printer not showing in devices and printers

only dvd and disc drives dhow

Are you saying Devices and Printers is empty?

Have look here: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/fix-devices-and-printers-completely-empty-windows-7/

PS:

Try the fixit

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/troubleshoot-printer-problems

Or this one 

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/printing\_problems/

Or this one

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9829711

Hi have checked print spooler printer works but only with installed software  will not print emails or from web

It is not clear from what you say whether the problem can be dealt with through windows or it would be better to post a question on the HP Forum. Join the conversation

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?cc=us&lc=en&product=4066452

You never replied to Gerry's question about Device Manager or provided a screenshot.  Printers do not normally show in Device Manager, so it's not at all clear what you are seeing.

Type "snipping tool" (without quotes) in the Start > Search box and click the link to open the Snipping Tool.  Use this to capture and save an image of Device Manager.  Then upload it using the "upload image" icon which is the second icon from the right in the Reply box's tool bar.

It's not clear what you mean by "installed software."  You say that you can print from Notepad.  How exactly do you manage that?  Please explain step by step.

It's not clear what you mean "does not show just keeps on searching" in response to Ron's question about using the Add printer wizard.  What exactly happens when you click the link to start the wizard?  Please explain step by step until you get to whatever point you mean by "keeps on searching."

It's not clear whether Devices and Printers is entirely empty or just that the HP 3050 isn't showing.  Are any devices or printers visible in Devices and Printers?

It's my understanding that the HP Deskjet 3050 can be connected either wirelessly or by USB.  From your statement that your printer is "on a network not shared," I assume that it's connected via wifi.  Is that to a router/wireless access point or directly to your computer?  In either case, have you used the printer's front panel controls to determine the printer's current IP address and other network settings (including whether the printer reports being connected or not)?  If not, please do that and report your findings.

Assuming that the printer is connected to a wifi router/access point do you have any other devices that are connected via wifi to the same router/access point?  If not now, have you ever had any such devices connected?