Windows 2000 Continually Prompts for the Proper Driver

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When you connect a Windows 2000-based computer to a printer share on a computer running Microsoft Windows NT version 3.5x or 4.0, the Windows 2000-based computer may report that there is no suitable driver available, and prompt you for the location of the proper drivers. If you point to the Windows 2000 CD-ROM, the Driver.cab file, or the network installation point for Windows 2000, the previous dialog box returns and the drivers are not installed.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you are using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) drivers on the Windows NT 3.5x or 4.0 print server. The Windows 2000-based computer is attempting to locate the matching OEM drivers for Windows 2000, not the Microsoft-supplied drivers included with Windows 2000.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, point the dialog box to the Windows 2000 OEM drivers, or install the printer using the Windows NT 4.0 OEM drivers on the Windows 2000-based computer, and then attempt to connect to the printer. Note that some Windows NT 4.0 OEM drivers perform a version check and may not be installed correctly in Windows 2000. If this occurs, consult the printer's manufacturer about possible updates for supporting the printer in Windows 2000.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbprint
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb