How to Download Printer Drivers

neumannu47,

If the drivers are for the same operating system, then you need to download only that version. Since you said many computers, I would guess that you also have different operating systems.

I would make a folder and download, using Internet Explorr, in your browser, the drivers for each operating system, then put them in each folder. Mine looked something like this.

I then burned the drivers to a CD, so I could install them on each of my computers. Saved time from downloading the same drivers multiple times.

For Windows 7, download and install the Vista drivers in the compatibility mode. If Windows 7 32-bit, use the Vista 32-bit drivers, if Windows 7 64-bit, use the Vista 64-bit drivers.

Installation instructions can be found at...

P703w All-In-One Printer owners thread

If you have any problems, feel free to ask.

Rick

Rick, thanks, but I'm only installing on XP. When i download a "driver", all I get is the 5MB installation program that then downloads, installs, and apparently deletes a 160MB file. How can I get the 160MB file to install on other computers so that I don't have to download it each time?

EDIT:  The problem is the Dell site will only allow me to download the 5MB web installer. I want the full administrative installation package. How can I get that?

neumannu47,

To use the Dell download manager you must have the Windows .net framework installed (use Windows update).  Though it's not made clear by Dell, you DO NOT need the manager.  Go into your browser settings and delete all Dell cookies (or clear all your browser cache).  Then go back and choose "download using my browser" when you select the file for download.  You will then not need the Dell download manager at all.

You cannot use this. after you clear the cookies and browser cache, then use Internet Explorer and download the file in your browser.

Rick

Download Manager works fine on the three systems I've tried. All three have the .net framework installed.

I apologize for not making my questions clear. When I click on the link to download the driver, I am given the opportunity to download the 5MB web tool using either Dell Download Manager or my browser. I choose my browser and download the file to my hard drive. It is at this point that the problem occurs in that I do not want to do a web install. I want to download the 160MB file that is the driver file for the printer. At no point am I given the opportunity to use either Download Manager or my browser to download the 160MB driver file. The only option I have is to run the executable that wants to dynamically install the drivers.

How can I download the 160MB driver file without using Dell Download Manager?

neumannu47,

I understand what you're sayng. When you went to install this, the files should be downloaded to a temporary folder. You most likely can find them there. I think this is why they want the computer online when trying to download the drivers.

I tried to download the Windows 7 drivers and it told me I had the wrong operating system. It told me to use the disk for XP and Vista. So this brings the question, is the file you're looking for on the printer disk?

Maybe you can chat online with Dell Tech support and they can tell you how to get these drivers.

Sorry, I'm not sure how to do this if the 160mb file is not in the temp folder. But just thinking, try looking on the computer you downloaded the drivers to the program files folder and see if all the files are there.

Rick

Rick, I searched the temp folder after the download and was unable to find it. Thanks for your suggestions, though.

meumannu47,

I just tried downloading the drivers. Very slow download.

I clicked on custom install. I then changed the destination folder. After the download was complete, tor folder appeared inside. As soon as it appears, copy the folder to your desktop. I clicked on cancell the installation and it automatically removed the folder, so it must have some type of removal tool. I would then burn this to a DVD and that way the folder cannot be deleted. Unless you have some way to protect the file from being deleted.

You have to copy this folder while the drivers are being installed. I don't have this printer and I cancelled the instalation. If there is some way to stall the installation, you might be able to copy what you need.

Rick