Win-7U -- Found First Real Annoyance.

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: XS650

. . . A few months ago I decided to upgrade my wife's 4 year old HP laptop to Win 7. Several things on the laptop didn't work because HP isn't going to provide drivers for them. HP's response was basically, tough luck, buy a new computer.


A few months ago, I did the exact same thing with a slightly older IBM T42. Lenovo offered full W7 support for it, including for all the Thinkvantage apps, some of which are exceedingly useful. It is merrily purring along on W7.

That is why a Thinkpad is usually first on my list come replacement time.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

I found that HP's drivers are often found elsewhere, but you got to scour Google for them. It's really not the way to treat customers if you want their business in the future.

But, thanks to Carly, this is the HP she modeled.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

ek,

try the Win7x64 download for the HP 7410 product: (362MB)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softw...uct=391194&

 

[wander2039]

Ekpolk did you ever find a driver for the printer? Just installed Windows 7 64bit and so far very happy with the performance. W7 recognizes our regular printer F2200 but we also have a 3420 same as yours. Haven't tried it install it yet as it's just a backup. Good thing I did some past reading. Guess if it comes down to I'll hook up the old 2000 box.

 

[ekpolk]

Nope, no go with every artifice I've tried. I may still be missing something, but I'm also wondering if hp bribed Microsoft to make sure everyone with an old (but serviceable) printer has to buy a new one.

 

[wander2039]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
Nope, no go with every artifice I've tried. I may still be missing something, but I'm also wondering if hp bribed Microsoft to make sure everyone with an old (but serviceable) printer has to buy a new one.


I would bet your right..it seems this happens with every new os. I've also had compatibility issues with scanners.

 

[BayouTodd]

I have ran Win 7 64 bit for as long as its been out with no compatibility issues what so ever, in fact I have a My Book 500gb external hd which does not list any 64 bit drivers last I looked but it works fine with my machine, knock wood, haven't had any issues at all. FWIW, I run canon printers.

 

[TXMXTruck]

I notice there have been some good comments in this thread, but will add some additional thoughts anyway in case they are helpful to anyone.

Some people may not be aware of or have gotten about 16-bit computing. I remember my first X286 computer, which was 8-bit. I had to get a X386 processor and motherboard to be able to run Windows on top of DOS. It was a big deal when Win 95 made a bigger progression to 32-bit. Windows 7 is more lightweight and stable than Vista because they finally dropped the old 16-bit backwards compatibility.

Each step of the way there have been problems with drivers. Microsoft has done a great job with 64-bit Vista and 7. The greater majority of 32-bit software runs seamlessly and without issues. Microsoft adding 64-bit support was necessary to take advantage of more memory and new devices being offered by the computer industry. As has been stated, we cannot fault MS for device manufacturers dragging their heals or refusing to offer 64-bit support.

I actually put 64-bit Windows XP on my main work station recently just to be able to play with it. I had to find a proper 64-bit wireless card, which was not difficult and this was the only issue I had. From experience, I know that 64-bit XP is MUCH different than 64-bit Vista or 7. As has been stated, 64-bit Vista drivers, including from HP, often will work on 64-bit Win 7.

To the OP, I say keep hunting on the HP website for Vista 64-bit drivers that may work. A Google search often brings up posts in various forums where people provide links to drivers that did work. Forcing or patching a 32-bit driver to work in 64-bit generally is NOT the answer.

 

[ekpolk]

Well, my final conclusion is FHP! And I'm not talking about the Florida Highway Patrol. . . If my good, low-cost hp printers are doomed to be throw-aways, well, when I replace the 3420, it won't be with an hp. I've now spoken with two colleagues who are having no problems with new drivers that have them covered after the change to Win-7. I think I'll be using a Canon next time.

This whole idea of, "how dare a customer expect the printer maker to support a product during its physical life" (as expressed above) rings hollow with me. Canon (and several others) manage to keep drivers up-to-date. And even hp seems to keep the business-type laser printers' drivers (I own an LJ1020 and an LJ3050 too) all up-to-date. So why is it that hp can keep the business-oriented printer drivers updated, but we little guy customers get hosed on our deskjets???

Hey, if Lexmark and Cannon can afford to (and are motivated to) release drivers for Win-7, hp could do it too without breaking a sweat.

This is it -- I'm done with hp.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Brons2
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL

The issues seem to arise when dealing with older hardware that is no longer developing active profit for the manufacturer, they seem to lag behind and in many cases completely neglect the development of "modern platform" drivers for these devices.


'Neglect'?? Who are we kidding here??

What is the financial incentive for companies to develop drivers for cheap old printers for users who are two operating system releases down the road???? It boggles the mind why people expect this!!!!!!

If I was an HP shareholder and saw them developing Win7 64 bit drivers for an 8 year old consumer grade printer, I would be hacked off!

Folks, long term support is achievable, but only if people decide en mass that software support is worth paying yearly fees for. HP does not employ software engineers for free. Nor should you expect them to work for free, either, so you can have a Windows 7 driver for an 8 year old printer.

Get a new printer, and donate your old one to some nonprofit that still runs Windows XP.


And allow me to REvisit this post again. After a good bit more homework, I find that other makers don't have a problem in this area. Supplying updated printer drivers is not rocket science.

I have a somewhat unique practice -- at least 3/4 of my work is as a state Public Defender -- in other words, I am a non-profit, for the most part. Throwing away a perfectly functional, old printer, is a travesty.

So, from a financial perspective, what has hp done? Yep, they've sent a formerly happy customer deep into Canon's fold. Too bad hp, my bux are now going elsewhere.