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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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Try Downloading Updated Drivers
Apr 2, 2010 11:36PM PDT

Have you gone to the support websites for each of your printers to see if there are Vista 64-bit drivers available? I also have an HP 64-bit Vista computer and I had to do that for each of my printers. Drivers are generally easy to download and install. I looked up your Epson printer and the Vista 64-bit drivers are available. Just go to Epson.com and click on Drivers and Support. You should be able to do the same thing for your Dell printer. Good luck!

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Getting Printers to work with 64 bit HP w/ VISTA
Apr 3, 2010 12:13AM PDT

You can download the 64 bit Universal printer driver from HP.com. As mine it took the PCL6 Universal Driver. You also have to load the 32 bit Driver if you are set up on a network that has XP machines, on the XP machines to print to a printer connected to the 64 bit machine.
It works, give it a try. It also cured the printing problem I had with the Windows 7 machines I have, printing to a Network printer. The PCL6 driver works with all my printers, even the older HP's I have.

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64 bit printer drivers
Apr 3, 2010 12:14AM PDT

Go the respective web sites for your printers and search for 64 bit printer drivers. Download and follow the installation instructions. Almost all makers have 64 bit drivers. If you can't find the driver on the web call the manufacturer and ask where the driver can be found. You have not made any mistakes.

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Printers on 64 bit Systems
Apr 3, 2010 12:47AM PDT

I had this same problem with my Canon Epsilon printer. I have a 64 bit Windows 7 system. First of all; Did you run the disk that came with the printer ? This is essential because it installs printer drivers. Just locate the DVD that came with the printer and insert it into your DVD drive. Follow the instructions on the screen. 64 - bit Systems can easily run 32 bit software. A 32 bit system is created by your computer. The 32 bit System runs within a framework of a 64 bit environment. Good luck !!!!

Don

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Re: Why won't my printers work with a 64-bit Vista machine
Apr 3, 2010 1:00AM PDT

I bought a new HP with Vista last year. I have an "Epson Stylus Photo RX580, All-in-One" which I have had for several years. The Epson works just fine with my HP-Vista computer. I do recall we had trouble getting it going and I'm sorry I can't recall what we did to fix it. Hopefully someone will have technical information for you. I just wanted to tell you not to let anyone tell you to buy all new equipment.

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For Epson printer
Apr 3, 2010 1:14AM PDT

Go to epson.com and you can download a update to allow the Epson printer to be compatable with Vista. I had same problem but it's ok now. You should be able to do the same for the Dell printer. Hope this helps you

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Epson YES, Dell NO
Apr 3, 2010 1:15AM PDT

You can easily do a search on Google for each printer to find information from multiple sources, including the manufacturers and Microsoft. Your Epson CX4600 is fully compatible with Windows 7 64 bit according to both of those sources. There is no driver necessary, nor available for download, as it is already a part of or included with Windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit editions. Legacy hardware drivers are normally developed by their manufacturers during the development period of the new operating systems.

If however, a manufacturer decides not to develop drivers for their older devices during this period, then that device would not be compatible with the new operating system. That is the case in the Dell a940. It is neither compatible with the 32 or 64 bit versions of Windows 7. As Dell does not itself manufacture printers, it is most likely that the actual sub contractor who manufactured that printer in Dell's name is either out of business, or perhaps no longer on good terms with Dell. This gives Dell a bad name but only because of their own decision to associate with the original manufacturer of that device. Of course, this is only conjecture and a likely scenario. Another likely scenario is that depending on the age of some devices, the manufacturer may decide its time to retire that product and time for you to buy a new one from them.

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Drivers?
Apr 3, 2010 1:15AM PDT

You have to have 64bit drivers, which you can get fromt he MFG. My problem is with a 64 bit laptop trying to print via network to a printer attached to a 32 bit machine.

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Printers won't work with 64 bit Vista machine.
Apr 3, 2010 1:20AM PDT

Your buddies may or may not be right. You need to check with Epson and Dell to see if they have 64 bit drivers for the model printers you have. If you need help with this find a friend or family member that is more computer literate to help you. My wife and I help friends, and family with their computer problems a lot and we don't ask anything in return. We do it kind of as a hobby because we are both retired and like to help them save money and we are a bit more computer literate than they are. If we do run into a problem we cannot fix, then we tell them to take the computer to a shop for repairs. Roger in Winnemucca, NV

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There is help
Apr 3, 2010 1:52AM PDT

I had the same problem with my old computer. Go to epson.com, click
on Drivers & Downloads. It will ask for your printer model(CX4600). From there, you will get a list of drivers. Make sure you are downloading the windows Vista 64-bit. It has other downloads you need to make your printer and scanner work. You should un-install the printer from your computer before installing the new driver. Hope this works as well for you as it did for me. PS: Now you can show your buddy how smart you are for buying the printer. I don't know about the dell printer as I have never had one, but I'm sure their web site will offer the same downloads.

