I have THE solution to the HP 4000 printer and Windows 10 printing problem. The problem appears to be a port problem, not a driver problem. I racked my brains for 4 days, spending hours each day trying to solve it to no avail. If you want to end your suffering, click on the link below to buy this cable from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Parallel-Centronics-U206-006-R/dp/B00005138I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452307389&sr=1-1&keywords=tripp+lite+USB+to+parallel
Now for the story. I was using a genuine HP C3801-80073 parallel cable from printer to PC running Windows 10. I saw that every time I installed the driver, the computer claimed it was a success. Then, when it came time to print a test page, either nothing happened or it displayed error. I was trying to use the HP 4000 Series PCL5 or HP 4000 Series PCL 6 driver that worked just fine with Windows 7 x 64, but refused to work with Windows 10 x 64 upgrade, even though the claim was that both were supported drivers for Win 10.
Free HP LaserJet 4050n drivers for Windows 10 64-bit. Found 4 files. Select driver to download. Windows 10 Print Drivers for HP Laserjet 4000. Use the HP 4000 Series PCL5 or HP 4000 Series PCL 6 driver that worked just fine with Windows 7 x 64, but.
Hp Printer Drivers Download Windows 10
I suspected a communication problem more than a driver problem. I kept trying to use LPT1 as the printer port, as it had worked fine for me in the past. Then I wondered if a parallel to USB cable existed. One that could make the computer recognize the printer in a more modern way. The cable is Tripp-Lite Model U206-006-R. This is a USB to IEEE 1284 Parallel Printer Adapter that is 6 feet long. A 10 foot version is available for users who need to reach a longer distance. Search it out on Amazon if you need that.
My computer parallel port mode is set to SPP (Standard Parallel Port) in the BIOS. The new adapter cord arrives. After looking at the instructions and mini-CD disc that came with the cable, I decide not to follow their instructions as this disc supports Windows 98 and 2000 driver support. PLEASE: DO NOT follow the instructions at all when you get the cable nor use the disc.
Procedure: Double click your HP 4000 series in Devices and Printers and click on 'See What's Printing'. If there are any failed documents, cancel them to remove them from the cache. Now delete the failed printer install from Devices and Printers in Win 10 by right clicking and selecting 'Remove Device'. Then go to Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Printer Management. Under Print Servers, you will see drivers and printers. Delete any instances of HP 4000 drivers and printers by right clicking and deleting. Remove driver packages also. If you get a message telling you something can't be deleted, reboot the computer to clear this from memory, go back and try again. They should delete.
Make sure the HP 4000 is turned on. Take your new cable, plug the parallel end into the printer. After I did this, the data light illuminated and the display kept alternating from Ready to Data Received. Now, plug the other end into a back USB port on the PC. You will NOT get any notification of hardware detected on the Win 10 home screen. Open Control Panel, Devices & Printers. You may see an icon for the CABLE that was just installed but not your printer. Be patient and Wait. Eventually, the printer will show up. Print a test page. It works. The port will be automatically changed to USB001 Virtual printer Port for USB. It will be checked automatically under Ports in Printer Properties. You will not be using LPT1. This is the only difference between my failure and success. The HP universal print drivers that Win 10 installs are fine. The port was wrong and you need to buy the new parallel/USB cable. This is exactly how it worked for me. Easiest fix ever and I got my sanity back. This may very well work with other printers besides the 4000 that are older and have parallel connections.
Hp Laserjet 4050n Driver Download
Check your HP 4000 printer to make sure the parallel connector is the same as mine. I do not have pins to connect but rather metal contacts. The cable I listed on Amazon above is the ONLY ONE that would fit my printer. Confirm this on yours. Good luck and I'll check posts periodically to see how this is working for users and to answer any questions if you have problems.