Printer drivers not installing on Windows 7 due to compability issues.  

I currently have an AL-1540CS printer that's hooked up to the USB port of my PC. I went to the official SHARP Website to search for the drivers of it and I downloaded them. The problem is whenever I try to install the drivers it says:

"The installer has detected an unsupported operating system. This software can only be installed in the following operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista"

After it shows this message it just closes. I tried using it with compability mode, but it won't work either with any settings. I contacted SHARP, but no answer from them yet.

Any help?

This is SHARP's response:

"Thank you for contacting Sharp Electronics Corporation.

Currently, there is no software available for your copier that is compatible with Windows 7. We do have the software CD available for purchase, however, this will only work with Windows XP. We have no timetable on the release of any software at this time."

What the heck? Are you kidding me? I now have an unusable printer. Is there anyway I could fix this?

Hi there

try installing the VISTA driver or running XP as a Virtual machine. If you are running Windows 7 x-64 you'll be out of luck if there are only x-86 (32 bit) drivers available.

I'd run the copier on a small XP Virtual Machine - that way you can keep it for as long as you want.

You can install XP Mode on W7 if you need to create a Virtual machine without having to pay for an additional XP license. (You must have W7 PRO though or above - Home premium - you'll have to install an XP VM using VBOX or VMWARE software (both FREE).

There's tutorials on the Forum about creating and using Virtual Machines.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks Jimbo. I'm currently doing that right now. I appreciate the suggestion. It's pretty stupid that Sharp can't develop an installer for better systems though. Anyways, thank you!