The "CD drive HP Smart Install" refers to a feature on certain HP LaserJet printers that acts like a virtual CD drive when connected to a computer via USB. This allows the printer to automatically install its drivers and software without needing a physical installation disc. To effectively "remove" or stop this virtual CD drive behavior, you need to disable the HP Smart Install feature directly on your printer.
What is HP Smart Install?
HP Smart Install is an innovative feature designed to simplify printer setup. When an HP LaserJet printer with Smart Install is connected to a computer via USB for the first time, it appears as a mass storage device (like a USB drive or CD-ROM). This device contains the necessary drivers and installation software, which then automatically launch or become accessible for the user to install the printer. It streamlines the setup process by eliminating the need for a separate driver CD or a download from HP's website.
Why Disable HP Smart Install?
While convenient, there are several reasons why users might want to disable HP Smart Install:
- Preventing Virtual CD Drive Appearance: Disabling the feature stops the printer from appearing as a virtual CD drive or mass storage device every time it's connected, which can reduce clutter in "My Computer" or "This PC."
- Avoiding Automatic Driver Installation: If you prefer to manually install drivers, use specific IT-managed driver packages, or have already installed the latest drivers from HP's website, you might want to prevent the automatic installation initiated by Smart Install.
- System Resource Management: For some systems, the constant enumeration of the virtual drive might consume minor system resources or cause slight delays during boot-up or device connection.
- Compatibility Issues: In rare cases, Smart Install might interfere with specific system configurations or older operating systems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling HP Smart Install
Disabling the HP Smart Install feature involves using a dedicated utility provided by HP. The process is straightforward for specific printer models.
For HP LaserJet Pro M1130 and M1210 Series Printers
HP provides a specific utility to manage the Smart Install feature for these popular models.
Procedure:
- Download the HP Smart Install Utility: You will need to download the specific HP Smart Install Utility designed for your printer model.
- Visit the official HP Support website for your specific HP LaserJet Pro M1130 or M1210 series printer model.
- Navigate to the "Utility-Diagnostic Tools" or "Software and Driver Downloads" section.
- Locate and download the "HP Smart Install Utility" for your Windows operating system. (For example, searching for "HP LaserJet Pro M1132 drivers" and looking under "Utility - Diagnostic Tools" will lead you to the relevant download.)
- Open the Utility: Once downloaded, run the executable file to open the HP Smart Install Utility.
- Connect Your Printer: Ensure your HP LaserJet Pro M1130 or M1210 series printer is connected to your computer via USB and powered on.
- Select Your Printer: In the utility window, a list of connected, compatible printers should appear. Select the name of your HP printer from this list.
- Disable the Feature: Click the Disable button within the utility to turn off the HP Smart Install feature.
- Confirmation: The utility will typically provide a confirmation message once the feature has been successfully disabled. You are done.
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download | Obtain the HP Smart Install Utility from HP's official support site. |
| 2 | Run | Execute the downloaded utility on your Windows computer. |
| 3 | Connect | Ensure your HP LaserJet Pro printer is connected via USB and turned on. |
| 4 | Select | Choose your specific printer model from the list in the utility. |
| 5 | Disable | Click the "Disable" button to turn off the Smart Install feature. |
| 6 | Confirm | Verify that the utility confirms the successful disabling of the feature. |
For Other Compatible HP Printers
For other HP LaserJet models that utilize HP Smart Install, the process might be similar, or you might need to consult your printer's specific support page or user manual for instructions and the relevant utility. Always search the official HP Support website for your exact printer model to find the correct software and utilities.
Verifying the Feature is Disabled
After disabling HP Smart Install:
- Disconnect and Reconnect: Disconnect your printer from the USB port and then reconnect it.
- Check Your Computer: Open "This PC" (or "My Computer") to see if the virtual CD drive associated with HP Smart Install still appears. If disabled correctly, it should no longer be listed as a separate drive.
- Printer Functionality: The printer should still function normally with the drivers you have installed on your computer.
What If You Need the Drivers Later?
Disabling HP Smart Install does not remove the ability to install drivers. If you need to install or update your printer drivers in the future, you can always:
- Download from HP Support: Visit the official HP Support website, search for your specific printer model, and download the latest drivers and software packages directly.
By following these steps, you can effectively disable the HP Smart Install feature on your compatible HP LaserJet printer, preventing it from appearing as a virtual CD drive and giving you more control over your printer's setup and behavior.
