Recently, I tried to install an old Zebra Eltron 2543 and 3844 parallel thermal label printer on an office computer. I found that no matter what I tried, I always ended up with the generic error message of, “Unable to install printer. Operation could not be completed.” When trying to install other printers, I found the same error message popping up right after I clicked on the finish button.
To solve this problem, I attempted the following (all of which did not work):
- Downloaded the most current drivers
- Try alternate drivers
- Change the driver in already installed printers
- Try to print to the newly installed printer with an already installed printer
- Restarted multiple times
- Made sure all Windows updates were installed
- Booted into safe mode and tried to install printer
- Installed the printer successfully on another computer
After all this, I was ready to format and reinstall Windows. I decided to check out Microsoft’s site to see if there were any known issues with my printer or computer. I stumbled upon a knowledge base article that really helped fix this problem, and I’m sure it can help fix many other printer driver related issues.
Here are the steps to take to completely remove all printers on your computer. I like to think of this as a “clean reset” of the printing functionality in Windows XP. These steps involve touching the registry. If you’re not comfortable with going in there and making changes to this portion of the operating system, I wouldn’t suggest it. I make no warranty that these steps will fix your issue. I strongly recommend making a complete backup of the entire registry before beginning.
1. Startup your computer is safe mode. This is done by pressing F8 when you first turn on the computer until you see the Windows menu. Select “Safe Mode” and wait until the computer is finished booting up.
2. Delete all files and folders out of these two locations.
- C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers
- C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\w32×86
3. Open the registry editor. To do this, click Start, click Run, type “regedit” in the Open box, and then press OK.
4. Locate and expand the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86
There should only be the following two subkeys (delete the rest):
- Drivers
- Print Processors
5. Expand the Version-x subkeys, and then delete all the printer driver entries.
6. Locate and then expand the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors
There may be a bunch of different subkeys in this place. These are the only ones that should be there, delete the rest:
- BJ Language Monitor
- Local Port
- PJL Language Monitor
- Standard TCP/IP Port
- USB Monitor
You can also delete any extra ports that were created but are no longer needed at this location in the registry if you wish.
7. Check to see if the Print Spooler service is running. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
- Expand Services and Applications, and then click Services.
- In the details pane, right-click the Print Spooler service, and then click Start (if it is stopped).
- Exit Computer Management.
If this service doesn’t start, you may have other issues. Head to the link at the end of this article. That that KB page, there is a link to work out printer spooler problems.
8. After all these steps are done, go ahead and restart the computer and try and add a printer. It worked great for me. Hopefully this will help out anyone with that annoying, “Operation can not complete” error.
These steps are a tech’s abridgment of this Microsoft KB article (324757)
UPDATE: It appears that there is a developing problem with this line of car radios from JVC where the CD drive will “click” when first turned on. JVC released a firmware update which has not worked for my stereo. For this reason, I do not recommend purchasing this model.
With our recent tax rebate, my wife and I decided to upgrade our existing car stereo in our ‘99 Honda CRV. With our old car stereo, the sound wasn’t quite working and we wanted a way to use our MP3 player quickly and easily. When looking for a stereo, we marked the following requirements.
- Needed to have an axillary input
- Able to play MP3/WMA CDRW discs
- Not look like something out of a high school Honda Civic with a grotesque spoiler
- Needs to have HD radio tuner built-in
With those requirements I set out trying to find the best deal. From reading various articles on my vehicle, I learned that it would be very difficult to install. Usually I don’t mind attacking anything to do with the installation of electronics, but I just don’t have the time right now. This is why we purchased the stereo that provided free installation. We finally landed on getting a JVC KD-HDR30 which is a new model. I found it hard to get a hold of locally though. After installation and use for a few weeks here are the pros and cons.
Pros
- HD Radio is a really nice step up from traditional radio. Didn’t realize we had so many channels available to us in our area.
- We have many options to upgrade and use this stereo for our needs. The AUX input and bluetooth/iPod add-on modules are great ways to connect all your audio gear.
- Although this is a simple feature, having a CD player that can read MP3’s is great. It saves us so much time from switching between all of our old CDs.
- The remote works well and can be connected to the steering wheel for added convenience and safety.
