Older Printer Driver Issues: Can Anyone Help?

[chef_kimmo]

Just curious for those computer minded folks...

I just got a new computer and went to load the drivers for my printer. It worked just fine when my old computer worked. It is a Photosmart P1000 and the info I get when I try to find it is that HP is not updating the printer drivers for Vista. In red letters the printer "may be older than 7 years" and the drivers won't be updated for Vista.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get a driver for the printer?

TIA
Kim

 

[lockhartkitchen]

I have an easy and free answer for your problem. My husband owns a computer business. There are no drivers for printers older than 3 years for Vista. You DO NOT want Vista on your computer. Vista has compatibility problems with many programs. The printer driver is going to be just the start of issues for you. Vista keeps my husband in business. Many people aren't knowledgeable in Vista and call him when they can't get programs to run. Many that were on another computer, when trying to transfer to your new computer will not work. You probably got your computer with Vista installed. Uninstall and put Windows XP or Windows PRO on it. You should be able to reinstall your printer with no problems.

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

If what Julie says is correct, this may be irrelevant. But go to HP.com and look for drivers for it. They will be a free download.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I have Vista and I love it.

Go to the manufacturer's website and you can probably download the drivers there. I had to dothat for my very old HP InkJet and my brand new HP Laser. Good luck!

 

[jenniferp417]

If you can get your hands on a copy of Windows XP, that'd be your best bet at this point. But if you have to buy something, you may as well buy a new printer... it's a bummer that HP isn't updating the drivers for that. I just went to the site to double-check that and you're right.On the other hand, I sold printers for years. Inkjet printers don't have the longest lifespan. I always figured the maximum was about five years from my experience... so HP isn't going to pay to develop drivers for older printers because there aren't going to be that many of them left.A new printer is going to have better print quality, too.

 

[chef_kimmo]

I seem to struggle when I write things because what I was hoping to say is that the message I got was from the HP website saying they aren't updating the drivers.

I have had to download the drivers for this printer several times since I lost the disk that came with it. I think it has been through a couple computers but it still works fine.

So far, I haven't had an issue with my computer - and it is too late to get Dell to send me the computer without Vista when I already have it. I did ask several people (the IT guys here at work and they said it was operating on their systems fine).

I guess I will have to deal with it.

It may mean a new printer but which I can't wait on too long becuase I need to print receipts, etc. DARN IT!! If I had known this I would have just gotten a new printer when I ordered the computer.

 

[chef_kimmo]

I may try downloading the drivers for same type of printer - mine is a Photosmart P1000 so I may see which driver for a Photosmart they do have for Vista and see if it works. It worked on a computer here at work.

 

[jenniferknapp]

Vista = the devil for IT people... Microsoft was NOT ready to release it when they did.... they don't even have all of their patches and drivers updated, let alone other companies...PS: I Love my Mac! (with Win XP on it through Parallels, only for programs like PP....)

 

[jenniferp417]

You're better off going to the store and buying a printer anyway than getting one from Dell - you have to get your ink from Dell, too. Seriously - you can't buy it in a store. Staples has some remanufactured Dell cartridges but I don't know how well they work.Buy another HP. They're the best.

 

[chef_kimmo]

Thanks, I will most likely stick with HP. I have always liked the HP printers I have had - I would have had Dell send me an HP if they had it.

I believe someone on here said they were able to get good printers through a copier / fax person at their work. I wish I dealt with them but would feel uncomfortable approaching them now.

 

[pamperedpsalmstress]

Vista = the devil for IT people... Microsoft was NOT ready to release it when they did.... they don't even have all of their patches and drivers updated, let alone other companies...


PS: I Love my Mac! (with Win XP on it through Parallels, only for programs like PP....)

amen to that! Vista is the absolute pits, too bad I can't afford to buy a new OES and they didn't offer me a choice on which one I wanted when I bought my new computer. I think Microsoft should have to pay to GIVE everyone a copy of an older, more reliable OES to replace this junk!