Can I Run an Ancient HP Laserjet 4 in Windows 10: Seeking Drivers

Hello, Everyone. For anyone who's had one, you know that the original HP Laserjet 4 and 5 models were probably the best printers ever made. I've been running them for years and they NEVER break.

Here's my dilemma. I got away from them for a few years, then recently picked up one cheap. The driver for this model does not appear to be included in Windows 10, and I can't seem to find the correct driver. I did find the link below. Do these instructions make sense?

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/HP-LaserJet-4-on-Windows-10/td-p/6601791

Does anyone know if I can run this printer on a Windows 10 computer? If so, where might I find the drivers. I found some on the HP website, but they don't appear to be working, although I confess I'm not the most technical person.

Thank You Very Much,

Educated Guess

Edited by EducatedGuess, 07 January 2024 - 03:08 PM.

Hi, ya give a go with the above URL.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Considering this is a supported only to Win Vista 32 bit should give it a go. 

If it does not work then time for a new wireless printer.  If you only print black get one with toner cartridge.

EDIT : last drivers : https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/hp-laserjet-4-4m-printer-series/25487

Edited by Pkshadow, 07 January 2024 - 09:27 PM.

Hi, ya give a go with the above URL.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

Considering this is a supported only to Win Vista 32 bit should give it a go. 

 

If it does not work then time for a new wireless printer.  If you only print black get one with toner cartridge.

 

EDIT : last drivers : https://support.hp.com/ca-en/drivers/hp-laserjet-4-4m-printer-series/25487

 

Thanks for taking the time to respond,  PK. These are amazing workhorse printers. If there is any way to get it working, I will. I believe I used to run it on W7.

 

Take care & Thanks Again,

 

Happy New  Year,

EG

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure this will work and I would create a restore point first. Good Luck.

There are Laserjet 4 drivers for Windows 8.1 at the Windows Update Catalog. You can see if using Windows 10 compatibility mode would work. You want the 5th from the top for 64bit. 13.9MB It's a cab file so you will need to extract it with something like 7zip or you can use the command line.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/extract-cab-file-using-command-line

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=microsoft+driver+update+for+hp+laserjet+4

Scroll down the page till you get to compatibility mode.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware-winpc/how-to-install-and-update-hardware-drivers-in/a97bbbd1-9973-4d66-9a5b-291300006293

Are using a Parallel port to USB adapter? After installing the driver you may need to go through the method of installing the printer manually.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/HP-LaserJet-4-on-Windows-10/td-p/6601791

Please disregard - posted in error.

Edited by Allan, 08 January 2024 - 11:45 AM.

EG: Do what many of us have done.

Keep/Purchase an old PC/Laptop that will be used, solely for running the Printer. So long as it's USB capable, you should have little/no problem copying the files, that you need to to print, to it

Edited by wee-eddie, 08 January 2024 - 12:14 PM.

Thanks to all the posters! I'm slammed today, but promise to look through these as soon as I can get to it. 

eg

Hi again, Everybody. I had a quick question. 

I'm certain I used to run these printers on Windows 7. I still have a couple of old Windows laptops. I realize that MS has stopped supporting this OS, but....

1) Is there a place online where I could download a clean version of this OS? If so, could someone please post a link to that site? Thank you.

2) If I'm able to accomplish this, is there a way for me to turn off the update feature permanently, so that it stays in Windows 7?

Thanks very much for your help.

EG

My suggestion is to use a Win10 driver that looks like your HP Laserjet 4.  Perhaps some features might be missing, but hopefully, your printer would still work.

One of the biggest troubles I've found with HP printers is the software they provide.  I advise new users to simply hook up the printer by the preferred method and let the OS ask for and get permission to search for the appropriate driver for the identified unit.  It skips all the un-needed junk that HP wants to install when you use their install disk or online.  Too many added processes that are only there to sell you more ink/toner or service, ETC.  And it likes to stop things when it fails to complete a "call home" for updates.

Actually, the software provided on the website is the best.  If you just let windows do it you will get a generic driver and then the HP Smart App will want to take over sometimes.  The App isn't too bad, but with older printers I prefer the software from the website.

Hi, Everyone. I'm so grateful for all of your posts. It's late here and I don't have time to respond individually, but I'm encourage that this tips will lead me toward a solution.

I will post again soon.

Thanks Again,

EG

.................................. HP Laserjet 4 and 5 models ......................................The driver for this model does not appear to be included in Windows 10, and I can't seem to find the correct driver.

Windows 10 & Windows 11 have built-in printer drivers for the LaserJet 4 & 5 models so in principle you should be able to get it to work.

Have you tried plugging the printer in? If you have, and the printer is currently recognised by Windows but missing the proper drivers then head over to the printer properties -> "Advanced" tab -> "New Driver" button -> select the correct printer from the list:

I have a decades-old LaserJet 1010 working perfectly with Windows 10 & 11 so I hope you have the same luck.

Edited by Secret-Squirrel, 10 January 2024 - 03:20 AM.

Hi, Everyone. I'm the OP of this thread. I wanted to come back in with some additional information.

I was able to ascertain that Windows 10 (and 11, I believe) does include the drivers for these older HP printers. I was able to download one and print. 

Here's the problem, however. On all my other computers, the PC cannot "see" the printer when connected. I'm not a computer whiz by any means. How would I go about "finding" this computer and installing the drivers. 

If there are any links or vids that could walk me through this, I'd be much obliged to see them.

Thank you very much,

Educated Guess

I may be mistaken, but I believe that with the older HP Printers you do not connect (turn on) the printer during the driver installation process until after the drivers are finished installing.

Edited by Allan, 20 February 2024 - 07:16 AM.