OfficeJet Pro 6978 setting up for Vista Home 64-bit -- Where are drivers?

[Len42]

Hi -- Install CD says operating system not supported. Cannot find drivers -- only the reference to “Readiris Pro 14 for HP”. The Support Video says to look for hppiw.exe which I cannot seem to find on a HP site.

Is the problem that the OfficeJet Pro 6978 cannot run with my Vista Home 64-bit OS? I bought it yesterday, so I can return it.

This should be simpler, so THANK YOU for advice and help.

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The printer is incomaptible with Vista 64-bit indeed.

You may find the System requirements listed below:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-OfficeJet-Pro-6970-All-in-One-Printer-series/8289585/model/11...

Regards,

Shlomi

[ErvT]

I also hav a HP 6978. It is working with two other printers but I want to use with this laptop HP DV6700. Can i get an upgrade for windows 7

[Sizzlingsum_13]

Hello@ErvT

Welcome to the HP Forums.I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers.As I understand you're looking for printer drivers for Vista home-64bit on OfficeJet Pro 6978, I'll be more than glad to help you out.

Here I would recommend you to install the Built-in Print Driver since we do not have the drivers on Vista 64-bit.

Please follow these step by step instructions to install the Built-in Print Driver: Click here

Hope this helps, for any further queries reply to the post and feel free to join us again.

Have a nice day and happy holidays ahead.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

[ErvT]

I went to the link you provided which describes how to use the Windows built-in drivers and worked for several hours with no success. The biggest problem I had was when I was directed to select the printer from the list. Even after waiting 15 minutes for the "Windows update" this printer WAS NOT LISTED and I could get no farther.

I finally connected the printer with a USB cable. When I connected the cable the "Found New Hardware" started and I followed each step. It asked me for the CD that came with the computer, and when I put it in the CD drive it found the drivers and installed them, and I could print through the USB cord. Voila!

BUT - I noticed in Device Manager under "Unknown devices" there were 3 listings for this printer, one for HP OfficeJet 6970 and two for OfficeJet 6970. After the drivers were installed this list went to only two "Unknown Devices".

I then tried the same thing that worked for my Windows XP computer - I went to the printer Properties and changed the port from USB to the IP address for the printer. However, when I tried to print it said the printer was Offlline. I then started "Add Printer" and this time when I was sent to the printer list this printer WAS LISTED! I selected the model I have and everything worked! I now have two printers in my printer list - one for USB and one for WIFI.

This printer has been a BIG problem with the 3 computers I have installed it on. A Windows 10 laptop had a problem when applying for the Instant Ink program - after putting in all my information (including credit card info) the screen blanked out and a message said "Instant Ink is not available - please try later". After that I went thru the same procedure numerous times and was told this printer is not eligible for Instant Ink. After about 1 1/2 hours on a Tech Support Chat he got it set up, and I could now print.

With my Windows XP desktop computer I spent over 3 hours with Tech Support. The Tech took over my computer and tried everything he could but still didn't get it to work. After the session was over I got it to work by installing it as a USB connection, then later changed the port to an IP connection and that worked.

With this computer (HP DV9700 with Vista 64 bit) the online install told me it can't be installed for this OS. I don't recall any mention of using the built-in Windows driver, which you have directed me to.

I would upgrade this computer to Windows 10, but I have not found any upgrade version - I can only get a version that will do a "clean install" which would wipe out everything else. Not Good!

HP needsto make their Setup programs easier to install and provide better information for setup on older Windows version.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP !

I don't find any choice for "Accepted Solution" or I would choose it.

[Sizzlingsum_13]

@ErvT

Thanks for replying with the information.

I appreciate the steps you have performed and have done a great job.

I see that you wish to upgrade this unit, for windows 10 (64-bit).

Please find the link for HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One series Full Feature Software and Drivers: Click here

Have a nice day 🙂