With the increasing number of computers that have 64-bit (x86-64) operating systems installed on them, some problems regarding this transition have appeared. While most software that was designed for a 32-bit (x86) OS will work great on a 64-bit OS, the problem appears when you have to work with 32-bit drivers on a 64-bit OS.
The problem we will fix today is the use a network printer installed on a 32 bit version of Windows from a computer that is using a 64 bit version. When this happens, Windows shows an error message: Windows cannot find the drivers for the printer. This will happen because even though you have both the 32 bit and
(http://www.softsailor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/F01xx06-300x246.jpg)
the 64 bit drivers, only the drivers for the Windows version you are using will be installed. However, when using a printer over a network with both versions installed on the computers, you will need both versions of these drivers.
By following this quick tutorial, the problem will be solved in only a few minutes.
Step 1.
First of all, you will have to check if you are using a 64 bit or a 32 bit version of Windows. This is done quickly by right clicking on the Start button, right click on Computer and then click the Properties button. There is a System type line that will tell you if you what version of Windows you are using.
Step 2.
Get both driver versions
Almost all printer manufacturers will provide you with these drivers on their website. So all you have to do is go to the manufacturer’s internet website and get the missing drivers (the 32 bit drivers if the computer the printer is installed on is using a 64 bit version and the other way around).
Step 3.
Run the installer. When asked if you want to uninstall or update, click the cancel button.
Then you have to find the folder where the driver was extracted to. Open the run command (Start->Run or Win+R from the keyboard) and then type in “C:\Users\YOUR_USER\appdata\local\temp” without the quotation marks and by replacing YOUR_USER with your own user name. For instance, if you username is John, you should type : “C:\Users\John\appdata\local\temp”.
From the window that has opened, you need to find the folder that was most recently created and that does not begin with a parenthesis. You will see a lot of weird characters in the folder name, but that is ok. You should find some subfolders that contain drivers, images and such. Select the entire line from the address bar, and then copy it.
The next step will be different if you are using Vista/Xp or Windows 7.
Step 4 (Windows Vista/XP).
Go to the control panel->printers and then right click on printer you want to install the drivers for.
Click on Properties->Sharing->Change Sharing Options.
Click on the “Share this printer” box and then click the “Additional Drivers” button. Go to step 5.
Step 4 (Windows 7).
Go to start menu->Network and then double click on the name of your computer.
From the top menu bar go to “View remote printers” and then right click on the printer you want to share, go to properties and then click the “sharing” tab.
Click the “Share this printer” box and then click on “Additional Drivers”.
Step 5.
After you have clicked “Additional Drivers”, check the box corresponding to the Windows version you want to add the drivers for. (X86 is for 32 bit and x64 is for 64 bit). When asked for the location of the drivers, paste the line that you copied at step 3.
This is it, now you can successfully share the printer with any computer in the network.
source:softsailor.com