Vanity Help: Just Purchased a new laptop with Vista Installed

01/03/2007 | me

[HOTTIEBOY]

I just purchased a new laptop for the 17 yearold as she enters her senior year in highschool. Its a very cool Compaq model. The box that it came in has a big sticker on the side that says "Do Not Sell Until Janruary 30th 2007".

Vista.

Its running the new Vista system. So far it runs good. No problems have arised.

My question is with the wireless router that I bought and connected to my desktop. So far the router works great and the internet is working fine. From what I gather, I can also use the router to enable the laptop to use the printer that is hooked to the desktop. Is this true?

I also have an obsticle ~ the printer software is made for Windows XP. How would I go about getting the laptop with Vista to read the sotware for the printer? I have a HP printer. Should I contact them to see if they maybe have updates for their printers to inable them to run with Vista? I am going to check the HP website now to see if any updates are available. I would think that they would be or else every printer on the shelves now are useless if running Vista.

Forgive my puter ignorance. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[HOTTIEBOY]

Yep, network printing.

I want to use the printer that is connected to my desktop to print from my laptop across the network.

[HOTTIEBOY]

F340 to be exact...

[A CA Guy]

It is a F300 series, but from the results in the link below, I think it is one of the numbers offered.

http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Lookup?h_lang=en&h_cc=us&cc=us&h_page=hpcom&lang=en&h_client=S-A-R163-1&h_pagetype=s-002&h_query=Deskjet+F300&submit.x=13&submit.y=5

[Echo Talon]

HP Printers -  Installing the Printer Driver Located in Windows Vista

Introduction

At this time there is not a downloadable full-feature Windows Vista driver solution available for your product.

The short-term driver solution is included in your Windows Vista Operating system and is already on your computer. There is no need to download anything at this time. This driver makes it possible to use the basic functions for the printer and can be used until the full-feature driver is available. Follow the steps below to quickly and easily get your product working with Windows Vista.

HP is currently working to make the HP full-feature driver solution available as soon as possible.

NOTE:

HP wants to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information on the drivers and software for your HP products. To register for HP Subscriber’s Choice and be notified when Windows Vista drivers become available, click Get e-mail notifications – drivers updates on the left navigation bar of this page.

Installing the printer driver

1. Verify that the printer is turned on.
2. Connect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable to the printer and to the computer.
3. A Your devices are ready to use window might display on the screen. If the window displays and does not close automatically, close the window.
4. Print a test page to verify that the printer is working correctly.

Using the printer functions

Printing

1. Open the document to be printed in the software application in which it was created.
2. Click File and then click Print.

Scanning

Scanning with Windows Fax and Scanning

1. Click Windows.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Windows Fax and Scanning.
4. Click New Scan.
5. Click File and then click Scan.

Scanning with Paint

1. Click Windows.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Accessories.
4. Click Paint.
5. Click File and then click From Scanner or Camera.
6. Click Scan.

Importing and viewing images on a memory card

1. Remove the memory card and then re-insert the memory card into the appropriate memory card slot on the printer.

   NOTE:

   See the User Guide that came with the printer for more information on how to insert the memory card in the printer.

2. On the Autoplay screen that displays, click Import Pictures, View Pictures, or Open folder to view files.
3. Follow the instructions that display on the screen.

[A CA Guy]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=1128309&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&submit.y=5&submit.x=13&lang=en&cc=us

Vista is listed, your lucky night.

[A CA Guy]

I think Echo that if he downloads the HP Vista software and double clicks the program, it will completely self install.
Most do.

[Echo Talon]

Like I said, I have never used network printing so I wouldn't know how to make it work in the first place... It works fine if you plug it in with the USB cable though...

[Echo Talon]

I think Echo that if he downloads the HP Vista software and double clicks the program, it will completely self install.

there is NO "full feature" HP Print driver out at the moment, ALL the drivers are located on the Vista Install, mine work fine... The HP site says they are working on a full feature driver whatever that means... ;) Mine HP Driver works fine I have a PSC1315V although when I go to device manager it shows up as a PSC1310... Linux Does the same thing... :)

[A CA Guy]

I've seen the network printing done through the cable line and in some after market stuff through devices that work with the cable.

Not the easiest stuff, I agree with you 100%

I think HP must or whoever must have the directions available in PDF on the site.

[A CA Guy]

This new operating system must be new from the ground up to not be downward compatible with XP.

I am surprised on one level, yet I guess it is in MS's best interest to make XP obsolete to their users, isn't it?

Have a nice night.

[HOTTIEBOY]

Thanks for the info guys. I might contact HP support or try to share. I may just have to wait for an update....

[Echo Talon]

I know that the HP Driver from the HP website for WinXP for my printer didn't have network support...

See....

[Echo Talon]

it will work via USB, like i said... try to use vistababble.com maybe someone there can help you.

[CedarDave]

Problems getting drivers are just some of the reasons to hold off on buying a PC with Vista for awhile. Check out this thread:

Wait! Don't Buy Microsoft Windows Vista

And yes, I'll get slammed, flamed, roasted by the "RAH RAH RAH Go Microsoft" types on this thread. But facts are facts, so read the article first. And do a search using "Vista" to see the other posted articles.

[A CA Guy]

They don't always have network support and that is why some have to use cheap after market stuff like Linksys stuff to get the need filled IMO.

In any case though, the issue is a darn confusing one to read up on and carry out unless you set that stuff up all the time.

You have to set the port, IP address and a bunch of other stuff to drive the folks bananas.

[Sunnyflorida]

ping

[Echo Talon]

Like I said, it may well work over network.. I just don't know how to do it... never tried.

[tubebender]

Does the fact he is running XP on his desktop and Vista on the laptop present its own problem? If that is the case would it be simpler to just buy a inexpensive printer for the LP...

[Echo Talon]

Does the fact he is running XP on his desktop and Vista on the laptop present its own problem? If that is the case would it be simpler to just buy a inexpensive printer for the LP...

If I were him I would get this...

EPSON Stylus Photo R380 C11C658011 Up to 30 ppm 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi InkJet Photo Color Printer - Retail $139.99

Windows Vista 32bit and 64bit Driver

The Epson Stylus Photo R380 Ink Jet Printer gives you professional quality prints, up to 30 ppm. This remarkable printer delivers high-quality images up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, using Claria Hi-Definition Ink that ensures clarity and sharpness on both plain and photo paper. This ink is smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant and ensures long lasting prints. The incorporated DX5 technology helps produce 5 microscopically small ink droplet sizes that ensure smoothest gradations and grain free photos, along with faster printing speeds and excellent details on all of your photos - including borderless prints up to 4" x 6" in up to 13 seconds.

The incorporated Automatic color and lighting correction feature automatically detects scenery or people and adjusts the image. allowing easy red-eye removal, for stunning results all with or without a PC. You can also print your own photos and text directly onto ink jet printable CDs/DVDs. It even allows you to print movie clips from a digital camera. The printer is equipped with Front PictBridge port that enables direct printing from any compatible device. It can also print directly from memory cards with the help of its built-in memory card slot.

[Echo Talon]

thats NOT a multi-function all-in-one printer but it's a very good printer and you can print on CD's and DVD's to label them. one of the reviewers at newegg says to use a "Polyacrylic semi-gloss" to "seal" it;)