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Russell_Haile's avatar
Russell_Haile
Copper Contributor
Dec 27, 2022

Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update.

"Hello" from Russell Haile.  Please allow me to ask for your help.
 
Long story short:
I've been trying to install a printer on a PC at the company I work for.  I've attempt several PC's and a variety of printers.
I follow the steps of: 
start --> Control Panel --> Devices and Printers
click "Add a Printer
click "The printer that I want isn't listed
click "Add a printer using an IP address or hostname
click Next
change Device type to TCP/IP device
Input the IP address
Windows "thinks" for a moment, then presents the default list of printers/drivers
 
I click on "Windows Update", and almost instantly the following message appears:
Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update.  Please try again later.
 
These steps worked on Friday Dec 23rd.  Today the 27th, these steps fail every time.
 
My question:
Is there any way to prove if the "Windows Update" system is fully functional and operating as expected on the Microsoft side?

14 Replies

  • Johnned's avatar
    Johnned
    Copper Contributor
    Jan 12, 2023

    After a lot of trial and error, I was able to use this cab file after following these instructions from the hp website.

    https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/c04745752#AbT4

     

    Then select "https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/c04745752#AbT4

     

    When you get to the "Microsoft Update Catalog" search for "hp laserjet 2100 pcl6"

    I downloaded the first one on the list, drivers_af41d239df5205c515b59d342f910a4a916e54b9.cab

     

    Using Windows PowerShell

     

    cd Downloads

    mkdir drivers

    expand drivers_af41d239df5205c515b59d342f910a4a916e54b9.cab -F:* drivers 

     

    Add Printer and use "Have Disk" when presented with Windows Update or Have Disk", select the drivers directory, select "hp laserjet 2100 pcl6.

     

    If you don't have that printer search for yours, should work the same way.

     

    Now I can print!

     

     

    • JesseR3501's avatar
      JesseR3501
      Copper Contributor
      Jan 12, 2023
      Doe it really need to be done through Windows power shell? I fill like through the Add Printer UI you can still select your own driver.
  • Deleted's avatar
    Deleted
    Jan 07, 2023

    Russell_Haile Hi

    Please see this discussion:

    https://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/windows/en-US/027d11d9-f2da-4670-acbd-8041449d5fae/cant-add-network-printer-over-tcpip

    • JesseR3501's avatar
      JesseR3501
      Copper Contributor
      Jan 07, 2023
      Hi Andrzej1! Thanks for your time but It's not about finding the printer but about finding the right drivers for the printer. Windows normally downloads the drivers through the updates as Russell pointed out on his first post. The problem is that Windows is not doing that. I can add the printer but without its proper drivers, it's not going to work.
    • Russell_Haile's avatar
      Russell_Haile
      Copper Contributor
      Jan 07, 2023

      This scenario has caused me a real problem.  I still do not have a resolution.  Although I shouldn't be surprised, I'm concerned that not a single Microsoft badged person has responded to this issue.  JesseR3501 

      • JesseR3501's avatar
        JesseR3501
        Copper Contributor
        Jan 07, 2023
        So, not sure what kind of printer you have but I ended up going to the printer manufacture's website to download the drivers. Problem solved. I have a HP 4345. I don't know why I didn't think of this before. I hope you can get the drivers for your printer from the manufacturer's website. Good luck.

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