HP printer driver dilemma


  1. Posts : 29
    windows 7
       #1

    HP printer driver dilemma


    I recently installed Windows 7 ultimate (W7) onto my PC. ( Just as an aside, I think that this is probably one of the best windows OS that I have worked with.)
    Anyway, I have two HP printers (office-jet 4215, and photo-smart 7550) that don't have drivers for windows 7. I wanted to connect both printers to my main PC, but I was only able to find drivers for the 4215. It is up and running. Now, I want to connect the 7550 but according to HP, there are no W7 drivers available for it at this time. They suggested that I use the desk-jet 5550 drivers.
    I have tried following the steps they showed, but nothing seems to work. The only drivers in the list were the desk-jet 5550 (HPA) HP, or desk-jet 5550 (HPA) Microsoft. Supposedly, W7 will automatically load the proper drivers when the printers are connected via USB. This did not happen.
    I decided to move the 7550 printer to my second PC, to try to see if I could connect it there, but because I am running a home-group network, the 4215 shows up on the second PC also. I realized this while I was trying to install the 7550 onto the second PC.
    Am I doing something wrong, or am I overlooking something obvious? Is there a work-around for this problem, or might I have to resolve that this printer is not compatible with W7?
    I am open to any suggestions that will resolve this issue. Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #2

    First thing first, try running the photo-smaert 7550 printer through the Windows 7 Compatibility Center: Windows 7 Compatibility Center home. If you get the green flag there, see if there are any Vista drivers available (sometimes they will work with Windows 7). Let us know what happens.

    I am happy to hear that you are liking Windows 7!
    Cheers,
    Cassandra
    Microsoft Windows Outreach Team
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,419
    Windows 7 7600 1 X64
       #3

    bimfi said:
    I recently installed Windows 7 ultimate (W7) onto my PC. I am open to any suggestions that will resolve this issue. Thanks.
    Disconnet the printer that is giving you the issue.
    Reboot your system, insert the software installation disk and install the printer from your disk, when prompted re-connect your printer and complete the install.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 29
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I checked the Windows 7 compatibility center and it showed the printer was compatible. I then followed Adrian's suggestion but when it came to the point of connecting the USB and power cable, it could not find the printer and kept asking to try again. I did this twice then gave up. I will check for the Vista drivers, though. Thanks for all the assistance.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 29
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    OK, I finally figured it out. I followed HP's web site steps to setting up an alternative driver. But, I was not paying attention. In one of the steps it said to click on "printer properties", and I was clicking on "properties" only (DUH!). It is finally working (although it thinks it's a deskjet 5550 vice a photosmart 7550), which is what I want. Thanks all for the support!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,990
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
       #6

    Glad you have it resolved.
      My Computer


 

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