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Using older printers with the Windows 64 bit program
Apr 3, 2010 1:54AM PDT

I had no problems last year when we bought a new HP tower with the 64 bit version of Vista. I just went to the printer manufacturers web sites and downloaded the approapriate drivers. The printers included a Sharp AL-2040CS laser, an older HP inkjet, and a Lexmark inkjet that came bundled with a previous system.

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Why won't my printers work with 64-bit Vista machine?
Apr 3, 2010 2:07AM PDT

Check your 64-bit drivers from your printer manufacturer.

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Support for Printers in Win 7(64 bit)
Apr 3, 2010 2:12AM PDT

First ... have to agree with your friend who said getting Win 7 was an error, but you are where you are...

The Epson Printer - apparently is supported with the latest software available here :
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/Supportdlsurvey.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&download=http%3a%2f%2fsupport.epson.com%2feasyprint&pn=Stylus+CX4600&pc=Epson+Stylus%3csup%3e%26reg%3b%3c%2fsup%3e+Series&ft=utility&returnpage=%2fsupport%2fsupDetail.jsp&returnparams=%26infoType%3dDownloads%26oid%3d41663%26prodoid%3d46048266&licenseoid=17774

Just accept the Epson Software License Agreement(also select whether or not you wish to be bugged by them with e-Mails.

As for the Dell AIO A940 Printers ....... the DELL site does not appear to support that printer on that OS

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RE: support for Printers in Win 7
Apr 3, 2010 9:35AM PDT

He didn't get Win 7 - He got Vista 64-bit

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Sounds like a driver problem to me....
Apr 3, 2010 2:18AM PDT

When M$ first introduced Vista to the world there was widespread panic because Vista was not backward compatable to any other windows system. Most hardware mfgr's had not upgraded their drivers to the Vista process. Here are the locations where you can download the drivers for free.

Epson - http://driverwhiz.com/drivers-en?brand=Epson&logo=Epson&subid=1001-us-en-10000000783&gclid=COK9_an16qACFSdPgwodeCH0Fg

Dell - http://driverwhiz.com/drivers-en?brand=Dell%20Printer&logo=Dell&subid=1001-us-en-10000000634&gclid=CNHtxLP26qACFRdZbAodzVT1Ug

If you click on the install button after downloading it should install itself. Also be sure everything is attached to your computer (either wirelessly or hardwired) and that the power is on.

I hope this helps.

Tom

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Check M/S and Printer Manufacturer Websites
Apr 3, 2010 3:21AM PDT

Most "old stuff" will work with Windows 7 32 or 64 Bit natively. M/S has a webpage devoted to hardware compatibility - check that out, and the printer manufacturer sites as well, there might just be a download available to return functionality to your old stuff. -S-

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Why won't my printers work
Apr 3, 2010 3:34AM PDT

First off your buddy doesn't sound anymore comuter literate than you, because the issue here is that the driver/software for your printers need to match your operating system. In this case because you bought a computer with a 64-bit operating system, as opposed to the more common 32-bit operating system, you need to update your drivers to 64-bit versions. You need to go to Dell's and HP's websites, click on support and locate and download the Windows Vista 64-bit version software for your printers. If your prnters are old enough there is a chance that HP or Dell will not update the printers to work with 64-bit operating systems (regardless of whether it is WIndows, Apple, or Linux, etc.). although 32-bit operating are still more common than 64-bit, the industry is moving towards 64-bit operatings systems, and in general these 64-bit operating will work fine with 85% to 90% of the 32-bit software out, less so for 16-bit software (expecially games). However the biggest issue are drivers, and for computer equipment such a printers, video cards, sound cards, etc. that require drivers to be installed you will need to update these drivers. If you have older equipment (and in computer time that's probably greater than 3 years old) it will be iffy whether the manufacturer will spend the time and money to develop new drivers when they can sell you a new piece of equipment.

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Solution to 64 bit Myoptic
Apr 19, 2010 12:29AM PDT

Buy a Mac.

OK, ok, joke.
You may do much better getting Windows 7 64.
There are so many issues with Vista in the long run better to upgrade.
Some could say Vista was a way to force people to spend another $300 to spend on another OS.

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64-bit drivers for Epson and Dell printers.
Apr 3, 2010 4:01AM PDT

Just go to Epson.com and download the 64-bit drivers for your printer. I didn't check the for the Dell, but it should be there also.

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Download updated drivers for the CX 4600 printer from Epson
Apr 3, 2010 5:12AM PDT

Epson's web site shows that it supports the CX 4600 printer with 64 bit drivers for Vista. Suggest you download the updated driver and install and it should work fine. Dell's web site does not show support for the 64 bit drivers for Vista for the model printer you mentioned.