Cons
- There is no quick seek where the radio plays a few seconds per station and allows you to find a good song while you drive. The lack of this feature is bizzare, but we hooked up the remote now and just use that to navigate while driving.
- The lights on the stereo are really really annoying at night. Even though they dim slightly when the headlights are turned on, it’s really distracting and makes it hard to concentrate on the road.
- Although HD radio is great, it’s not as awesome when you live in an area that only gets the signal here and there. Unlike analog signals that get added noise, digital HD signals just plain go out and all your hear is silence for a little while until the radio finds the station again. Also, it takes the stereo 4-5 seconds to “lock into” a digital radio station. You get used to it, but it would be nice if it just connected right away.
- The iPod adapter doesn’t work with the iPhone. It’s Apple’s fault, not JVC’s.
Bottom line
We’re pretty satisfied with our purchase and the installers at Circuit City. The stereo has a few small feature issues, but it works very well and the sound is great. I recommend not purchasing a car stereo that is “HD ready”. Always get the type with the tuner built-in. You’ll save money and installation costs down the road. It reminds of the “HD ready” TVs that went out of style within months of their launch date. Just spend the extra 30 bucks and get the tuner built-in.
With the built-in HD tuner, AUX front input jack, and MP3 CD player functionality, I’d give this stereo 4 out of 5 stars.
Have you ever made a list of computers or electronics that you’ve own in your life. I started making this list (which is still not compete) and was very surprise as to how many different computers and printers I’ve purchased, used, and sold in my life.
Computers
- Apple //e – $50
- Apple Macintosh Plus – $20
- Apple Macintosh SE – $50
- Apple Macintosh SE+ $45
- Apple Macintosh LC III – $300
- Apple Macintosh Performa 630 – $400
- Compaq Presario 6550 – $680
- Apple PowerMac G3/333 – $500
- Apple PowerMac G3/350 – $600
- CompUSA BTO PIII700 – $200
- Custom BTO AMD 2800+ – $350
- HP Pavillion ZE1100 – $70
- Dell 600m – $300
- Dell 700m – $690
- Dell 6000D – $600
- Apple iBook G3 800 – $100
- Apple iMac G5 17″ – $900
- Dell Latitude 630d – $900
- Apple MacMini 1.6 Solo – $325
- Apple Macbook (1) -$900
- Apple Macbook Pro (1) -$1200
- Apple Macbook (2) – $700
- Apple Macbook Pro (2) – $900
Printers
- Apple Stylewriter II
- Apple Laserwriter
- Canon BubbleJet D60
- HP LaserJet 3150MFP
- HP LaserJet 3200MFP
- HP Color LaserJet 4550N
- HP Color LaserJet 2550
- HP Color LaserJet 3500N
- HP LaserJet 1200
- HP LaserJet 1300
- HP LaserJet 3330
- HP LaserJet 2200DN
- HP LaserJet 2300DN
- HP Color LaserJet 1600
- HP Color LaserJet 2605DN
HP fuels the war on the cheapest laser printers by introducing the LaserJet 1020 series printer. It’s a direct descendant of the HP 1012 and 1018 printers with a smaller form factor and faster printing speeds.The HP 10XX LaserJet series printers have proven to be a great way to introduce laser printing benefits to home and small businesses. Typically, HP LaserJet printers have been somewhat costly compared to their Brother or Lexmark counterparts.
Reliability: This is borderline “throwaway” printer due to the difficulty or a technician in replacing key parts. From inspection, it appears that the roller and separation pad are the only easily changeable parts (besides the toner and drum). Generally Brother was the first that sold printers in which the consumables costs more than the printer. When the HP 1020 fails, it will probably be easier to purchase a new machine.
Performance: The HP 1020 prints incredibly fast for its size. At 15ppm, it can easily out perform most inkjet printers hands down.
Usability: One of the major downsides to this printer is that only Windows based computers can print to it. Most technicians agree that the Windows based market is prevalent in the computer world, but Macintosh computers along with Linux/Unix machines account for a portion as well. The Windows software does install easily, but it seems HP cut too many corners by only including the Windows family to the compact laser printing world.
Size: You must admit, after looking at this printer first hand, it’s seems that HP has really tried to reduce the size of this little printer. Due to the smaller size, any jam can be quickly removed from the printer, and it does fold up nicely when not in use.
Original retail price: $179.95
Current used price: $100.