Can't set HP LaserJet Pro 400 as default printer
I recently had a troubleshooting appointment for an hp printer that could not be set as the default printer. When I tried to make it the default, a message box came up saying "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)". Other than that, it seemed to work fine. I even removed all the printer software through "Programs And Features"in the Windows control panel followed up by a Windows system registry scan. I then performed a clean install of the hp printer still no joy.
Next, I began to research the "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)" error message on the internet. I came across a variety of solutions, which I tried in succession with no luck. I finally discovered the one that worked. It was a simple fix to the Windows system registry. This is what I did to solve the annoying little problem:
I. Type "regedit" followed by the enter key in the "search program and files" text box in the pop up menu that appears after clicking the Windows"start button" in the lower left hand corner of the Windows desktop screen.
II. Next, click "HKEY_CURRENT_USER" in the left hand pane of the Windows registry editor.
III. Then click "Software" followed by "Microsoft" and next "Windows NT".
IV. While under the "Windows NT" entry, click "CurrentVersion" and then "Windows".
V. Now, one of the entries you should see in the right hand pane is"Device". If the value for "Device" as noted under the "Data" area is anything other than the printer you are using, then highlight "Device" in the right hand pane with the mouse and press the delete key to remove it.
VI. Restart the computer so it starts with the altered Windows system registry.
After the Windows desktop appears again, you should be able to go into the"Printers" area and designate your printer as the default without receiving the "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)" message.
Being able to designate the default printer can save you a fair amount of work over the long run. This is because you won't have to specify your destination printer in the printer dialog box - it is already selected since it's been set as the default.
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