I am going to smash my computer (tech support)

[NoSoup]

Alrighty folks, I could really use a bit of tech support right now.

I have a hp pavilion a384x, purchase about 1.25 years ago. I just bought a hp psc 1315v all-in-one printer/copier/scanner.

I am attempting to install the drivers for this damned thing, but alas... that would be too easy. Here is a rundown of the things I have encountered...

Clicking Start-Printers and Fax-Add Printer
I get an error on clicking Add Printer... The error reads "Operation could not be completed"

Attempting to install a driver from the CD that came with the printer
As soon as the installation/setup opens, I click next to accept the terms of agreement, then it proceeds to check my system for requirements. I get through that part just fine, and then have the option to choose typical install or minimum. Regardless of what I choose, immediately afterword I hear the windows error sound (no message pops up) and the window closes.

Attempting to install a driver downloaded from HP's website
I open the installation/setup window, and go through the typical Typical, minimum install screens. Midway through the install, I get an error message that states "RPC Server was unavailable"... I have no idea what the fuck that means....

I think that's pretty much it.

I have tried rebooting my computer several times, uninstalling/reinstalling the drivers several times, disabling startup applications in msconfig, and every way I can think of to install the software.

I did not have any antivirus software running during the install(s) and do not have any viruses. I also called tech support and after an hour and a half of talking with some dude from India (who was very nice, albeit completely not helpful) we came to the conclusion that he is unable to help me.

I am willing to try just about anything at this point, as I really need to get some printing done - so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks a ton for all your help!

[hrdwareguy]

I am going to assume you are running either Win 2000 or Win XP.

Click Start/Control Panel/Admin Tools/Services. Scroll down to the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service and make sure it is started. If not, you need to start it then try the installation again.

[NoSoup]

Yep, I am running XP.

I will try and do that as soon as I get home - I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks bud

[TheFrogel]

I had a similar problem with HP, but it was with a psc 1210. We installed it, it was working fine for a year. Then we got a photosmart 710 (I think it was a 710). Installed that and the psc 1210 disappeared on the computer. Tried to reinstall, and it hung on the installation time and time again; I tried it in so many ways. I successfully downloaded the drivers from the site, but they didn't help either. I'm gonna have another go at it when I get home in 2 weeks (I'm on a trip to Jamaica); if you get it working, post here! Information is good.

[R3d]

how is it connecting to your comp?.. my guess would be usb.. but yea.. maybe boot into safe mode and check in your device manager (right click on my computer>properties>hardware>device manager) and see if there's any random/multiple devices installed.. i've worked on a couple of systems that have had 8 different cdrom's installed and having those caused major hardware conflicts..

could also try copying the install files to your harddrive and install from there.. incase there's a buffering issue with your cdrom.. (just a random thought)

when you boot the system up.. does it pop up saying that the all in one is found then bring up the install wizard? if so.. try going thru that process.. and just select the drivers to install off of the cd..

simple thing.. if usb... have you tried using a different port on your motherboard to install it?..

ionno.. just some things to try.. keep us updated on how its goin..

[KMA-628]

Are you still having problems?

If so, try this, it worked for me:

1) CLICK HERE Download, install and run the program. Unistalling through windows does't fully remove the program, you need this tool to completely uninstall it.

2) Reboot computer

3) Turn off any process realted to McAfee or NAV.

4) Insert the CD and follow the prompts--HP is tricky, they want you to install from the CD (usually with the printer unplugged) not from Add/Remove Printer, etc.

[Mekaziah]

start > settings > control panel > add hardware > insert cd > browse to the cd for the driver to be detected > search & install driver devices > follow flagged instructions > reboot with printer connected properly to the computer

note: be certain the firewire cable connects to the usb port of the computer.

[NoSoup]

Thanks for all the help guys....

In the course of attempting to get it to work, I had done everything listed above.

However - none of it worked.

I ended up just doing a non-destructive system recovery... and man, what a pain in the ass. Reinstalling EVERYTHING - and the I still had issues with the all in one not being recognized as both a printer and a scanner...

All is well now though, although my computer doesn't have nearly the variety of programs that it used to....