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Pretty simple. Install the drivers
Apr 3, 2010 6:21AM PDT

The first thing I would do if you haven't already done so is see whether Windows Update has drivers for the device. (Start/Windows Orb> type Windows Update> and press enter> install any drivers that it finds)

If Windows Update doesn't know the drivers than I would go to the vendors' website. In the case of your CX4600 google "Epson CX4600 drivers" and the first page is Epson's driver page for this printer. Download the drivers for Vista x64 and run the download once it is complete. Once the install is complete you should be able to use the device.

The Dell printer was a little harder to find the driver. I searched the model # on Dell's site for drivers and came upon this page: http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R153050&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=203950

Again install the driver and you should be able to use it.

Hope that helps. For future reference, always try Windows update first since it can often find drivers. The drivers aren't always the latest drivers, but they usually work fine. If that doesn't work google the product name along with the word drivers and whatever version of Windows you are running.

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Printer drivers
Apr 3, 2010 7:16AM PDT
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Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?
Apr 3, 2010 7:44AM PDT

Well Paul, it looks like your printers are antiquated (out of date). I would suggest to upgrade to a new printer or multifunction printer / scanner. Personally I use a independent scanner (Epson 700) and 2 printers (Cannon i9900 for pictures and documents and an Epson R220 for DVD and CD printing).

You can buy a name brand printer for $50.00 on up. Not knowing your budget I suggest checking the cost of ink for any printer you might want to purchase. Kodak offers printer / scanners for a reasonable $130 - $250 price range. a little higher than some others. However, depending on the amount of printing you do you will make up the machine cost in ink as their ink is inexpensive compared to others ($15.00 for the color cartage and $10.00 for the black).

Good Luck,

Jim

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You are posting a reply to: Why your printers work with
Apr 3, 2010 7:57AM PDT

Windows 7 is not finalized by some other companies and so they have not gone to the effort of including the drivers for such.

Claude

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Help for the Dell
Apr 3, 2010 9:32AM PDT

Your post interested me because I have that printer as well. Found a good post on the Dell forum for walking you through the process of uninstalling the current driver, running the required Vista patch and installing the updated Vista 64-bit driver. The post includes links to the patch and drivers on the Dell site.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19268896.aspx

Good Luck!

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Printer problems
Apr 3, 2010 10:03AM PDT
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Good news, bad news...
Apr 3, 2010 11:58AM PDT

Well Paul, the good news is that there are 64 bit drivers for your Epson CX4600 that you can download from Epson. Just go to Epson.com under the drivers & support tab and you'll find what you're looking for. The bad news, Dell has not released 64 bit drivers for your AIO 940. Anyway, I, for one, applaud your choice for going with a 64 bit operating system on your computer. Good luck and keep learning. Here's the link:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/index.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes

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64 bit drivers
Apr 3, 2010 1:57PM PDT

I'm running Windows 7 with an HP AIO printer. HP sent me a notice & had me download a 64 bit driver package. It was over 120 MB in size. Installed it & haven't had any trouble printing. Photo's come out gorgeous.

Have you tried contacting the printer mfg. Should think that would correct your problem.

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64 bit problem
Apr 3, 2010 7:09PM PDT

Hi Paul,

Your friend may be right but depends how old the printers are if the company do a drivers for them. I have windows 7 64 bit and and have gone to the websites of the printer etc and got the drivers I needed. Well good news most companies supply 64 bit drivers for recent hardware and peripherals etc. If the printer is really old then they may not do the 64 bit drivers but check the web site first. I often find the uk sites are really bad and not up to date as is in this case so follow my instructions. Try the second one first it will take you direct to your page.

Option 1

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/index.do

As the uk site is rubbish. Click on drivers and support choose printers then ink jet then look for your printer and it will take you to the same page. It is there as I checked. This is the url try to copy and paste in to your adress bar. It may not work as sometimes they expire otherwise do what I said above.

Option 2

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=25723&infoType=Overview

Click on drivers and downloads yours is the first one now it will ask you to agree etc and than download to your desktop or it may go directly to your download folder. Double click the file after you have scanned it with your anti virus just to be sure, and follow instructions.

If you cannot copy the url then go to www.epson.com as the uk site id rubbish. Click on drivers and support choose printers look for your printer and it will take you to the same page.

With your Dell go here

http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R146813&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=195111

Again if it does not work go to dell site. The easiest way to search for drivers is put your printer name i.e. Dell AIO 940 in to your google search bar at the top and it will bring up information which you should be able to follow.

Hope this all helps I know it looks daunting but it really is not. Always do a search for any problems etc and often a page will come up with info on.

Steve

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Why won?t my printers work with my new 64-bit Vista machine?
Apr 3, 2010 9:07PM PDT