL linkages that make
sure you've got the best materials for the job.
It requires a lot of rooting around in Google,
to dig up the gems.

Paul

[Danny D.]

The catalog.update.microsoft.com site uses an ActiveX plugin.
The ActiveX plugin runs the "Shopping Cart" interface
provided on the catalog server.
It allows you to queue up a bunch of downloads, like
search for 30 different items, and "add them to your cart".
Then, once you start the download, you can go off and
make dinner while it downloads.
The list of downloads could be stored in a cookie, or
a cookie could be used to sync a server-side grocery
list.
The reason for the ActiveX plugin, is to give
the user that capability. When asked to install the
ActiveX plugin, give it permission.

Thank you for explaining why that site doesn't work with a major browser.
I can't stand non-standard web sites but I'm currently stuck on WinXP for
the archive of the printer driver because that's where all my archives are
and the win 10 machine is at work.

Microsoft "promises" to modify the Catalog site design,
but given how Microsoft is also going to fuck over
Win7 and Win8 updates anyway, I just assume they're
not doing anything at the moment.

I am on WInXP for my archives (that's where I have kept my software
archives for years).

If you use Internet Explorer, even Internet Explorer 6,
you will be able to use catalog.update.microsoft.com .

I located the never-used IE shortcut on WinXP and clicked on it and it said
"Welcome to IE 8": Loading Image...

Then I went to https://catalog.update.microsoft.com with IE8.

Ooooh. Pretty baby blue color! It says it wants to install a "catalog".
Loading Image...

Wow. Whatever it installed sure does consume resources!
Loading Image...

My CPU went to 100% in a second when the catalog started!
Loading Image...

But a search does seem to find a huge amount of related "stuff".
Loading Image...

But most of the "stuff" seemed to be the same file.
Loading Image...

Here's the description for just one of the stuffs:
a. Microsoft driver update for HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
b. Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1 and later drivers,Windows Server 2008
R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2012 R2 and later drivers
c. Drivers (Printers)
d. 6/21/2006
e. 6.1.7233.0
f. 11.6 MB 12129488

The fact that a 10KB driver is "11.6MB" is already pretty suspicious.
1. But I hit the "Add" button.
2. And then the "catalog" button.
3. And then the "download" button.
4. And then the "browse" button.
5. And then the "continue" button.
6. And then the "done" button. (Can they make this more steps?)
Loading Image...

Is "this" the archive of the HP LJ 2100 TN printer driver that I want?
AMD64-all-4188_bacd1413e93b4a6362d9a2ca653c869f1c02f6f7.cab 11,846KB

[wasbit]

Post by Danny D.
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?
snip

Drivers (HP Laserjet 2100) - available for practically every OS including
Windows 10 32/64bit

-
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=59533&lang=en&cc=us
- http://tinyurl.com/zeog5bj

Regards
wasbit

[Danny D.]

Post by wasbit
Drivers (HP Laserjet 2100) - available for practically every OS including
Windows 10 32/64bit
-
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=59533&lang=en&cc=us
- http://tinyurl.com/zeog5bj

Thats a propaganda lie put out by HP.
Nobody on the planet can *find* the driver at that URL for the Windows 10
x64.

No matter what buttons you hit, you get the 22MB PARK download, which is
basically a roll-your-own-driver-from-scratch kit.

That's fine for IT professionals - but for the layperson, that web page is
just a propaganda ploy by HP Marketing.

[knuttle]

Post by Danny D.

Post by wasbit
Drivers (HP Laserjet 2100) - available for practically every OS including
Windows 10 32/64bit
-
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=59533&lang=en&cc=us
- http://tinyurl.com/zeog5bj

Thats a propaganda lie put out by HP.
Nobody on the planet can *find* the driver at that URL for the Windows 10
x64.
No matter what buttons you hit, you get the 22MB PARK download, which is
basically a roll-your-own-driver-from-scratch kit.
That's fine for IT professionals - but for the layperson, that web page is
just a propaganda ploy by HP Marketing.

http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=59533&lang=en&cc=us

Apparently you did not open the URL It list drivers for Windows 10 both
32 and 64 bit

What is also surprising is that it list drivers for Windows 3.1 MS Dos
and unix. And the big surprise is that there a driver for OS/2

[Danny D.]

