Printer installation probs with W7

[lttlejoe]

Ok...just recently built my first computer and after some Win XP installation probs which didn't seem to want me to have any sound or internet connection, I managed to install Windows 7 64 bit upgrade over XP and everything is running fine.....except... I can't install my Canon i965 photoprinter and I presume the same for my Epson 4990 scanner, both of which worked perfectly on my old XP machine.
I also ran an older and very economical Epson Stylus 800 for everyday printing but that's out until I get a PCI parallel interface card.

I've inserted the original installation disk that came with the Canon i 965 printer and Window 7 has come with a warning that there are known issues with this printer and directed me to the Canon site where I've downloaded what I thought were appropriate W7 drivers/software. The software is there but it doesn't appear to recognise the printer as being there!

I confess that I am not familiar with the nuances of W7, having been an XP user for the past 10 years.

So any suggestions from your experiences of where I'm going wrong or suggestions on how to put it right?

Also, can anyone talk me through setting up a dual boot system? This might just be the best solution as, some of my older but much needed camera software ( pre-Vista) is also known not to work with Windows 7! Otherwise I might have to resort to going back to XP as a main OS.

Frustrated...
East Yorkshire.

 

[lttlejoe]

If either printer or scanner are USB, you can try using the new device wizard in Start > Devices and Printers. Windows 7 has a lot of drivers built-in, and is also able to download them in many cases.

If you downloaded proper Windows 7 drivers [and were listed as such on the website] then I would say you either made a mistake in the install procedure, or there has been a **** up on the website. Perhaps Canon support is the place to go.

Thankyou kindly for the help. I followed your advice and went to devices and printers and eventually I managed to get W7 to hunt for a suitable driver and the printer is working. Hopefully I can do the same with the scanner though I am slightly less hopeful!

 

[lttlejoe]

OK...I've got the scanner to work...looks like I may not have all the features of the software (like scanning an attachment to email etc) but I can live without that so, many thanks for your help.

However, I've gone just about as far as I can with this setup ( Windows 7)... I won't be able to use some of the old software which I need for my cameras so, can any one help with how to set up a dual boot (Windows 7 and XP ) ?
I think that's the only way I'm going to overcome the software problem as the cameras I'm using have now been discontinued and there are no updates for Windows 7.

Your help appreciated on this one!

 

[lttlejoe]

You could run a Virtual Machine with Windows XP.

Download VirtualBox and install it. Then create a new VM for Windows XP. Point it to your CD drive with the XP CD and install. XP will run inside your Windows 7 installation.

This has the benefit of letting you use your older camera software without the need to leave Windows 7.

This sounds just the job I need it for. Thanks so much!
I'll have to hit the pillow now as I've to be up bright and early but I'll download and install the software later this evening.

I hope you're on hand as I'm sure I'll run into probs LOL

Thanks again!