Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

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

- Collapse -
vista 64 bit
Apr 2, 2010 11:00AM PDT

when you buy a h/p product''you will see tech cust service #s !!! call cust service;;they can help you to up date your drivers''then''you should be able to use your printers w/your h/p!!

- Collapse -
Epson CX4600 or my Dell AIO 940
Apr 2, 2010 11:01AM PDT
- Collapse -
Windows Vista 64-bit printer drivers
Apr 2, 2010 11:02AM PDT

Download the Windows Vista 64-bit drivers for your printers at the following locations:

Epson Stylus CX4600
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=41663&prodoid=46048266&BV_UseBVCookie=yes&infoType=Downloads&platform=Windows&x=18&y=12

Dell Personal Printer A940
http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R153050&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=203950

And install both printers using the downloaded drivers. You must have them working properly, then. If you find it too difficult to do, there is no problem: Call a computer technician or a friend who really knows what to do to help you.

- Collapse -
too easy
Apr 2, 2010 11:04AM PDT
- Collapse -
Just need drivers
Apr 2, 2010 11:21AM PDT

Hi Paul!
Actually, your friend is quite mistaken. The problem you have right now is just that you don't have the proper drivers for your printers. (Drivers are just software packages taht tell your computer what to do with that device that's attached to it, in this case, the printers).

Don't worry too much about the why's and wherefor's. It's a simple fix. In the case of the Epson Printer, if you jsut go to this link:

http://tinyurl.com/45m9j.

Once there, select the top link that says "Epson Easy Print" and download that file. That will install the proper drivers for the printer and you should be good to go after that.

As far as the Dell, if you'll go to the Dell Support page and look up that model of printer, you should be able to find the 64 bit drivers that match that printer. And if there are any other computer peripherals that you have trouble with, follow the same procedure and download updated drivers.

Good luck!

- Collapse -
Just plug it back in.....
Apr 2, 2010 11:27AM PDT

I had the same problem. I tried the original driver, downloading drivers off the net.
What I did was 1. Unplug the printer from the computer. 2. Shut the computer down and start it back up without the printer. 3. Plug the printer back into the computer. The computer will regonize the new printer and install the proper driver.
Worked for me. Good luck.

- Collapse -
HP Printers in 64-bit Win7
Apr 2, 2010 11:31AM PDT

I recently helped a friend install an HP 5400 and 8500 on a new 64-bit Win7 HP computer. HP has been less than friendly in updating their drivers for 64-bit OS, but if you go to the HP tech help page and search the forums for the model number and Win7 you'll find a couple of generic drivers that will run the printers. I think the driver that worked on the 5400 was a 4600 driver? Can't recall offhand, but there is one. Follow instructions carefully. Not all fancy functions may work as before, but it will print fine. I suspect the same goes for Epson, although my two older Epson printers both ran under Vista 64 and now Win7 64-bit.

- Collapse -
you need drivers for the printer that's all
Apr 2, 2010 11:36AM PDT

go online to the maker of your printer go to downloads and download software for the printer in 64-bit does not matter what manufacture they all have same problem I have brother printer and I had to download my printer software is 64-bit and it works perfect.
Erica

- Collapse -
Drivers?
Apr 2, 2010 11:42AM PDT

Hello, friend. You say that you aren't computer literate, so there is a chance that you may not know about drivers. Drivers are software programs that enable your peripherals -- printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc -- to interact with and work with your computer.

You say that you use 64-bit Vista. You need the 64-bit Vista drivers for your printer, etc. Go to the website of the company that made the product that you own, and go to the section where the drivers are located. It will have a heading called "Drivers" or "Software". or something similar. Find your product, and then download the driver. If you are offered the option of installing from the website, that migh be best. Otherwise, download and save the file and then install it off-line. Be aware that you will likely be asked to shut down and restart your machine in order for the new driver to work.

I believe this will solve your problem. Good luck!!

Bill Chambers

- Collapse -
Your buddy is wrong
Apr 2, 2010 11:43AM PDT

As a computer tech and retired from Microsoft I have yet to come across a printer that didn't work on a 64 bit system. What he failed to tell you is that you may have to download the driver from either Epson or HP or Dell, who ever the Mfgr is and you can always call your technical support for them to guide you through the download process, believe me it's simple. What you will find though is that some programs may not work on a 64 bit system, that's technology...

