HP LaserJet 4200 on Windows 8

If you need to install an HP LaserJet 4200 on Windows 8, you should keep in mind the following so that installation will go smoothly.

Cable, Data
As the printer is an HP, you will find that it would have been in operation for many, many years and will not be USB ready for tablets, modern laptops and desktop computers and will require you to have a Parallel to USB cable or a Parallel Port available on the device which some manufactures has dropped over the years for the USB technology.

Cable, Power
The power cable for the printer requires a three-pronged outlet located on the wall or on your surge protector. If you have only access to a two-pronged outlet, you will not be able to power the printer until you can find a three-pronged to two-pronged adapter. This can be bought in a 2-pack costing US$1.00.

Drivers, Windows 8
Once the printer is connected to the computer via the cable, the OS will search for 32-bit or 64-bit drivers but unfortunately, Windows will push PCL6 drivers which will cause errors when you try to print. To avoid this issue, go to HP’s website in advance and download PCL5 drivers. Use older OS drivers if necessary. Once you have downloaded the 32-bit or 64-bit drivers to the computer, execute the setup file and install. When the 32-bit or 64-bit drivers are installed, you can then connect the HP LaserJet 4200 printer so that it can take advantage of the installed PCL5 drivers. Since the Parallel to USB cable needs drivers too, you will see a prompt indicating that IEEE drivers are being added as well. This will also happen when you install an HP LaserJet 4200 on Windows 10.

Drivers, Repair
Did the PCL6 drivers get loaded and is causing printing errors? Do not fret as all you have to do is navigate to the ‘Devices and Printers‘ window and remove the printer then physically disconnect the HP LaserJet 4200 printer. Once both are removed, install the PCL5 drivers from HP’s website then reconnect the HP LaserJet 4200 printer. If you do not see it appearing as Ready in the Devices and Printers window, go to the Device Manager and then scan for hardware changes. The Operating System will seek once more for the printer and use your supplied drivers.

Models
The following models were produced by the manufacturer. Please keep in mind that these are no longer for sale so be sure to keep up on your preventative maintenance.
* HP LaserJet 4200 Printer (Q2425A)
* HP LaserJet 4200n Printer (Q2426A)
* HP LaserJet 4200tn Printer (Q2427A)
* HP LaserJet 4200dtn Printer (Q2428A)
* HP LaserJet 4200dtnsL Printer (Q2447A)
* HP LaserJet 4200Ln Printer (Q3994A)

Spooler
If you get an error when trying to delete the printer, please follow my tips on how to delete a printer with a stuck print job so that you can clear the spooler. If you have reached this far and is still having problems, feel free to contact me for some help.

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Stephan Pringle

Technology Support Specialist at Sipylus
About The Author: Stephan Pringle is an Information Technology Support Specialist. He covers hardware and software and provides tips for you to troubleshoot and repair issues on your own. In his spare time, he writes articles about the State of New York on his Hackintosh and HackBook and that has helped him to become the top contributor of the New York City section of Yahoo! Answers.
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Stephan Pringle

About The Author: Stephan Pringle is an Information Technology Support Specialist. He covers hardware and software and provides tips for you to troubleshoot and repair issues on your own. In his spare time, he writes articles about the State of New York on his Hackintosh and HackBook and that has helped him to become the top contributor of the New York City section of Yahoo! Answers.