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Driver configuration for Windows
The HP print drivers feature bidirectional communication technology which, in supported environments,
provide automatic discovery and driver configuration for product accessories at the time of installation.
Some accessories that are automatically discovered and configured include the duplexing unit, optional
paper trays, printer hard disk, and dual inline memory modules (DIMMs).
Driver autoconfiguration
Automatic discovery and driver configuration through bidirectional communication occurs in the
following circumstances:
●
When a print driver is installed by using the installer
●
When using the Update Now feature for a driver that is already installed
However, as shown in the following table, driver autoconfiguration and Update Now are not available
in Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
operating systems over a direct connection when the product is installed by using the Add Printer
Wizard.
Table 2-2 Automatic discovery and driver configuration through bidirectional communication
1
Connection type Add Printer Wizard install Common installer
Network Yes Yes
Direct connection No Yes
1
The table applies to Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
Bidirectional communication
In environments that support bidirectional communication, the computer communicates with the product
during installation, determines the physical configuration, and then configures the driver accordingly.
Bidirectional communication is the capability of the product to respond to data inquiries from the
computer and report information back, such as what type of print paper is available or what
accessories are connected to the product. Bidirectional communication depends on the network
operating system and on the type of connection that exists between the computer and the product. If the
connection does not have this capability (that is, if it has no bidirectional mode), it can only accept
commands from the host and cannot report information back to the host computer.
Enterprise AutoConfiguration
Enterprise AutoConfiguration (EAC) uses bidirectional communication to provide autoconfiguration
functionality for installation of the print driver over a network, whether you use the installer on the
printing-system software CD or the Add Printer Wizard to install the driver. Driver installation that
includes EAC is configured with the same settings as the physical configuration of the product.
Configuration occurs without user interaction.
18 Chapter 2 Windows software description ENWW