- Collapse -
Printer Drivers For Epson CX4600 and Dell AIO 940
Apr 2, 2010 11:47AM PDT

The Vista 64-bit drivers for the Epson CX4600 are located at the Epson Support website --
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=41663&prodoid=46048266&BV_UseBVCookie=yes&infoType=Downloads&platform=Windows

Copy and paste the link into your browser window.

I would download the following from the site:
1) Epson EasyPrint v.3.10 dated 03/09/09
2) ICM Color Profile Module Update v.1.20 dated 07/18/08
3) TWAIN Driver and Epson Scan Utility v.3.04A dated 06/01/07

Uninstall the current Epson printer software, if you have it installed prior to installing the three programs above. I would install the EasyPrint first, Twain Driver second and ICM Color Profile Module update last. You may be able to install the software without uninstalling the current software but it may be better to uninstall it first.

Go to the Dell Driver Wizard website for the Drivers for the Dell AIO 940.

http://www.driverwizard.org/wizard/c/Dell?ys.dellbrand&OVRAW=dell%20computer%20%22Support%20%26%20Drivers%22&OVKEY=dell%20driver%20download&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=71064465011&OVKWID=450847328011&OVCAMPGID=17811787011&OVADGRPID=28545613399&OVNDID=ND1

It will guide you through the process of updating your Dell AIO 940 software and drivers.

Hopefully, your printers will work fine after updating.

- Collapse -
Printer(s) won't work with 64 bit Vista
Apr 2, 2010 11:58AM PDT

My Dell came with 64 bit Vista and I ran the upgrade to 64 bit W7. My printer is a Canon MP 620; an older, discounted printer. I installed the software that came with the printer and then went to the Canon web site and looked for downloads to obtain the latest drivers etc. After I updated to W7, I did exactly the same thing, went to the web site and downloaded the latest drivers etc. Being sure to select the correct (64 bit) version of my operating system. This has resulted in the printer and all of it's functions (scanner etc.) working just fine. I suggest you do the same.

- Collapse -
Vista 64 bit printer drivers
Apr 2, 2010 12:03PM PDT

Go to the printer website and download the new drivers, for the Epson at http://tinyurl.com/yde3aff. For the Dell http://tinyurl.com/yzugd8h, but I did not immediately see one there for any system beyond XP. Play around with the drivers and maybe you can find one that will work. There are other workarounds but not easy to do. You might have to replace the Dell!

- Collapse -
HP Printer
Apr 2, 2010 12:15PM PDT

I am using an HP CX4800 with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit and had no trouble installing it. Your friend is incorrect! Almost everything will work properly as long as you have up-to-date drivers.
With any equipment that doesn't work, go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver(s). I would start with the HP website, especially for video drivers, as these are usually modified to accomodate the special functions of your particular computer.

Also, if you have "ancient" hardware, you might want to run the Windows XP virtual machine (free from Microsoft) just for that hardware or software that might not run under Win 7.

Good luck and enjoy Windos 7, it is a wonderful OS!

FiOS-Dave

- Collapse -
When in doubt use Google
Apr 2, 2010 12:25PM PDT

Just Google the exact printer name and 64 bit. Such as
Epson CX 4600 64 bit, you will get many responses, its best to use one of the top 2 or 3 as they are likely to be direct from the company and should be better and easier to use. And open the website and follow the instructions. They are usually easy even for a 'rookie'
Better yet ask your buddy to help you.
Good luck.

- Collapse -
64 bit drivers for Epson and Dell printers

Printer drivers for both your Epson and Dell printers are available from the manufacturers. If you do a Google search for "name of printer" 64 bit drivers , several links will come up to the drivers from user groups and the manufacturers .. Both Epson and Dell have them listed on their driver search pages.
You will find the links to the driver downloads and instructions on installing them on the sites. I use Google for most of my searches, but Yahoo and Microsoft also have good search engines that should find what you want easily as well.
You can use a similar search for drivers for any other peripherals ( such as web cams) you may need to find drivers for.

The download site for the Dell can be [url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/Details.aspx?type=Hardware&p=Dell%20Personal%20A940%20All-in-One%20Printer&v=Dell&uid=12296&pf=2&pi=6&c=Printers%20%26%20Scanners&sc=Multifunction&os=64-bit
and for the Epson here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=41663&prodoid=46048266&infoType=Downloads&platform=Windows]found here:

- Collapse -
HP Printer and 64bit drivers
Apr 2, 2010 12:39PM PDT

HP is a big name in printers and have to have 64 bit drivers for your printer. Just go to their website and search for printer drivers for your HP model. When asked for the operating system then tell them it is for a 64 bit version. I am running windows 7 64 bit and so far have not had any problems finding drivers for any of my hardware including some older devices. I believe the future is in 64 bit computing so manufacturers have to 'go with the flow'.

