A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.

If the print server is Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and its OS bit count does not match that of the client computer, an additional driver may not be installed normally in the print server.

To solve this problem, specify the setup information file (ntprint.inf) of the operating system with a different bit number when installing the additional driver on the print server.

The following describes how to install the additional driver by specifying a setup information file on a different computer from that of the print server.

Tips
  • Before starting this procedure, prepare to configure a different client computer from that of the print server and install the operating system that has a bit number different from that of the print server.
  • On the print server side, the system drive of the client computer is assigned as the network drive. Configure the setting to share the drive to be assigned in advance.

This example shows the operation when installing Windows Server 2008 (32-bit version) on the print server and Windows Vista (64-bit version) in the client computer.

  1. Configure the setting to share the drive (ordinarily, drive C) where the client computer's operating system is installed.

  2. On the print server, assign the drive (example: "C") of the client computer, which is shared in Step 1, as the network drive (example: "z").

  3. Install the 32-bit operating system driver on the print server.

  4. Open the Properties screen in the driver installed.

  5. Select the [Sharing] tab, and select the [Share this printer] check box.

  6. Click [Additional Drivers].

    The Additional Drivers page appears.

  7. Select the [x64] check box in the [Processor] column, and click [OK].

  8. Specify the folder that contains the 64-bit operating system driver.

    This displays a page to request a setup information file.

  9. Click [Browse], and specify the setup information file [ntprint.inf] in the client computer to which the network drive is assigned.

    • Specify the following file.
      [z:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\ntprint.inf_xxx]
      In the path above, "z" represents the assigned network drive. "_xxx" at the end of this path varies depending on the driver version.
    • The setup information file may be stored at a different location depending on your client computer. If folder [amd64] resides in the same hierarchy as that of [ntprint.inf], specify a setup information file for 64-bit operating system under that folder. To additionally install a 32-bit operating system driver, specify a setup information file under folder [i386] that is in the same hierarchy as that of [ntprint.inf].
  10. Click [Open].

    Installation starts.

  11. When the installation completes, click [Close].

    The additional installation of the 64-bit operating system driver is then completed.

hp-concentra-wrapper-portlet

A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.
Actions

Issue:

32-bit clients are not able to connect to shared Universal Print drivers or discrete drivers on a 64-bit print server, OR

64-bit clients are not able to connect to shared Universal Print drivers or discrete drivers on a 32-bit print server.

These scenarios may involve one or more of the following servers or clients:

  • Server 2003/Server 2008 64-bit print servers

  • Windows XP, Vista, or Win 7 32-bit clients

Solution

Download the latest print drivers

  1. Go to www.hp.com/go/support and download and save (not Run) BOTH the 64-bit AND the 32-bit versions of the print driver.

    note:

    If drivers already exist for the product, make sure they are the latest versions of available Universal Print Drivers.

For 64-bit servers, Install the print driver and map it to the printer

If the server involved is a 64-bit version, the 64-bit version of the print driver will need to be installed and mapped to the printer via TCP/IP.

  1. Install the 64-bit driver.

    note:

    If you are using a 64-bit client to connect to a shared 32-bit print driver on a 32-bit print server, download and install the 64-bit driver within the current 32-bit driver before mapping to the printer.

  2. Make sure that the print driver is shared on the network.

    note:

    These steps and screenshots are intended as a guide and may vary depending on your operating system.

    1. In print driver properties on the Sharing tab, select Share this printer and then click OK.

    A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.

  3. Print a test page from the 64-bit server to make sure that communication has been established.

  4. If you are using a 64-bit client to connect to a shared 64-bit print driver installed on a 64-bit server, skip to the next step.

    If you are using a 64-bit client to connect to a shared 32-bit print driver on a 32-bit print server, make sure the 64-bit driver is installed within the current 32-bit driver and then continue to the next step.

  5. Map the client to the shared print driver on the server.

    note:

    If you are trying to map the a 32-bit client on a 64-bit server, or to map a 64-bit client on a 32-bit server, you must first install both the 32-bit and the 34-bit drivers.

    1. In printer properties on the Sharing tab, click Additional Drivers.

      A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.

    2. Select the x86 option and click OK to allow the administrator to load the 32-bit drivers.

      A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.

    3. When prompted, browse to the location where the driver .inf file is saved, extract the driver files, select the 32-bit print driver .inf file on the 64-bit server, or the 64-bit print driver on the 32-bit server, and then click OK to install the driver.

      For example, the UPD .inf file would be the first file in the list and be named hpcuXXXc.inf.

      A 32-bit client machine can use the 64-bit version of a printer driver.

      note:

      To verify whether the extraction and installation is successful, go to printer properties, click the Sharing tab, and then click Additional Drivers.

      If the extraction and installation is successful, both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) boxes will be checked the status will read Installed.

    The 32-bit and/or 64-bit clients should now be able connect to the shared print driver on the 32-bit or 64-bit server. Typically, the path is \\servername\sharedprintername.

  6. Print a test page.

Can a 32

Because 32-bit device drivers cannot be used with the 64-bit operating system, these drivers must be recompiled as 64-bit objects. Moreover, the 64-bit drivers need to support both 32-bit applications and 64-bit applications.

Will a 32

It is possible to install 32 bit drivers alongside the 64 bit drivers on your print server. Click on the print server, go to the printer options page, and click 'additional drivers' to install the 32 bit version. The name needs to match exactly. The big printer vendors do have 64 bit compatible drivers.

How do I install a 64

Print driver installation on 32-bit versus 64-bit servers.
Go to the Printers and Faxes folder..
Go to the properties of the print queue for which you intend to add the x64 driver..
Go to the Sharing tab and choose Additional Drivers..
Choose x64 as the processor type and click OK..

How can I make my 64 bit computer compatible with 32

if you want to go back to the 32-bit version of Windows, you'll need to download the media creation tool — the 64-bit one, if you're running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 — and use it to create 32-bit installation media. Boot from that installation media and reinstall the 32-bit version over the 64-bit version.