Thread: Windows 7

I had to replace my dead laptop, and ended up with Win 7. I have several programs, and a scanner that wont install. In the case of the scanner, there just isn't a driver available for it. In the end, I installed virtualbox, and loaded Win XP on it. The stuff I can't run in win 7, I run on the virtualbox.

Having said that, I checked the first 2 items on your list, and there are win 7 drivers available. They are probaly not on the version that came with the laptop, so download them and the printers should install okay.

I'm not suggesting that drivers are available for all you problem printers, so you will need to search for yourself.

Thanks Chris just going through Microsofts Compatibility site and found that scanner and 2 printers will work. Now for software that could take weeks

Check the printer manufacturers web sites to see if they have Windows 7 drivers, and download them.

A quick google seems to suggest that they are all supported.

Other than that, W7 is fine. Install the freebie 'Microsoft Security Essentials' to take care of your anti-virus needs, and you are good to go.

TY MS that Win 7 site just saved a marriage but not me getting new printers scanner Nothing wrong with the ones we have though.

Wheelin'

Got onto the HP (US) website and the driver for your HP printer is probably already in Win7. Just plug the printer directly into the laptop and it should find the driver and then you'll have to do the config for the network stuff.

Got onto the Canon (AU) website and found the driver there for Win7. Just down load it.

Can't find anything on the Epson website about that printer. May need some more info.

You think basic win 7 is a problem , try finding drivers if you install win 7 64bit

Originally Posted by Ashore

You think basic win 7 is a problem , try finding drivers if you install win 7 64bit

Ashore use the link it worth having a look for software or hardware drivers 32 or 64

Bleeder found it all ok all sorted just need daughters laptop to set it up next time she is over here.

Don't wish to hijack wheelin's thread, but I thought this worth mentioning.

My canonscan N 650U is not supported on Win 7 x64, so I have been running it via virtual box in XP. I just downloaded the VueScan trial, and it recognised the scanner straight up in win 7. At US$39.95 it is far cheaper than a new scanner, and has a lot of good features, so I will purchase it.

No association here, just thought it might help someone else in the same predicament.

Just looked wheelin , looks good , will give it a go

Chris not hijacked still on topic and sort of what I was hoping for.

I recall Win to 95 was a similar RRPIA with some software and hardware as have other upgrades to win OS's and even their own software.

To be fair to Microsoft, (oh, those words stick in my throat) the driver issue is not really one of Microsoft's making - it's the device manufacturers who will have decided "nahh, we are not going to release a new driver for our (scanner/printer/whatever) nor will we release sufficient info for anyone to write new drivers by themselves, the cheap buggers can just purchase new gear..."

The Vista/Win 7 driver model (where the o/s can supervise the drivers) is considerably more sensible than the 98/NT/XP model, where a single errant driver could crash the operating system (drivers were often written to run in kernel space - ie sharing the privileges of the o/s).

I've been running with Win7 for just over a year now and it has been very stable so far and I have drivers for all my hardware although printer software was not available when I first installed win7 it is available now. I had no trouble updating drivers for my other hardware. I overcame the problem of not having a printer driver by duel booting my comp with XP and Win7. I just booted to XP when I wanted to print something but was APITA. at the time.

I've been running Win 7 Pro 64Bit since October (mother board in old PC carked it).
The pro version has the option of running software in compatibility mode. Doing so seems to address any compatibility issues.