How to Get an HP Photosmart 7350 to Work on Windows Vista

Unplug the printer before changing the driver settings.

HP Photosmart 7350 printers were originally produced for use with the Windows XP operating system. If you have a computer that is running Windows Vista, your HP Photosmart 7350 printer may not work properly because the outdated Windows XP drivers are not compatible with Vista. Luckily, Windows Vista contains a pre-installed HP driver that will let you use basic functions on your HP Photosmart 7350 printer.

Instructions

1. Unplug the USB cable connecting your printer to the computer.

2. Click on the Windows "Start Menu." Click on the "Control Panel." The Windows Vista Control Panel will pop open in a new window.

3. Click on "View Devices and Printers" under the "Hardware and Sound" heading.

4. Click "Add a Printer" from the list of options in the top left-hand corner of the screen. A new dialogue box will appear on-screen.

5. Click "Add Local Printer."

6. Click to select "Use an Existing Port," highlighting the first available printer port on the list. The first port is usually labeled "LPT1."

7. Select "HP" under the "Manufacturer" heading.

8. Select "Deskjet 5550" under the "Printers" heading. Even though you are using the Photosmart 7350 model, the old Photosmart 7350 drivers are not Vista-compatible. According to HP, the Deskjet 5550 driver will work with your HP Photosmart 7350 printer.

9. Click "Next" and enter "HP Photosmart 7350" in the "Printer Name" box. You could also call the printer "Home Printer," "HP Printer" or any other alternate name.

10. Click "Next." This will take you to the "New Hardware Found" dialogue box.

11. Click "Cancel" to return to the "Devices and Printers" window.

12. Right-click on your printer's name--"HP Photosmart 7350," or any custom name that you alternately assigned to the printer.

13. Click the "Properties" option.

14. Click on the "Ports" tab at the top of the screen.

15. Click on the drop-down menu to change the port to "DOT4."

16. Click "Apply," then close all open windows. With this final change to your printer's settings, your HP Photosmart 7350 should be able function with your Windows Vista computer.

17. Plug the printer's USB cable back into your computer to begin using your printer.

References

• HP: Installing and Configuring an Alternate Driver in Windows Vista