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ERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVER 1797 (0x705) [Solved]
Installing the latest compatible printer driver is the quickest fix
4 min. read
Published onSeptember 3, 2024
published onSeptember 3, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
TheERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVERfalls under the category of system errors and appears when the printer driver is missing or incompatible, required services are not running, system files are corrupt, or access to the driver is being blocked.
The error code is1797 (0x705), and the message reads,The printer driver is unknown.
Before you start troubleshooting, restart the computer, reconnect the printer, install all pending Windows updates, and make sure the installed driver version matches the system architecture, i.e., you have a32-bitprinter driver for32-bitWindows or a64-bitdriver for64-bitWindows.
How can I fix ERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVER?
1. Manually install a compatible printer driver
When you connect a device for the first time, Windows usually automatically installs the best available driver. If that doesn’t happen, you can alwaysmanually install the driver!
For that, you must visit the manufacturer’s website, locate the new releases, download the driver setup, and then proceed with the installation.
2. Run the printer troubleshooter
3. Install a generic driver for the printer
4. Restart the Print Spooler service
5. Run the required services
Often,ERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVERor the1797 (0x705) The printer driver is unknownmessage appears whenUPnP Device Host, SSDP Discovery, andRemote Procedure Call (RPC)services are not running. While you are at it, also run theHTTPservice, if it’s available.
6. Repair the corrupt system files
Corrupted system filesare a common reason behind theERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVERsystem error in Windows. An easy fix for this is to run the SFC(System File Checker)andDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)scans, which will replace all such files with their cached copy!
7. Uninstall conflicting apps
If a quick app removal doesn’t help fixERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVER, I recommend using atop-rated software uninstaller for Windowsto automatically delete the related leftover files and Registry entries.
Remember,ERROR_UNKNOWN_PRINTER_DRIVERis usually a software-based issue that can be resolved with one of the solutions listed above.However, if the problem persists, contact the printer’s dedicated support or get in touch with a professional for more help.
Before you leave, discover expert tips toprint PDFs faster than ever!
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Driver issues,Printer,System Errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
