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General discussion

Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?

Apr 2, 2010 8:07AM PDT
Question:

Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?


I've got a new HP Pavilion loaded with Windows Vista. It is a 64-bit system, and I can't use either my Epson CX4600 or my Dell AIO 940 printers. I am computer illiterate, but one of my buddies told me that I really screwed up buying this one. He says that none of my equipment can be used with the 64-bit HP and that I will have to get all new stuff when and if it ever becomes available. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can get my current scanner/printers to work with this computer? Again I must reiterate that I am not computer smart and am just a 68-year-old retiree on a fixed income.

Thanks for any suggestions you can give me.

--Submitted by Paul H. of Cornelius, OR

Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

It's probably in need of drivers... by Wolfie2k5
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=3280278#3280278

Pretty simple. Install the drivers --Submitted by BigGuns149
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=3280596#3280596

64 bit problem --Submitted by Steven Limbrick
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=3280804#3280804

New computer problems --Submitted by waytron
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=3284186#3284186

Printer drivers For Epson CX4600 and Dell AIO 940--Submitted by MichaelFoust
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=3280089#3280089

Thank you to all who contributed!

If you have an answer for Paul, click the reply link below and submit it. Please be as detailed as possible when providing a solution or recommendation. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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64 bit drivers
Apr 2, 2010 10:22AM PDT

Go to the support websites for your hardware see if 64bit drivers are available.

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PRINTER NOT WORKING WITH VISTA
Apr 2, 2010 6:03PM PDT

As it was already mentioned - Check the printer Manufacturer website for 64 bit drivers.

If you decide that the cost of upgrading the OS to Windows 7 32.

The Vista 32 Drivers for your printer will work with Win 7, or the manufacturer may have 32 bit drivers for Win 7.

However, here are two links from Microsoft - They allow you to run the Windows Vista and Windows 7 UPGRADE ADVISOR for both Vista and Win 7.

Now we know that your computer runs 64 bit Vista, but the utilites can defenetly tell you if your printer don't work with Vista or Win 7 - AND CAN EVEN provide you with a link to the manufacturer's sites

In addition to Programs/Applications - In the event that you move to Win 7 32 bit OS.

When you run these Windows Upgrade Advisors - PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL YOUR HARDWARE IS PLUG TO THE COMPUTER.
That includes - Printers - Cameras - External Drives - Camcoders - MP3 Players.

HERE IS THE LINK AS THEY ARE BOTH FOUND ON THE SAME PAGE.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-vista/default.aspx

ps. = The above webpage, also gives you a breakdown of Hardware and Software that is know to be compatible with Vista and Win 7.

You can further drill down the icons, and then check by manufacturer and model number if listed.

Good,
Luck
Geo

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Why won't my Qbasic 4.5 programs work on Windows 7, 64 bit
Apr 16, 2010 6:07PM PDT

Folks, as an old 'Stick to what you know' man, I am still on WinXP home, Pentium 4 and the IDE system.
But, now that dual core 64 bit took over and Pent 4 are no longer available, out, within a week I will have a new
dual core Sata. My apologies if I am wrongly on a 64 Bit/Printer problem.
I just don't know where else to go about my problem:
My new 64 bit system comes with WIndows 7 basic. But, I have heard that I will no longer be able to program in
Quick Basic 4.5 which I still use for making my own programs, Payslips, databases, etc, as these will not work on
64 bit systems. Obviously this does not involve downloading drivers. Can anyone advise what I can do?
Colin

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For DOS compatibility...
Apr 17, 2010 2:30AM PDT
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An upgrade, 64-bit to 32-bit seems kinda ill-advised..;)
Apr 30, 2010 6:02AM PDT

Hey, GEO2003 - 4/3/10 1:03 AM In reply to: 64 bit drivers by thundertracks... Why would he "upgrade" his 64-bit Vista, to a 32-bit system? xd

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You can't get your printers to work, "YET".
Apr 4, 2010 3:33AM PDT

Dear Paul,
Your going to get a lot of answers like this one, so here goes.
It sounds like you have a driver mismatch. Go on line to the manufacturers web site, and surf to the Download Drivers page. You will need to download the 64bit drivers for your printers to match your version of Windows 7 (64bit). When you download and install them, your printers should work fine. Now, there may be a time lag between when Windows 7 64bit came out, and the updated driver becomes available. Don't worry, it will happen. Unless your printer is so hopelessly outdated that it isn't supported anymore. I'm sure that the Dell will be OK, but I'm not so sure about the Epson. Usually they are pretty good.
I wish you well Paul. It's something a lot of us are going to have to face when we upgrade. Don't get depressed, and don't give up on 64bit.
Warmest regards,
TMV

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It should be fixable.
Apr 16, 2010 1:58PM PDT

I would be pretty shocked if he couldn't get it to work on even the 7 64. I have an old HP PSC 2110 and although some of the additional feature software is kaput, it didn't take me more than about 10 minutes to find the updated drivers and maybe another hour to find and bring up a newer package for the scanner and everything seems fine so far.

