Error Message: Printer Driver Was Not Installed; Operation Could Not Be Completed (281534)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q281534

SYMPTOMS

When you click Finish in the Add Printer Wizard, you may receive the following error message:
Printer driver was not installed. Operation could not be completed.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you install a Microsoft Windows 95-based, Microsoft Windows 98-based, or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition-based printer driver in Microsoft Windows XP. The Windows 95-based and Windows 98-based printer drivers are not compatible with Windows XP or Windows .NET.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use one of the following printer drivers (the most preferred driver is listed first):
  • A Windows XP-based printer driver (shipped with Windows XP or from the printer manufacturer)
  • A Windows 2000-based printer driver
  • A Windows NT 4.0-based printer driver
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/25/2006
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb kbprint KB281534
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