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Okay, so I'm not at ALL savvy about computers. My HP printer recently bit the dust, so hubby and I bought another one. Like a dummy, I assumed ALL HP printers would be compatible with all HP computers. I guess I was wrong. . . everything went fine until the PC couldn't find software for the new printer. And when I try to find out if the two are compatible at the hp website, my computer freezes (yes, its 5 yrs. old and needs RAM also). So I'm in a bind.
Is there any way someone can check the hp website and see if a Pavilion f503 desktop would be compatible with a Deskjet 3050A eall-in-one? I'd be so grateful. I guess its the lack of Ram that is causing it to freeze frequently so I can't research it myself. (More Ram is on the way). Thanks loads!
What operating system do you have on your PC? Looks like they have drivers for Windows 7, XP, and Vista so as long as you're using one of those you should be able to download a driver. Here's the direct link to the drivers for that printer on the off chance that it won't freeze up your computer: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=...
Did you follow the directions on set up? Usually you install the software drivers first (there should've been a CD) and then attach the printer. This way when the OS finds the new hardware, it already has drivers that were installed from step 1. Most new printers are USB. After you get the printer installed and working through a USB connection then you can move on to the wireless connection (if the printer is wireless)
As Ecrane stated too, hopefully your OS is at least XP or newer.
Yes, its an XP. I did follow the directions on set-up to the letter. The directions said to turn the printer on FIRST (with the CD) and then it looked for software drivers. Didn't get a chance to attach printer, as I never got further than that on the CD. I think my lack of RAM might be interfering.
I'll try the link, ecrane, but it always freezes up on me before I can get anything done. Wondering if the RAM will solve THAT problem so I can get the printer attached. If it doesn't, there's more money down the drain!
I'll let you guys know what happened with the link. Thank you so much!
DANG IT ALL! I've been on that page before, and it has me select my operating system, but then goes no farther. Just goes back to that same page. I tried many times. Do you guys think more RAM might make it go through? (I mean, I know you can't tell me for sure, but is there a good chance?) I'm so close to getting this printer going, yet so far! Frustrating as heck!
I doubt it is memory. Have you set up VM yourself or did you accept the defaults the system recommends? VM is virtual memory and should give you plenty of memory to operate (sure it will be slower than "real" memory but it works).
Not sure I understand the part about turning the printer on FIRST (with the CD - does this mean the CD is in the CD drive in the computer?) and then it (what is it? the OS on the computer?) looked for software drivers.
Once the drivers are installed you have to connect the printer to the computer to get it fullly installed and working (adding a printer). If it is a wireless printer you can do that after you install the printer by plugging it into a USB port (hard wired) on the computer. Wireless is a bit more work but isn't too difficult.
You really shouldn't have to go to any site for software for the initial installation. It may upgrade after you have the printer working.
I did a quick check on the printer and it works on Xp to 7. I have installed many hp printers and the instructions say DO NOT turn the printer on until the install sequence prompts you. I think it can affect the built-in setup in the printer. Everything you need should be on the OEM cds. XP requires SP-2 or more unless you have had your pc to update on an as-available basis. Go back to the instructions furnished with the printer and follow them to the letter. There should be no problems getting it to work the first time.
Added: This printer is for 32 bit OS only. XP has moved up to SP-3, I think, but is normally updated if you are set up for auto updates.
Hcmcdole, I'm sure I must have accepted the defaults the system recommends. Don't remember as its been so long ago. Yes, the CD was in the CD drive. But. . . the printer was on.
Old Garden Rose, thank you so much for checking--I'm thrilled to hear it should work with my PC! I'm going to try it again tomorrow. I think I know what I did wrong. We plugged in the printer, and turned it on, like it said in the instructions. It didn't say to do the CD first, and wait for a prompt, before turning printer on, so I think that may be my whole problem.
I'll let you guys know if it works, and thanks again sooooooooo very much! You are lifesavers.
When I say OEM disks, I am referring to the disks which come with the printer. They should be 'autorun' but it is possible for that feature being disabled in your pc. If the disk does not start up by itself, you may need to go to 'install printer' then insert the disk when prompted. Usually, you will need to select which type of attachment your pc is setup for. Normal would be 'usb' unless you are setting up a wireless operation.
On my last wireless HP printer (about 2 years old), I had to install the drivers first from the OEM CD/DVD, then power up and attach the printer to a USB port (cable provided). This was fairly straightforward and worked within minutes.
The wireless part is a little more involved especially if you use security on your router. I set the IP address as a static one (reserved) on the router so I could add a wireless printer for each computer and specify an IP address that wouldn't change.
If the printer and router aren't working together then it is a bit of a pain to start the WPS procedure - first on the router and then on the printer to get them to work together. Maybe HP delivered a new patch for their printer since I haven't had to repeat syncing these two devices in months.
Got it up and running! Everyone who posted was helpful. The whole problem was not doing the disk first, before turning on the printer. I didn't understand the instructions. I just concentrated on the directions for the printer and how to operate it, and when it said to turn it on, I did, and didn't disconnect it before putting in the disk. So I wasn't paying attention. My bad! I'm so happy, as I have so many things I want to print. And the scan is working great too. I can't thank you guys enough! You are wonderful.
HP has always made an excellent ink style printer. The only knock we had on them, at work, was they required more DOS memory than Canon. We were running IBM token ring/Novell with DOS/Windows 3.1 on laptops and there was a noticeable difference in low memory available. Aside from that, they were the best of the bunch. I just purchased a new Office Jet Pro 8500A all-in-one and it prints superbly on photo paper.