For our poster, a couple of things: never believe your buddy when he tells you that you gotta buy a bunch of new stuff without verifying it first, and be sure to read the directions from ALL of the manufacturers very carefully first.

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Updated drivers for Win 7 64 bit
Apr 16, 2010 3:37PM PDT

Glad to read that you have been able to get your printer working within a reasonble time. Unfortunetely, so far, I have not been that lucky, but perhaps I have been looking in the wrong place: my printer is a HP Color Laserjer 2840 used as network printer. As a matter of fact, I was able to print within 10 minutes, but the scanner and faxing functionallity is still not available, even after hours of searching the web for a solution. HP Customer Support acknowledged that there were no drivers / software available, which I find embarrassing half a year or more after the introduction of Win 7. To me it seems as if HP is hoping that I will replace my printer, but if I do so, it will definitely not be a HP

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HP 2840 AIO Printer
Apr 19, 2010 2:56AM PDT

I have the same HP printer. I spent an entire work day x 2 trying to get the printer to work when I purchased my DEll XPS 1330 with Vista. I even established an "account" on my system for the HP 2840 as advised in the HP Forum. It took forever for the new driver software to download even with a broadband connection. I could print and fax but NEVER was able to scan. Gave up and bought myself a Brother MFC-9840CDW. Best money I ever spent. I had to download the software from Brother once and it transfers as a zip file in seconds. Works like a charm and does not have that horrible rotation assembly like the HP 2840 that was always 1 - 2 gears off. It required dismantling the unit to reset. I saw the HP 2840 for sale online recently. How does that work, if HP has no driver to make all it functions work? I, too, will never purchase another HP AIO laserjet color printer. Cannot determine if I have the fortitude to attempt to get the HP 2840 to function...expensive paper weight???

charlyneb@comcast.net

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Why your printer won't work withyour new Vista machine
Apr 2, 2010 10:23AM PDT

Probably your problem is not associated with your 64bit Vista, but is a Firewall problem. First try disabling your Firewall, if that resolves the problem, then look to your Virus protection program on instructions on adding your printer to the trusted zone for the firewall

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No, his problem is probably exactly as he describes it.
Apr 2, 2010 10:25AM PDT

No, his problem is probably exactly as he describes it --- older hardware with no 64-bit drivers.

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Ah, you got bit by the "no 64-bit drivers" issue ...
Apr 2, 2010 10:24AM PDT

For most people, 64-bit OS' are probably STILL the wrong answer. Even though they have been around now for about 7 years (since Windows XP 64-bit). There are still a lot of compatability problems, and very few benefits. The primary benefit is that you can address more than 4GB of memory, but that just is not a big issues .... for MOST people (most, not all).

The first thing to do is go to the web site of the mfgrs. of the equipment that you want to use and verify that 64-bit drivers do not exist. For many product that originally came with 32-bit drivers, 64-bit drivers are now available.

If they truly don't exist, however, you only have two choices: Replace the OS with a 32-bit OS, or replace the hardware. I'd say that substantially all current hardware does offer 64-bit drivers. But neither of these options is free, and you probably are not capable of changing the OS yourself (even if it was free, which it's not).

[Note: If I was going to change the OS, I'd go to Windows 7 32-bit Home Premium (or Professional if you want to spend the extra $100 or so), assuming that such drivers for all of the devices you want to use (including the laptop itself) are available.] And, frankly, I'd install it on a new hard drive and leave the current hard drive untouched.]

However, investigate driver availability before you do anything, both as regards Vista 64-bit drivers and as regards the availability of drivers for all of your hardware (again, including the laptop itself) for any OS that you are considering migrating to.

One other option, you might call HP and see if they have any "downgrade" option from 64-bit to 32-bit that might be available to you at no cost. There is also a chance that the product key which you have (likely on a label on the bottom of the laptop) MIGHT work with Vista 32-bit (same edition you have now except for the "bittedness"). Maybe; in which case, the problem reduces to finding a suitable Vista OEM installation media (not a zero effort task, but maybe still easier than any other no-cost alternatives).

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64 bit or 32 bit
Apr 18, 2010 3:25PM PDT

Watzman,
I also discovered and downloaded Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade advisor. If you are running Win XP,
on a pentium 4 machine or dual core, it will tell you which programs on your PC will be compatible with
Windows, and which need drivers. For instance, Outlook express on a Pentium 4 will not work.
It provides a desktop shortcut, and saves the data to a file for later reference.

