XP and HP printer problem

[HistoryFan]

Hello. I've got a problem getting my printer to work properly with
Windows XP Home Edition. I mentioned this in a printer NG, but the replies
I got didn't solve anything. So, before getting a new printer, I thought
I'd try here. Here are the details:

New Dell computer (2400 Dimension) with Windows XP Home Edition
preinstalled. I have hooked it up to my old HP 712C DeskJet printer, which
uses the parallel port. XP immediately recognized the printer upon plugging
it in, and installed the correct driver. I even ran a diagnostic test at
HP's website that verified I had the latest driver. However, print quality
is very bad. Lines and images are blurry and mashed together. Didn't have
this trouble when using the printer with my old Windows 98 computer, so it
must be an XP issue.

I ran the maintenance programs that come with this printer (cleaning
and aligning the print cartridges), but that didn't help. I've deleted and
reinstalled the driver 3 times. Didn't help. I tried using a driver for
the 710C printer. Didn't help. I unplugged the printer and plugged it back
in. Didn't help. All of the printer settings appear to be correct.
According to searches at google.com, other 712C users can use this printer
with Windows XP with no trouble.

So, anyone have any ideas how to fix this short of getting a new
printer? I'm already in debt up to my ears after buying this computer.

 

[HistoryFan]

I forgot to mention this in my previous post, but my printer was sharing
a parallel port with an old flatbed scanner. This scanner's software/and or
driver was causing the trouble with the poor print quality. I unplugged the
scanner, and plugged the printer directly into the computer. Print jobs
look normal. Now I need to get a new scanner, the USB version. Oh well.
At least they're cheaper than printers.

 

[Mike Hall]

it is possible that you have problems with the printer cartridges.. change
them for new ones..

 

[herbzee]

it is possible that you have problems with the printer cartridges.. change
them for new ones..

Just had a similar problem re-installing ny HP 722C on XP. Did ALL of
the above that u did, to no avail. Instead of using the CD,
let the wizard go out on the web and find the latest driver for XP.
For further explanation of what happened: when I use the CD on Win98, it
installs it as HP 720C-which is what is on the CD as Win 98SE doesn't
show a 722C.

When it goes out on the web in Win XP, it finds it as 722C. In the event
that ur CD installs something other model no., make sure that the one
found out on the web is the default printer. Hope it helps.
Cheers-Herb.