HP LaserJet series printer is listed as “Unknown Device” under Other Devices in Device Manager.


Applicable to :
                          HP LaserJet 1020
                          HP LaserJet 1022

Platform :  Windows Vista Home Premium
                    Windows Vista Ultimate 

Issue Description : Whenever the HP Laserjet printer is connected to a Windows Vista based computer we get the found new hardware message . After that the system gives you an error message stating that the software for this hardware cannot be installed. Also an "Unknown Device" is listed under Other Devices in Device Manager. When you try to update the drivers/software for this so called Unknown Device, you end up getting an error message related to Windows 95/98 or it gives you a message that the best drivers for this device are already installed. However the same printer works fine with Windows XP.

Reason: -> The Windows USB driver file “usbprint.inf” fails to recognize the printer. To recognize the printer a newer version of this file is required.

Resolution:->
  1. Create a new folder on the computers desktop with the name ‘Print’ (or any name you like).
  2. Go to www.infdump.com and download the file usbprint.inf from this website. Please make sure that the file version is 5.1.2600.0. The exact link to download this file is www.infdump.com/download-inf-files_new.php/inffiles/U/USBPRINT.INF/5.1.2600.0/download.html
  3. Save the usbprint.inf that you will download in Print folder that we created before on Desktop.
  4. Now connect your printer to the computer (make sure it is powered on) and go to device manager, you will see Unknown device under Other devices.
  5. Do a right click on Unknown device and choose the first option that says Update device driver/software. Then choose "Locate drivers from my computer" (this would be the second option). Now click on browse button to go to the Print folder created on Desktop and click Ok. You will see a warning prompt on the screen.
  6. Choose the option "Install the printer any way" option (second option). This will update the USBprint.inf file and enable the system to recognize the Laserjet printer.
  7. Go to the Printers folder in Control panel and check for the Laserjet Printer. You will see the icon of the Laserjet 1020 printer
  8. In case the printer is still not listed there then install/reinstall the printer drivers.
  9. Right click the printer and go to properties. Click on the Ports tab. Make sure that the Virtual USB port has a check mark.
  10. Finally confirm that your printer is working by printing a test page.