I also found out that WIndows 7 comes with 2 CD's 32 bit and 64 bit. I reckon most of you
guys know this, but for an old 'stick to what you know' , everything is news to me.
But now, Windows 7 comes in 'Starter p ack, Basic and Pro'. Which of these get two CD'S ?

BTW, Thanks Boomslang for replying to my use of DOS programs, IE Quick Basic 4.5.

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Short fix
Apr 2, 2010 10:28AM PDT

Epson has drivers fot tht CX4600, but the Dell AIO does not.

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It's the Drivers.
Apr 2, 2010 10:30AM PDT

I had the same problem when I replaced a 6 year old Dell running XP with a new Dell running 64-bit Vista. Had to replace a perfectly good flat-bed scanner with a new one because the scanner manufacturer (Canon) didn't bother to update and make available a driver compatible with 64-bit Vista. BEFORE YOU TRASH or REPLACE ANYTHING, get someone to help you visit the websites of your printer manufacturers and see if a new driver is available. If they have an updated, compatible driver, it's a simple matter to download it free from their website and your old printers will work just fine. Good Luck!

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Printers on a 64 bit system.
Apr 2, 2010 10:35AM PDT

I would suggest that you go to the manufacturers' web sites to see if there are drivers available for 64 bit.

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Drivers with Vista?
Apr 18, 2010 2:29AM PDT

All these are jokes. Do you seriously think that the manufactures of the PC from Korea and Japan, from Steve Jobs to Dell and Acer would leave out the P&P methods? The safety disk fixes all of these as these days originals Vista (Win & does give a problem as it is new) But XP and Vista are great I love XP it is faster and the office 3 is better then the orange coloured office 7 . I hate 7 as the 3 is very friendly. Back to printers. Try to give the PC a zone by a flash disk by buffering extra RAM It may just work Many times when you take the F/D for printing in the net cafe you bring the viruses also. Hence, you think your printer is gone for a walk. It is same with the wireless net. The virus plays a huge trick I thank you Firozali A.Mulla Chairman of The Computer Society of Tanzania

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printer and 64 bit hp vista
Apr 2, 2010 10:40AM PDT

You need to go to the website of your printer and see if they have updates for the driver to work on 64 bit. Don't dispare as this happened to me also. After the update, it worked fine.
Joyce

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64 bit version.
Apr 2, 2010 10:41AM PDT

I don't know the answer,BUT I know where you can find it,I too am an old rinkly (70 years old)and every time I get a problem,I go to the eldergeek forum,this forum is world wide and because of the time zones, you will get a speedy response.I very often post at 3.00am and get a reply very quickly.Just search for eldergeek and you can join up.

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why printer won't work
Apr 2, 2010 10:42AM PDT

Simple. It's Vista 64. Why don't you go out and buy the best ,most reliable,workable operating system available WINDOWS7!!!!!If you can upgrade.

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64-bit Vista drivers
Apr 2, 2010 10:47AM PDT

Many devices such as printers, scanners, wireless network cards, etc do not have 64 bit drivers that are supplied by the manufacturer. Sometimes drivers for a different brand may work. For example:Netgear PCI wireless ethernet card can use an Antheros driver since the chip is the same. I contacted Netgear and they said they had no intention of ever writing a 64 bit driver for that card. This is true for both XP 64 and Vista 64. Windows 7 64 bit however, seems to have the greatest amount of 64 bit drivers and I have had no problems with any of my hardware. I bought a Samsung Laser printer that retailed for $129 at Fry's for $29 on Black Friday only to be dissappointed that it did not run on my Vista 64 machine. However, 6 months later the driver was supplied and it worked. The real problem here is that XP and Vista are being made obsolete and there will be little effort to write new drivers. You might try Driver Doctor to see if the drivers can be found.

On another light, I used to think 64 bit was "better" than 32 bit. Yes, it does address more memory, but in most cases, good old 32 bit operating systems will work as good if not better for most users. Go back to Vista 32 bit and your driver problems will go away.

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Try this link fir the 64bit drivers and apps for your CX4600
Apr 16, 2010 10:25AM PDT
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=41663&prodoid=46048266&infoType=Downloads&platform=Windows

Download the driver apps If I remember correctly dont have the printer connected to the computer while you install the drivers (that causes problems) you will be intructed at the correct time to connect and turn the printer on this will complete the driver install.
You can then load the application software (64bit you also downloaded.

