How to install HP DesignJet 500 driver on Windows 7?

Installing the HP DesignJet 500 driver on Windows 7 can be done efficiently by obtaining the correct software package directly from HP's official support website or by leveraging Windows' built-in "Add a Printer" wizard.

Finding and Downloading the Driver from HP Support

The most reliable way to get the latest compatible driver for your HP DesignJet 500 on Windows 7 is through HP's dedicated support portal.

Step-by-Step from HP Customer Support

Navigate to HP Support: Open your web browser and go to the official HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
Enter Your Printer Model: In the search box provided, type "HP DesignJet 500" and then click the Find button.
Select Your Printer: If prompted with a list of similar models, carefully select your specific HP DesignJet 500 series printer.
Choose Language and OS:
- Select your preferred language if necessary.
- Crucially, click on the name of your operating system, which is 'Windows 7' in this case. Ensure you select the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) if options are presented, matching your Windows 7 installation.
Download the Driver: Look for the recommended driver package. HP typically offers a "Full Software and Driver Package" or a "Basic Driver." For best functionality, the full package is usually preferred, but a basic driver might suffice if only printing is needed. Click Download to save the file to your computer.

Installing the Driver on Windows 7

Once you have downloaded the driver, there are a few methods to proceed with the installation.

Method 1: Using the Downloaded Installer

This is often the simplest method if HP provides an executable installer.

Locate the Downloaded File: Find the driver file you downloaded (it will usually be an .exe file or a .zip archive).
Extract Files (if necessary): If it's a .zip file, right-click on it and choose "Extract All..." to uncompress its contents into a new folder.
Run the Installer: Double-click the .exe file (or the setup file within the extracted folder).
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The installer will guide you through the process. Read each step carefully, accept any license agreements, and specify installation options if available.
Connect Your Printer: Connect your HP DesignJet 500 to your Windows 7 PC (via USB or network) only when the installer prompts you to do so. This ensures the correct detection and configuration.
Complete Installation: Finish the wizard, and your printer should now be installed and ready to use.

Method 2: Manual Installation via "Add a Printer" Wizard

If the downloaded package doesn't have a straightforward installer or you prefer a manual approach, Windows 7's "Add a Printer" wizard is an excellent option.

Connect Your Printer: Ensure your HP DesignJet 500 is physically connected to your computer (via USB) or properly connected to your network.
Open Devices and Printers: Click the Start Menu, then select Devices and Printers.
Initiate Add Printer: Click the Add a printer button at the top of the window.
Choose Printer Type:
- For a USB-connected printer, select Add a local printer.
- For a network-connected printer, select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
Select Port:
- For local printers, choose the correct printer port (e.g., USB001 (Virtual printer port for USB) for a USB connection, or LPT1: for a parallel connection).
- For network printers, Windows will try to detect it. If not found, you might need to enter its IP address or hostname manually.
Install Driver:
- When prompted to "Install the printer driver," click the Have Disk... button.
- Click Browse... and navigate to the folder where you extracted the HP DesignJet 500 driver files (from Step 2 of "Finding and Downloading"). Locate and select the .inf file (e.g., hpgl2.inf or similar) and click Open, then OK.
- Select the HP DesignJet 500 from the list of drivers presented and click Next.
Name and Share: Provide a name for your printer and decide if you want to share it on the network.
Finish: Click Finish to complete the installation.

Method 3: Using Windows Update (Built-in Drivers)

Windows 7 often includes a vast repository of drivers for older and common printers, which can be updated via Windows Update.

Follow Steps 1-5 from Method 2 (up to selecting the port).
Update Driver List: When the "Install the printer driver" window appears, click the Windows Update button. This will connect to Microsoft's update servers and download the latest list of available drivers. This process can take several minutes.
Select HP DesignJet 500: Once the list refreshes, in the "Manufacturer" column, select HP. Then, in the "Printers" column, scroll down to find HP DesignJet 500 (or a compatible HP-GL/2 driver).
Continue Installation: Select the driver and click Next, then follow the remaining on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Important Considerations and Troubleshooting

Administrator Privileges: Ensure you are logged into Windows 7 with an administrator account to perform driver installations.
Compatibility Mode: If an older driver installer fails, try right-clicking the installer's .exe file, selecting Properties, then the Compatibility tab. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and select an older Windows version like "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)" or "Windows Vista."
Generic HP-GL/2 Driver: The HP DesignJet 500 utilizes the HP-GL/2 (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) command set. If a specific driver isn't immediately found, a generic HP-GL/2 driver (sometimes labeled as "HP DesignJet 450C" or "HP DesignJet 750C" which used similar technology) included in Windows 7 might provide basic printing functionality.
USB Cable: Ensure your USB cable is not excessively long (ideally under 5 meters) and is in good condition to prevent connection issues.
Network Configuration: For network printers, verify the printer's IP address and ensure it's on the same network subnet as your Windows 7 computer.

By following these steps, you should successfully install the HP DesignJet 500 driver on your Windows 7 system.