Post by wasbit
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=59533&lang=en&cc=us
Apparently you did not open the URL It list drivers for Windows 10 both
32 and 64 bit
What is also surprising is that it list drivers for Windows 3.1 MS Dos
and unix. And the big surprise is that there a driver for OS/2

That's just a trick page.
When you actually download what you *think* is a driver, you get a 22MB
PARK zip file which someone looked for me already and agreed it's a
roll-your-own driver kit for system administrators.

Try it.
If you get the PARK kit, that's confirmation that it's all a big lie by HP
Marketing for propaganda purposes.

[CRNG]

On Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:39:48 -0000 (UTC), "Danny D."

Post by Danny D.
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

Use DoubleDriver

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/double_driver.html

to backup (and restore if necessary) all (or selected) drivers.

[Danny D.]

Post by Danny D.
How do you archive a printer driver once it has been installed?

The answer seems to be the following, thanks to another current thread on
the subject.

Post by Danny D.
The catalog.update.microsoft.com site uses an ActiveX plugin.
The ActiveX plugin runs the "Shopping Cart" interface
provided on the catalog server.
It allows you to queue up a bunch of downloads, like
search for 30 different items, and "add them to your cart".
Then, once you start the download, you can go off and
make dinner while it downloads.
The list of downloads could be stored in a cookie, or
a cookie could be used to sync a server-side grocery
list.
The reason for the ActiveX plugin, is to give
the user that capability. When asked to install the
ActiveX plugin, give it permission.

Thank you for explaining why that site doesn't work with a major browser.
I can't stand non-standard web sites but I'm currently stuck on WinXP for
the archive of the printer driver because that's where all my archives are
and the win 10 machine is at work.

Post by Danny D.
Microsoft "promises" to modify the Catalog site design,
but given how Microsoft is also going to fuck over
Win7 and Win8 updates anyway, I just assume they're
not doing anything at the moment.

I am on WInXP for my archives (that's where I have kept my software
archives for years).

Post by Danny D.
If you use Internet Explorer, even Internet Explorer 6,
you will be able to use catalog.update.microsoft.com .

I located the never-used IE shortcut on WinXP and clicked on it and it said
"Welcome to IE 8": http://i.cubeupload.com/rGjtq0.gif

Then I went to https://catalog.update.microsoft.com with IE8.

Ooooh. Pretty baby blue color! It says it wants to install a "catalog".
http://i.cubeupload.com/wIUSmP.gif

Wow. Whatever it installed sure does consume resources!
http://i.cubeupload.com/BvJgYN.gif

My CPU went to 100% in a second when the catalog started!
http://i.cubeupload.com/Anxnqf.gif

But a search does seem to find a huge amount of related "stuff".
http://i.cubeupload.com/MJL47r.gif

But most of the "stuff" seemed to be the same file.
http://i.cubeupload.com/F4VMsK.gif

Here's the description for just one of the stuffs:
a. Microsoft driver update for HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL 5
b. Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1 and later drivers,Windows Server 2008
R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2012 R2 and later drivers
c. Drivers (Printers)
d. 6/21/2006
e. 6.1.7233.0
f. 11.6 MB 12129488

The fact that a 10KB driver is "11.6MB" is already pretty suspicious.
1. But I hit the "Add" button.
2. And then the "catalog" button.
3. And then the "download" button.
4. And then the "browse" button.
5. And then the "continue" button.
6. And then the "done" button. (Can they make this more steps?)
http://i.cubeupload.com/ugFCp9.gif

Is "this" the archive of the HP LJ 2100 TN printer driver that I want?
AMD64-all-4188_bacd1413e93b4a6362d9a2ca653c869f1c02f6f7.cab 11,846KB


If you open the archive with 7ZIP, one of the
files at the top level is

prnhp001.inf

And that is a text file. INF files are
used by installers.

There is a section in there, which lists the
hardware supported. For PNP subsystem usage.

7ZIP can be obtained here. It's a tool which
will open a variety of archive types. GZIP,
7Z, RAR, VHD files, raw disk img files. Opening
some file types causes unfortunate usage of
%temp%, while some of the other types can be
processed quite quickly. This is one of the
first programs I install on a fresh OS install.

http://7-zip.org/

7ZIP will not open InstallShield cabs but it
will open the Microsoft cab in your example.
There is a whole sub-species of "packers"
which cannot be opened by 7ZIP as well.
For example, I wouldn't expect a UPX compressed
EXE to open in 7ZIP as an archive.

Paul