usb printer driver-need reinstall for each printer even though same model?

[t121t3]

We have a bunch of laptop computers that we travel around with and connect to HP 3420 USB inkjet printers fixed at different locations. The problem is that the laptops only work with the first 3420 printer they connect to after the driver is installed. As soon as we move to a new location(which happens daily) we connect to another 3420 and have to uninstall and reinstall the driver. Is there anyway we can fix our systems so we don't have to do this?? I take it the printer records some uinque number for it's self in the registry? We really need to be able to move our laptops to any 3420 printer and not have to reinstall the driver. Would this be a problem with any USB printer?

: Todd

[DonJ]

You didn't mention which version of Windows you're using...are all laptops using the same or a variety? Go here for drivers for the DeskJet 3420. (http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/softwareCategory.jhtml?lc=en&pagetype=software&prodId=hpdeskjet375040&sw_lang=en)

Go here to read up on Installing and Uninstalling the Printer Software (http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?reg=&cc=&prodId=hpdeskjet375040&lc=en&docName=bpd09336) You might be missing a simple step.

Also, Printer is not Detected When Installing on Microsoft(R) Windows 2000 Pro and XP. (http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=npd09658&prodId=hpdeskjet375040) It lists steps for completely removing the drivers before reinstalling.

Another: hp deskjet 3420 series printer software uninstall USB scrubber updated utility. (http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/softwareDownloadIndex.jhtml?reg=&cc=&softitem=dj-6857-1&prodId=hpdeskjet375040&lc=en&sw_lang=en)

Let us know how it all ends up...Good Luck!

[t121t3]

The OS is windows 98 on the laptops but get same results on other OSes and on all desktop computers. We have tried all scrubbers, drivers and files availble from HP but this seems to be tied to unique identifier that gets stored in registry after you connect first printer. I thought once a driver was install that you could then move to new location and then connect to another printer of same model with no problems...but seems to be big problems. Was hoping someone has seen this before and had a solution. We have dozens of these printers and must be able to go to new location with same model printers and just connect and go without scrubbing off old driver and reinstalling

Thanks
Todd

[DonJ]

You say that you must Uninstall & then Reinstall the drivers. Why must you do this? Is it saying that it has detected a new device? If so, then simply cancel that window. Go to Control Panel/Printers. Select your DeskJet that you have already installed the drivers for, right-click on it, select Properties. Select Details tab...click on Capture Port. This should help establish communications between your laptop and the next DeskJet. Then try to print a Selt Test page.