This should fix you problem DONT let the MS driver install.

if you wish to reply to me direct "cforster@orcon.net.nz"
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64-bit Vista printer conflicts
Apr 2, 2010 10:53AM PDT

I'm not a techie, but have worked with computers since the 1980s. I recently upgraded from an HP with XP Home to Vista 32-bit, then to a Dell Vista 64-bit (Home Premium) and had lots of conflicts. My HP printer, for the first month or so, did NOT like the change XP to Vista, but within a month, HP had a "fix" in it's driver downloads for it. Then I bought the Dell, that came with Vista Home Premium, and had similar conflicts. I planned to do a Windows 7 upgrade when it came out, and bought the MS "Anytime Upgrade" package for $99. From experience, I realized there might or might not be a downloadable HP driver to upgrade to Windows 7 anytime soon, and since I would be starting new work, I felt I NEEDED a working printer. I bought an HP Photosmart Premium (I have worked as a professional photog) on sale at Office Depot because HP's site said a Win7 upgraded driver was coming. I also bought the Win7 "Ultimate" "Anytime" package, since it apparently had more business drivers included (HP!). I did the "Ultimate" upgrade, and and the Premium stopped working. I did a re-install of HP's software, and the Premium worked. Within 2 weeks, checking on HP's website (I never have much luck with their automatic updater), I found the Win7 driver, downloaded and installed, and it hasn't had any problems since. I'm 64, by the way, and computers are only about half-intelligible to me. Go to HP.com, find "Software & Driver Downloads, and enter your product (model of your HP printer). It will tell you whether or not there's a Vista, Vista 64-bit, or Win7 driver for your printer model. Any printer more than 2 years old may not work with Win 7, more than 5 years old may not work with Vista. Like Microsoft (MS), HP at one time had a list of printers that were compatible with Vista, 64-bit, or Win7, so try the Windows 7 Learn More "button" if you decide, as I did, to go to Win7. I LIKE 7 better than Vista, though the two are similar. Good luck. ****

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Same problem for me
Apr 3, 2010 1:35PM PDT

I tried to access my trusty HP Photosmart printer from my new Win7 laptop and found (a) that there was no Win7 driver available from HP and (b) they had no intention of ever providing one. HP would rather churn printers than allow customers to continue to use perfectly fine printers. The MBA's at HP have eronously concluded that, when faced with this connumdrum, I will naturally rush out and buy a new HP printer.

The reality that seems to have eluded them is that (a) if I do, in fact, rush out to buy another "Win7"-compatible printer, it definately will not be an HP and (b), I will likely never buy another HP printer as I cannot continue to patronize a company that would treat its' customers so abusively.

The reality is that I have not upgraded my desktop from XP to Win7 for this very reason. It's cumbersome, but if I need to print something from my laptop, I first send it to the desktop, then print it from there. I would have to pay over $100 for a comparable full-duplex printer that does what my printer currently does very well. It's just not worth it to me for the convienence of printing...

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you need a compatible driver perhaps
Apr 2, 2010 10:54AM PDT

I had the same problem when I purchased a new computer 6 months ago. It is not a brand name as it was built from scratch for me at my local computer store, but it is running Windows Vista, 64bit. I was told that a compatible driver could not be found so I could used my 4 year old Dell Printer so I would have to buy a new one. I did buy a HP DeskJet F4180 and although it works OK for me, every once in awhile it decides to up date my printer/drivers and keeps giving me new copies of the same printer. I am up to my copy (3) AND trying to get technical help is very frustrating as it usually comes from a foreign country and not from someone who really understands my frustration. I would assume that the answer to your question is "If you can not find a compatible driver for either of your printers, then you will have to buy one. They are the cheapest products to buy.
Hope this helps you somewhat.

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Printer drivers for Vista 64 bit
Apr 2, 2010 10:57AM PDT
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Need the right drivers...
Apr 2, 2010 10:58AM PDT

You just need to visit the web site of the manufacturer of the printers that you have and find the right drivers for those devices for the OS that you have. In fact, I have Windows 7 (64-bit), and needed to use the Vista (64-bit) driver for my printer. Then, when you have downloaded the right drivers for your OS version, go to "Control Panel", "Printers and Faxes", and bring up the "Add Printer" wizard, which will walk you through installing your printer and printer driver.

On the other hand, if the printer doesn't have a built-in driver in your OS, and your printer's manufacturer doesn't have a printer driver for your OS version, then you can't use that printer.

-Roger

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try updating your driver...
Apr 2, 2010 10:58AM PDT

since 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems process things a little differently, it would mean that your printer drivers (most likely still the 32-bit) isn't working. go to Epson's and Dell's website and find the printer driver download and make sure to download the 64-bit one. Install those and see if your printers work.

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Install a 32 bit operating system
Apr 2, 2010 10:59AM PDT

There are few 64 bit drivers for old printers. Install a 32 bit version of Windows (XP or Win7) and you'll have better luck. You other option is to buy a supported low cost printer.

JeffD