Member Avatar for vikas_3r

I not going to print any document.I want to retrieve details of usb-printer.How can i get connected with usb- printer with c# programming to retrieve details?

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Dani AI

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Short summary and practical plan (why WMI + SNMP alone didn’t help)
Win32_Printer is a spooler-level WMI class that reports printer queues, driver and spooler status — it does not expose low-level USB descriptors (VID/PID/serial). SNMP and the Printer MIB are for networked printers and won’t give USB-only device information unless the printer itself is networked and implements the MIB. See the Win32_Printer docs and the Printer MIB spec for background. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, reliable options

  1. If you only need VID/PID/PNP IDs or the Windows device name, enumerate PnP/USB devices (Win32_PnPEntity or Win32_USBControllerDevice) rather than Win32_Printer. Example C# (System.Management):
    
using System.Management;

var q = new ManagementObjectSearcher("root\CIMV2",
"SELECT * FROM Win32_PnPEntity WHERE DeviceID LIKE 'USB%'");
foreach (ManagementObject d in q.Get())
{
Console.WriteLine(d["Name"]);
Console.WriteLine(d["PNPDeviceID"]);
Console.WriteLine(d["Manufacturer"]);
}


Win32_PnPEntity / USB association classes are the right WMI targets. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/cimwin32prov/win32-pnpentity?utm_source=openai))

When you must talk to the printer (endpoints / descriptors)
To read USB descriptors or perform control/bulk transfers, use WinUSB or a managed wrapper (or the UWP Windows.Devices.Usb APIs). WinUSB requires the device to be accessible via winusb.sys (or a compatible driver). For managed code, consider LibUsbDotNet or calling SetupAPI/WinUSB with P/Invoke. If the vendor provides an SDK, prefer it. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/usbcon/using-winusb-api-to-communicate-with-a-usb-device?utm_source=openai))

Getting printer status (toner, counters) from a local USB printer
SNMP won’t help for a USB-only printer. Many printers support PJL/status queries over the raw print path (send PJL to the device or via the spooler). Use the raw spooler APIs (OpenPrinter/StartDocPrinter/WritePrinter) or vendor APIs to send PJL or device commands; test with USBView/Device Manager first to confirm interfaces. Be aware: proprietary drivers sometimes prevent direct WinUSB access — driver replacement or vendor SDK may be required. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/printdocs/sending-data-directly-to-a-printer?utm_source=openai))

Practical checklist
- Use Device Manager / USBView to capture VID/PID and serial. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/index-of-windows-driver-kit-tools?utm_source=openai))  
- Try the WMI query above for quick discovery. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/cimwin32prov/win32-pnpentity?utm_source=openai))  
- If you need endpoint access, evaluate WinUSB/LibUsbDotNet or vendor SDK and check driver requirements first. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/usbcon/using-winusb-api-to-communicate-with-a-usb-device?utm_source=openai))

Notes and cautions
Accessing USB endpoints can require admin rights, driver changes, or signed drivers. Do not assume PJL or low-level commands are supported by every model — check the printer’s tech reference or vendor SDK.

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Member Avatar for vikas_3r

Thanks for giving me this link.Sorry but it is not useful for me. Windows spool (Win32_Printer) doesn't give the details what i want. I am only searching how to connect with printer without Win32_Printer.I am using .net SNMP library for retrieving details.

Member Avatar for C#Jaap

OK, I'm afraid I cannot help you. Did you ask your question also on SnmpSharpNet-website or their forums? My first impression is that they've got a rather extensive documentation. Good luck.

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