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ERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKED 1930 (0x78A) [Solved]
Installing a compatible printer driver is the easiest fix
6 min. read
Published onSeptember 4, 2024
published onSeptember 4, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
TheERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKEDmessage indicates that a printer driver was blocked from installation due to policies set on your PC. The error code is1930 (0x78A), and the message reads,The printer driver is not compatible with a policy enabled on your computer that blocks NT 4.0 drivers.
The0x8007078aerror usually appears on older iterations of the OS, sayWindows Vista, that do not supportKernel Modeprinter drivers. But, it has been seen onWindows 11as well when using incompatible or unsupported drivers.
Before you start troubleshooting things, reboot the PC, install all pending Windows updates, and reconnect the affected printer.
How do I fix ERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKED?
1. Get a compatible driver version
As I said earlier, theERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKEDissue may appear due to outdated or incompatible drivers.
So, to fix0x8007078a, first use atop-rated driver uninstaller toolto clear all the existing driver-related files > visit the manufacturer’s website > search for the latest driver for your printer, which is also compatible with the installed version and iteration of Windows > download the setup (.exe file) > install the driver.
For some users, simply uninstalling the driver along with deleting driver-related files and then reconnecting the printer prompted Windows to auto-install a compatible driver, which got the printer running in no time.
2. Install the driver in compatibility mode
3. Scan the PC for malware
If you downloaded the driver from an unofficial source, it’s wise to scan the PC for malware. And in case Windows Security can’t detect any threats, I recommend using aneffective antivirus solutionto run a more advanced set of scans!
4. Reinstall the driver with modified settings
4.1 Uninstall the printer driver and software
4.2 Reconfigure the Registry
4.3 Stop the print spooler service
4.4 Rename critical folders
4.5 Reinstall the printer driver
Finally, you can run the driver setup (.exe) file that earlier triggeredThe printer driver is not compatible with a policy enabled on your computer that blocks NT 4.0 driversmessage during installation.
5. Reconfigure the Group Policy
6. Reset Windows to factory defaults
As a last resort, you can alwaysreset Windows to factory defaults. For 2 out of 5 users, this is the only solution that worked againstERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKED, even in a multi-computer setup!
To reset the PC, pressWindows+Ito openSettings> go to theSystemtab > click onRecovery> click theReset PCbutton > choose whether to keep your files or remove everything > selectLocal Reinstall> click onNext> verify the change > click onReset> then wait for the process to complete.
7. Contact support
When nothing else works, contact the support team. First, try the printer manufacturer’s dedicated support (via the official website) and ask for a compatible driver version for your PC. If they can’t help withERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKED, then get in touch with Microsoft support.
Remember, theERROR_KM_DRIVER_BLOCKEDerror is a software-based issue and can usually be fixed with some quick changes to Windows or by using a different driver. Only rarely will have to contact the support team!
Before you leave, discover expert tips tomake PDF printing faster than ever!
If you know of any more fixes for the problem, share them with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:event log viewers,System Errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
