I've ran into a strange issue when trying to install multi-function printer on a Windows 7 x64 machine.
I've tried the usual steps to install the printer:
Click on the Win Orb | Type 'Add a printer' | Choose to Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer
As my printer wasn't listed I've clicked on the 'The printer that I want isn't listed' option.
In the 'Select a shared printer by name' box I wrote the path to the printer:
\\servername\printername
After that Windows tried to search for a driver on Windows Update site, which wasn't successful. Then I tried to provide the path to a driver that I have previously downloaded from the HP support site. Again no luck, printer just won't install.
SOLUTION:
Then, I've tried a different approach and was successful.
Click on the Win Orb | Type 'Add a printer' | Choose to Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer | The printer that I want isn't listed
Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname radio button
In the 'Hostname or IP address' box type the name of the printer or IP address.
Now, the printer was successfully installed without providing the path to the driver.
By design, Windows 7 offers a command which extends your grace period period up to 120 days. During this period you're able to receive Windows updates and security patches. So, basically, you can use Windows 7 without providing a key for 120 days.