- Collapse -
Vista 64 printing issues
Apr 2, 2010 12:47PM PDT

I have been using Vista 64 on an HP Laptop for awhile now, own a couple of older printers and have not had any issues (now upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit, still no printing issues.) I went to the Epson web site, typed in CX4600 driver into the search box that is located in the upper right section of the page and went to the first link returned: "Epson Stylus CX4600, Drivers & Downloads - Technical Support." There appears to be extensive support for Vista 64. There is much more information needed to resolve your issue, such as whether or not the printer is directly connected to the computer or connected over a network. If you have free support from the vendor, use it, they are experienced at resolving these issues regardless of your technical expertise.
I also found drivers for the 940 for Vista 64 on the Dell web site. The latest download was to remove older drivers from a Vista system, if by chance someone installed the software that came with the printer, or installed an old driver, this may help.
I do not own either printer, so I can not check the outcome or troubleshoot. I would first work with the computer manufacturer (if free support is an option,) then with the store I bought the computer from. Friends, no matter how well intentioned are not always the best resource.

- Collapse -
Appropriate drivers
Apr 2, 2010 12:52PM PDT

You may be able to use your present printers if the manufaturers have updated printer drivers for your 64 bit Vista computer. Log on to the support websites of your printer manufacturers. If your printers are relatively recent, you will find updates available.
Jacksaul

- Collapse -
Printer not being compatible with Vista
Apr 2, 2010 12:54PM PDT

When I bought my new 32- bit Vista P.C., I had to buy a new printer that was Vista compatible. I tried everything that I could think of but nothing worked so off to Walmart I went to buy a new printer & that fixed the problem. You don't need a expensive printer, just Vista Compatible.

- Collapse -
You need to update the printer drivers for your new computer
Apr 2, 2010 12:57PM PDT

I had the same problem with my older HP laserjet 1300 not working with my new computers, one a 32 bit and the other a 64 bit. Downloading new Vista drivers allowed both the 32 bit and 64 bit to work the older printer which I used to have working with an old XP computer. My older printer works fine with both new Vista HP computers now!

- Collapse -
64 Bit??? Why???
Apr 2, 2010 1:11PM PDT

Probably the cheapest way out is to downgrade to XP... Ask your buddy about it.. It would be cheaper than buying two new printers... 64 bit has its uses, but not in your case....

- Collapse -
Get XP
Apr 2, 2010 1:22PM PDT

Actually the downgrade idea is the best yet. You really don't get a benefit from Vista 64 bit. XP is tried and true and actually a lot better than Vista for most purposes. I did exactly that with my wife's computer and it worked very well. Throcky is RIGHT!!

- Collapse -
vista driver for older equpipment
Apr 2, 2010 1:22PM PDT

go to the mfgrs webiste, HP in this case, an get vista drivers for the hardware you have from HP... that should do it..

avoid win7 [vista with more glitz] for now.. as there are even more pissoff stuff...

just read the screens and take your time.. should be ok..

rich

- Collapse -
Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?
Apr 2, 2010 1:31PM PDT

Apparently Windows 7 isn't finalized yet they do not have the updates for printing included yet. That is what I got from HP themselves. But I got my printer working but the update for the printer will be developed as soon as it is finalized. This what I got from them after filling out the survey:
"Hewlett-Packard's records indicate that you recently contacted our
support services regarding your HP Officejet v40 All-in-One Printer.

Hewlett-Packard has asked Harris Interactive, a world leader in
market research, to assist in collecting and evaluating the quality
of this most recent support experience.

Your candid feedback will help drive HP's on-going efforts to improve
its service and support. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes
to complete. Your responses will remain confidential and will only be
used in aggregate, unless otherwise specified. HP will only use this
information to improve the services it provides to its valued customers.

To access the survey, click on the link below or simply copy and paste
the link into your browser address bar.

We look forward to receiving your feedback. Thank you in advance for
your participation!

