Printer keeps showing as "Unspecified" device when added via server UNC path

Question

Hi Community, 

I'm a tech working in an organisation which uses a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VMware Horizon). I've already ruled out an issue with this system and it's dynamic environment manager, so it seems to be a windows-specific issue. 

Environment is using Windows 10 Pro for 10.0.18363 build 18363 for the virtual desktops.

I've got an issue with one of the desktop pools whereby one of the network printers doesn't load into Windows correctly. If you add the printer directly, i.e. go into "Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add Printer > The printer I wanted wasn't listed > Add via TCP/IP" then add it directly via its IP address, it loads in and shows as a printer in the Devices and Printers menu - this is great, however we don't add printers this way. 

Printers are added in via the server UNC path, so \server-name\printer. It's added via DEM (like Group Policy, but not group policy... does the same thing). If we add it using this method, it shows as an "Unspecified" device under the Devices and Printers menu. In Device manager, it shows under "other devices". 

When right-clicking the "Unspecified" device it does not give any options for printer properties, preferences like you'd expect. It shows options to Create Shortcut, Remove device, troubleshoot, or Properties. When clicking into Properties it loads "General" and "Hardware" tabs. 

If you run the troubleshooter it says it couldn't find a problem and then forces the device up into the correct category under Devices and Printers but it's still listed the same way in device manager and the correct options still do not load when you right-click. 

Weirdly, if you go into an app like MS word and try to print to it, it works... It also allows you to access the device preferences page.... 

This is causing our users some issues. It seems that because Windows categorises it as Unspecified, DEM can not set the printer as the default and they can't do it via the Devices and Printers menu manually as it doesn't give them that option. 

Tried uninstalling and readding etc. Been trying to re-add it for literally hours - banging my head on the desk. 

The printer is a RICOH MP C307 running on the Ricoh universal Driver 4.19. I've tried updating this and using the specific MP C307 driver - it does the same thing. It also works on several other desktops without issue - it's just this one having the issue. 

Has anyone ever had this issue before? Any advice?

If you need further info/screenshots let me know. 

Cheers all

[deelz]

Answer 1

Hi Deelz, before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps, Connect your Printer to the computer and Switch it ON. In case of Wireless printer, Switch it ON and connect it to the Wifi network.

Option 1. Run troubleshooter provided by Windows OS

Type Troubleshoot in Windows Start Search box > Click Troubleshoot > On the right side, Click Printer > Run the troubleshooter

Option 2. Update Printer Driver

Windows Key+X (Or right click on Start) > Click Device Manager > Expand Display Adapter > Right click on entry below > Click Update Driver Software > Click Browse my computer for driver software > Click Let my pick from a list of device drivers on my computer > Choose the driver > Click Next to update

If this does not work, select Search automatically for the updated driver in place of Browse my computer for driver software

Restart your computer

Option 3. Uninstall and reinstall the Printer (Credit to Andre Da Costa, MVP for providing steps)

A. Uninstall Printer

Click on Windows Key+X > Apps and Features > Scroll down and click Programs and Features > Select your printer > Select Uninstall

Type Printer in Windows Search box > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > Remove device

Type Printer in Windows Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > Scroll down and click Print server properties under Related settings > Under Driver tab, look for your printer > Select it and click Remove button at the bottom

B. Install Printer

Go to the Printer manufacturer’s website and search for the latest Windows 10 drivers > Reinstall the Printer driver > Reboot the computer

Type Printer in Windows Start Search box > Click Printers & Scanners > On Right side, Click Add a printer or scanner > If Windows detects your printer, it will be listed > Select the printer and follow on screen directions to set it up (In case of Wifi printer, your computer should also be logged into Wifi network)

If Windows doesn't detect your printer, then you will get a blue message - Click The printer that I want isn't listed

If you are using Bluetooth / Wirelss printer > Select Add a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printer > Choose the printer > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

If you are using wired printer > Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings > Select Use an existing port > Select your Printer and follow on screen directions

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Best regards

Juliet E

Independent Advisor

Answer 2

Hi, 

Thanks for the reply but it's a bit generic. Doesn't take into account anything I've explained in the post - the fact that I have already tried all of the above steps and that the printer is added via UNC path rather than directly as you describe in step 4. 

The printer gets added via DEM (which is essentially the same as group policy). 

I appreciate your effort but it's not the answer I'm looking for. 

Thanks,

[deelz]

Answer 3

Did you ever find a fix for this?  I am having the same problem when the printer is manually installed yet only on this one machine.  I have not yet leapt off the "rebuild it completely" plank nor am I ready to as it still "works" but it's frustrating that the printer doesn't appear as a printer, rather an "unspecified device" even though in the print dialog it shows properly and again, does work.  If we remove what is pushed via policy and add it manually the same occurs.

Answer 4

well scratch that, now that I commented on this thread it eventually finished the "setup" and is now listing as a printer.  Best luck to you.  I took no "action" to remedy this.