c3180 losing programming

Hi group,

Have new HP comp w/vista. Also have new printer/copier/scanner model C3180.
It came w/software that was good only up to XP, so had to download 258MB
worth of drivers to run it. Works OK, except that it occasionally seems to
lose its contact w/the computer, and software has to be reinstalled, which
Windows does automatically when comp it rebooted, but it's a pain. I tend to
keep the printer turned off except when I need it. Should it be left on all
the time? Would this have anything to do w/it losing its programming?

Thanx,
Chet