Plug and Play Printer Is Detected as an Unknown Device

ID: Q187723

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

If you install a Plug and Play printer by using the Add New Hardware wizard, and choose to install the printer as an unknown device because Windows 98 does not provide a driver for your printer, your printer may not work correctly, and it may be missing from the Printers folder. Also, your printer may be visible in Device Manager as an unknown device.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if Windows 98 does not have a driver for your printer. Windows 98 names a device "unknown" if it does not have a driver for the device.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, install the printer driver provided by the manufacturer of your printer. For information about how to do so, view the documentation included with your printer.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Additional query words: 98


Keywords          : kbprint win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: February 5, 1999