[MLStrand56]

Why in 2012 do we still have to put up with Printer Driver INcompatibility? We've been fighting this prob. since Win 3.1 (that I'm aware of). Every new OS from Mickeysoft, requires New Printer Drivers. Mickeysoft passes the buck to the printer manufacturers. Printer manufacturers blame Mickeysoft. I think that Mickeysoft & printer manufacturers are actually working together to NOT have universal printer drivers. That way we have to throw-away perfectly good printers & buy new ones, everytime Mickeysoft reinvents the wheel.

What does everybody think? Is Mickey purposely changing how the New OS's handle printers, OR are manufacturers forcing us to buy new printers, OR BOTH?

MLStrand56

This post has been edited by MLStrand56: 25 December 2012 - 06:09 AM

[LincolnSpector]

To be honest, I haven't had that experience.

Every version of Windows comes with a huge selection of printer drivers, and they've always included the drivers for my printers.

Yes, there are some compatibility issues, but they're usually with new printers and old software--especially DOS programs. Not the other way around.

Lincoln

[LiveBrianD]

To date, the ONLY printer I've seen that wouldn't work with 64-bit Windows 7 was a Canon D680. And since then, I have not bought or recommended a Canon printer. (not a coincidence) I've even seen HP LaserJet 1100s (no USB port btw, only parallel, if that says anything about the age) working on 64-bit win7.

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 25 December 2012 - 10:02 AM

[smax013]

MLStrand56, on 25 December 2012 - 06:07 AM, said:

Why in 2012 do we still have to put up with Printer Driver INcompatibility? We've been fighting this prob. since Win 3.1 (that I'm aware of). Every new OS from Mickeysoft, requires New Printer Drivers. Mickeysoft passes the buck to the printer manufacturers. Printer manufacturers blame Mickeysoft. I think that Mickeysoft & printer manufacturers are actually working together to NOT have universal printer drivers. That way we have to throw-away perfectly good printers & buy new ones, everytime Mickeysoft reinvents the wheel.

What does everybody think? Is Mickey purposely changing how the New OS's handle printers, OR are manufacturers forcing us to buy new printers, OR BOTH?

MLStrand56

This is typically with older printers that use some proprietary printer "language"...many times there are the most "cost efficient" printers. There are printers that use very generic drivers and don't have problem with OS upgrades.

FWIW, I have had my LaserJet 6MP for more than a decade. Since it uses Postscript, it is generic enough that I have never had a problem with any OS. Of course, I had to pay a decent chunk of change for it way back when I bought it (I want to say like $400 or so, but I don't recall for sure).

And in general, it is the nature of "upgrades"...they typically break SOMETHING. And considering that there are literally millions of devices, programs, etc for Windows, no one can reasonably expect Microsoft to have Windows upgrades not break some things.