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General discussion

Vista Ready vs. Certified for Vista Printers?

Feb 5, 2008 10:34AM PST

We may need to purchase a replacement printer for our much-loved HP LaserJet 6L. I'm trying to come up to speed on LaserJets as fast as possible (I know more about color photo inkjets).

What do "Vista Ready" and"Certified for Vista" mean and what are the implications for choosing a small-office printer if one is on Windows XP but may, if something happens to the computer like a total crash/meltdown, end up on Vista with the next computer?

Thanks in advance for you clarification on this matter.

Discussion is locked

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certified vs. ready
Feb 9, 2008 8:58AM PST

"certified" means the product has been tested by microsoft and you can get drivers via windows update. "ready" means they have drivers for vista but you'll need to download them from the manufacturer and they may not be whql certified. either one is fine as long as you get your drivers from windows update or the manufacturer's site.

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Thanks!
Feb 9, 2008 3:45PM PST

Thanks for the explanation!

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Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List
Feb 18, 2008 5:21AM PST

I learned the hard way about HP and Vista.

Go to: http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/Default.aspx

Microsoft places hardware into one of four categories:

Certified for Windows (quoted from MS) - The "Certified for Windows Vista" logo is a compatibility designation for applications and devices that have passed a rigorous testing program on computers that are running Windows Vista. The technical requirements for this designation target four core areas: reliability, security, compatibility with Windows Vista and future operating systems, and installation and removal.

Works with Windows Vista (quoted from MS) - The "Works with Windows Vista" logo is a compatibility designation that is designed to encourage Windows Vista compatibility for the current generation of Windows-based applications. To receive this designation, software companies test their applications to make sure that the applications meet the program's guidelines.


Compatible (quoted from MS) - have not been through logo program testing, but their manufacturers report that they're compatible with Windows Vista. You'll have to take each manufacturer's word on that.

Unknown - Self-explanatory

If at all possible, I stick with Certified. If I must, I'll use "Works with Windows Vista." I strongly suggest that you do not take a vendor's word that something is "Compatible" unless you like rolling the dice.

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Vista, I am sorry
Feb 18, 2008 9:52AM PST

I have been telling my friends and customers, that if they need a new computer, not to get Vista if they like their printer. In the past year it has been out, I have had countless people asking me why their printer won't work.

Have a person build it locally, heck build it yourself. Save the hassle and don't go with Vista, XP is just fine.

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Vista is fine
Feb 20, 2008 8:09AM PST

Why not just buy a new printer that works with vista. I have been using vista on one computer since day one and it works great. Plus new printers cost less. You can get a cheap cannon for $50.00.

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Cheap printer
Mar 10, 2008 12:57AM PDT

Remember, printer companies do not make money off from Printers, but off from the cartridges.

Cheaper printer means you pay more to own it (Cartridges).

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Just throw it away?
Mar 10, 2008 1:17AM PDT

And what do you do if the printer you already have is an expensive, high-volume high-quality printer? Throw it away and buy another expensive one to replace it?

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printers & vista
Dec 27, 2008 12:04PM PST

I have a HP 2175 printer and it works great with Vista.It works just as good as it did with XP.

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HP Photosmart 2710 and vista
Jan 23, 2010 1:14AM PST

Not sure why but cant get this printer to work. I have updated the drivers, and still nothing.... any suggestions??