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9.1

Printers disappear in the registry and some applications--still visible in control panel but cannot select default printer

Asked by scotru in Windows XP Operating System, Printers by HP

Tags: windows xp, printers

Greetings,

I have a client with an unusual problem.  A few days ago she complained of being unable to print.  I examined the computer and found that she had no default printer selected, and selecting a default printer by right clicking had no effect.  I checked the registry and found no listings under:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Devices

and no default printer under

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Window

and no ports under

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PrinterPorts

The printers did show up under Control Panel->Printers and I was able to print test pages.    However, certain programs produced error messages about having no installed printers (Microsoft Publisher for example)--and all programs showed no default printer but would print if a printer was manually selected (Microsoft Word for example).

So I deleted all her printers and reinstalled them.  I verified that they showed up correct in the registry and that she could print again from all programs.  A few hours later, however, she called me with the same problem again.  

A few details:

Windows XP Professional SP3
This is a mobile workstation that she uses both at work and at home
It is a domain member (Windows 2003 domain)
She has mostly IP printers with one network shared printer installed.  
There are a wide range of printer drivers including many HPs (4000n, 2200dn, Photosmart 6100 series, 5si), a couple of Minolta's (a couple copy machines and a magicolor 2300dl) and some brothers (5250dn).  

Any suggestions are appreciated.  

Thanks!
[+][-]08/03/09 06:58 AM, ID: 25004346Expert Comment

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[+][-]08/05/09 12:12 AM, ID: 25020791Author Comment

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[+][-]08/05/09 12:19 AM, ID: 25020822Accepted Solution

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About this solution

Zones: Windows XP Operating System, Printers by HP
Tags: windows xp, printers
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Solution Provided By: Gubelin
Participating Experts: 1
Solution Grade: A
 
[+][-]08/05/09 12:28 AM, ID: 25020854Author Comment

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[+][-]08/05/09 01:25 AM, ID: 25021149Expert Comment

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