Unisys/Lexmark printer driver

I was given a used Unisys AP9210 laser printer without the driver. Inasmuch as this printer is actually a Lexmark 1255 laser printer, I downloaded and installed the Lexmark 1255 driver, and the printer works perfectly. The printer is connected through a USB port, but occasionally I need to disconnect the printer from the USB port, and when reconnecting it Windows does not automatically 'find' it... I have to manually direct Windows to the Lexmark driver file and override all Windows' warnings that 'this is not the correct driver', etc.... Is there a way that I can make this recognition automatic, e.g. similar to my Canon printer which I can disconnect/connect from/to the USB port without loss of recognition? Perhaps by renaming the driver file(s)? ... or perhaps modifying a registry entry? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Steve - No, I haven't used either method to ensure 'recognition'.... I don't remember how to get the 'safe to remove hardware' message - it's been years since I've seen it.... anyway, I'll (a) try powering off the printer before physically disconnecting it and see what that does, and also (b) try powering off the pc before disconnecting the printer cable also.... Thanks - stay tuned....

 

OK, it seems that the printer is recognised in both cases, i.e. when (a) I power off the PC before unplugging the cable, it recognises the printer again on reboot, and (b) when I power off the printer, remove the USB cable, power up the printer (or not) and reconnect the USB cable...... all this maintains recognition.... However, the problem occurs when I replace the USB cable in a different USB port. And that is the nuisance I'm trying to overcome... I have only two USB ports on my laptop, but I have four USB-connected devices which I need to periodically plug 'n' unplug: a scanner, two printers and a camera. The three USB devices other than this Unisys laser printer all are recognised by Windows in whichever USB port they are found.
I'm guessing that when a device is plugged in, some 'identifier' data must come inbound from the device which in turn Windows tries to match in a list of drivers, and the recognition is complete.... if that supposition is correct, that is why I'm thinking that the renaming of the Lexmark driver might be the solution.... as I don't know how I'd get the printer to identify itself to Windows as a Lexmark Optra S 1255.......

 

Would it not be easier to get a powered USB hub?

mickzer.

 

Thanks Steve.... it doesn't show up on my laptop but in all honesty, I would still prefer to reach a solution where the driver and peripheral were as seamlessly connected as my other USB-connected devices, i.e. no work-arounds.... is there anyone you could recommend to refute/confirm my belief that a renaming of the driver files would solve my problem? Thanks for your replies, in any event.

 

This says the Unisys 9210 drivers are included in XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293382

Can you find them using Control Panel -> Printers -> Add Printer wizard?

Matt

 

Oops! ... I misspoke on my initial request... the actual used printer I was recently given is a Unisys UDS9712, not an AP9210.... they're very similar but my AP9210 died a year ago and this UDS9712 was given to me to replace it... sorry for the mistake... the UDS9712 is actually the Lexmark Optra S 1255 though.

 

They are in the list here:
https://direct.unisys.com/OA_HTML/USTD/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=14891&t=14852&m=14880

Matt

 

Matt - thanks for the link.. sure enough, there's the 6.74MB driver file.. I'm ashamed to say I'd 'drilled into' Unisys myself a couple of days ago, and hadn't found anything... I guess Unisys Direct is autonomous from Unisys... anyway, thanks a lot..... certainly having the proper driver will pre-empt the extra step of using the 'Safely Remove Hardware' button, perhaps permitting me now to unplug and replug ANY of my USB devices at will.

 

"Drilled down ", been there, done that Try finding the drivers yourself at Unisys website...fun

Good you got it.

Matt

 

Err, nope! The system needs to disconnect from the USB device before you pull the USB connector out. If Windows says the device is "still in use ", you may risk data loss.

Use the Safely Remove Hardware icon, if Windows says the USB hardware is still in use, it is. [Reason, you probably have a program running that is accessing it].

Matt

 

Yes, I did mean while it's not in use.... anyway, thanks a lot to both of you...
This is indeed a great website.