Deskjet 712c won't work with Win 7

[Skunked]

I recently switched to a new win 7 Home Premium SP1 (64) computer from my old XP which worked fine with my printer.  The printer will not work with the new OS and computer.  Even though the computer indicates the device is working normally, the printer will not accept any print commands.  Not even the printer print test.  There are no error reports but the system acts as though the usb is not connected even though it is.   There has been no change in connectivity  before or after installing new software (or trying) in attempting to get the new computer set up.  

I just found and tried the printer wizard which also implies that the usb is not connected even though it is.

The compatability options have done nothing to help.

[TaraC]

Hi there,

Do you remember if when you connected the USB cable to your new computer - did you get a notification from Windows Update saying it had installed the driver?  It should have automatically installed, but if you go to this hp support document and follow the instructions under 'How can I make sure I always have the latest Windows 7 in-OS driver?', it will tell you how to manually check.

You may also find this document helpful:  How to Get Your Printer Working with Windows 7

[Skunked]

Tara,

Thanks for responding.

I believe I did get the driver message.  Also, I have been to your referenced documents but they did not help.  

Chuck

[TaraC]

Ok, thanks for giving that a try.

Next I would suggest trying this patch.  A lot of people with Windows 7 (64 bit only!!!) and older products seem to have a lot of success with it.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-All-in-One-Software-Drivers/Deskjet-710-720-810-820-1000-Series...

Let me know how that turns out....

[Skunked · Accepted solution]

Tara,

EUREKA!  At the risk of celebrating too soon, it appears that I am able to print with my new computer (HP).  Fixed after spending nearly endless hours trying to get my printer to work in spite of many internet messages saying that it couldn't be done and others giving solutions that didn't work.

Why O' why was the solution apparently a hidden secret and why  didn't the tools work? 

Anyway, thanks so much.  With all the problems I'm having migrating to Windows 7, this is a very important accomplishment.  Thank You, Thank You.

Chuck 

[TaraC]

Hooray hooray hooray!  So many times we never hear back what happens and it just makes my day to know when something works!  

I will investigate why hp doesn't make this solution easier to find.  Thanks again for your response!

[Skunked]

Tara,

I sure hope you're still around.  I have now installed Win 10 and my printer no longer works again.  Would you know if those files work in Win 10?  My gut tells me that they might work but I'm not sure where they should go.  Any help would, again, be greatly appreciated.  My old printer has been chugging along just fine until Win 10.

Chuck