To access survey click here:
http://www.hpfeedback.com/g35616/?id=1788767268&pwd=3434&l=enu

***Please do not reply to this email***"

- Collapse -
Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?
Apr 2, 2010 1:33PM PDT

with every new operating system change comes a problem with driver compatibility. Sometimes the various vendors manage to have the foresight to build the proper drivers for the upcoming operating system , but more often than not, they don't. with the advent of Vista and Windows 7, there have been various driver incompatibilities that may or may not cause you to update your hardware, but....before you do, just go to the hardware vendor's website under support and check to see if they have an updated driver for your particular peripheral and operating system for download. Most of the time they do if the hardware is less than a few years old, but mostly they do not support hardware that is 5 years or older.

- Collapse -
First, get another buddy, ...
Apr 2, 2010 1:38PM PDT

Your buddy's advice is a little off the mark. The problem is two-fold. First, your printers are pretty old, old enough so the drivers are no longer shipped with Windows, and maybe aren't even available through Windows update. But that's the first thing to try. Go into the Control Panel and turn on Windows update. Get online. Plug in one of your printers and see if windows will recognize it and install the right drivers. If that works, good. Then try the same thing with the other printer. Try that with all of your equipment. If that doesn't work, go to the manufacturer's website and search for the drivers for your equipment and operating system. Follow the website instructions to download and install the drivers. If yu can't find drivers for your equipment for 64-bit Vista, then it is time to upgrade the devices. There's plenty of stuff out there that works with 64 bit Vista.

- Collapse -
Drivers for 64 bit
Apr 2, 2010 1:39PM PDT

A very simple task, go on line and search for Epson CX4600 64 bit driver, do the same for the Dell AIO 940 64 bit driver, they are both self extracting programes and will install easily. 64 bit Machines are much more stable than 32 bit and almost anything will run as long as you have a 64 bit driver
Happy printing

- Collapse -
Printer compatability with 64-bit Vista systems...
Apr 2, 2010 1:53PM PDT

Had the same problem with my new Dell 64-bit system running Vista.. My older PC is a Dell 32-bit running XP.. Have a HP LaserJet P2015d printer which worked perfect with older XP system.. I have my older XP 32-bit and my new Vista 64-bit, connected on a home network together.. When I connected my printer to my Vista 64-bit, couldn't make it work either.. Since I had a contract with Dell, I contacted their support and they worked on it for about 2 days.. I had to setup my HP printer back with my XP 32-bit PC and the Dell support somehow finagled my HP printer to work then, evidently thru my home network.. When I need to print with my Vista 64-bit PC, there's a few seconds delay before the printer begins working, but otherwise has worked fine.. Dell support couldn't even get an updated HP printer driver for my new Vista 64-bit PC, because none was available then.. This relates exactly to your same problem, but not sure if your using more than one PC at home.. They sell these new PC's, but they never say anything about any printer problems..

- Collapse -
Don't blame Vista...
Apr 2, 2010 2:01PM PDT

I remember when Vista first came out, and I was running a 64-bit edition right from the get-go. Finding drivers was an issue then due to the screwy release schedule, but these days, it really shouldn't be a problem, especially with the launch of Windows 7.

I did a little digging for you and came up with the following driver for your Epson Stylus CX4600:
ftp://ftp.epson.com/drivers/epson11475.exe
This is an XP 64-bit driver, but 90% of the time Win64, Vista64, and Win7-64 are interchangeable. I can't test this for you since I don't have your printer, but it's worth a shot. It's possible that there simply is no driver available, but this is a fault on the part of Epson, not Windows. Ever since Vista was first released, Epson in particular was notorious for dragging their feet on releasing updated drivers.

As far as your second device goes, the Dell printer, I regret to say that Dell never released a 64 bit driver for this printer. Dell has been spotty as far as updating their drivers go, and unfortuantely, they never re-visited this model.

As far as I can tell, you just have the bad luck of owning two devices that were never given updated drivers by their manufacturers. Most manufacturers by now have updated drivers for most of their devices.

However, there may be a relatively simple soloution to all this if you're willing to take the time and have a friend that's willing to help you: switch to a 32-bit version of Vista. While this may not be a super-easy task for the average Joe, an experienced user can usually do this in a few hours. If you have a geeky friend handy, this would be a perfect task for them. Best of all, doing so (as long as it's the same version) is 100% legal and is allowed by the Vista EUA. For a time they even had a program where you could order free replacement media if you needed a different version.

I wish you luck and please let us know if you need any further help!
-IAmTheDonut