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- Error message when you try to add a 32-bit printer driver on a 64-bit printer server: "The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for your device"
Error message when you try to add a 32-bit printer driver on a 64-bit printer server: "The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for your device"
When you try to add one or more 32-bit printer drivers on a 64-bit printer server, you receive the following error message:
The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for your device.
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To add one or more inbox 32-bit printer drivers on a printer server that is running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), or of Windows Server 2008, use one of the following methods.
Method 1
- Share a 64-bit print queue. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log on by using your local administrator password.
- Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
- At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /il
Note This command starts the Add Printer Wizard. -
In the Add Printer Wizard, click Add a local printer or Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer under Choose a local or network printer. -
Follow the steps in the Add Printer Wizard to install the printer, and make sure that you share the printer. -
After you complete the installation of the network printer, type exit at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
- Add the 32-bit printer driver. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log on by using your domain administrator password.
- Click Start, click Run, type the path of the printer server, and then press ENTER.
- Right-click the Printer that you shared in step1, and then click Printer properties.
- Click the Sharing tab, and then click Additional Drivers.
- Click to select x86 Type 3 - User Mode.
- Click OK.
- Click Close.
Method 2
- Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Printers.
- Click Organize, point to Layout, and then click Menu Bar.
- On the File menu, click Server Properties.
- Click the Drivers tab, and then click Add.
- Click Next, click to clear the x64 Type 3 - User Mode check box, and then click to select the x86 Type 3 - User Mode check box.
- Click Next, and then click Have Disk.
- Click Browse, and then select the files at the following location on an x86-based computer:
\\x86 Windows\c$\windows\system32\driverstore\filerepository\prn*.inf_{GUID}
The following is an example of a file that may be at this location: \\x86 Windows\c$\windows\system32\driverstore\filerepository\prnhp001.inf_5fecfc5e\prnhp 001.inf
- Click Open, and then click OK.
- Under Printers, select the printer driver that you want to install.
- Click Next, and then click Finish.
Now, you should be able to see that the x86-based printer driver is installed under the Processor column. - Click Close.
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Keywords: kb, kbtshoot, kbexpertiseinter, kbsurveynew, kbexpertisebeginner
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