Why is Windows constantly detecting an HP 8500 printer that does not exist?

Turn off printer sharing in the VM configuration.

 

Thanks, I'll give that a try. Although I'm guessing we won't be able to print invoices anymore then?

 

Printer Sharing is meant for using the same printer in OS X and Windows at the same time when the printer is connected directly to the computer (USB), I don't know what's your setup, but if the printer you are using is a network printer, don't use printer sharing, connect to it directly in Windows (you might need to change network setting to bridge mode).

If it's a local printer connected via USB, if you don't need to use it in OS X at the same time, connect to it directly via the USB menu in the VM.

Printer Sharing is only useful for a local connected printer being used in both Windows and OSX at the same time, so it's hosted in OS X and emulated in Windows.


Parallels Tools cannot be downgraded, they should always be the same version as the Parallels app.

 

Thanks for explaining Specimen. We have a local printer connected using USB that doesn't need to be used in OS X and Windows simultaniously. In fact, I don't believe this particaular printer is ever used in OS X at all. Going to give it a try as soon as Windows itself finished updating all sorts of security updates.

 

I had this problem in Parallels 7. When I upgraded to 10 (after a fubar event) I was tired of it. Finally with the right Google search terms I found this page. I solved the problem by unchecking Add all Mac Printers. My local printer still works with XP and OSX. I've not yet tried any network printers.