Computer help... New laptop, old printer.

igordog · 03-05-2008, 06:09 PM

Hey y'all. I just got a new Gateway laptop (with Windows Vista) and I've got a Lexmark x1185 printer that's a few years old. The problem is that the disc that came with the printer isn't compatible with Windows Vista, and the download that I got from the Lexmark site isn't working (and it took 3 1/2 hours to download.)
Does anyone know of a better way to do this, or a better place to get the driver download from? Keep in mind that I'm a computer newbie.
Also, there's a small symbol in my tool tray that says "windows is downloading updates (27% complete)"... The number keeps slowly getting higher, but I have no idea what it's updating. When I put the cursor on it or click on it, it does nothing. Any Ideas?
Thank you for any help any of of you may offer.

marioh · 03-05-2008, 06:18 PM

I would assume that since it's an older printer, Vista should have the driver for it in it's driver database. Plug the printer in, and see what happens. Windows may just install the drivers automatically.

The updates are Windows updates. Something you should allow to happen, and then install when it's done.

HTH

markulous · 03-05-2008, 06:20 PM

Well the windows update thing is updates that you are downloading from microsoft.com. A lot of times it's just security updates. I turned mine off and I just check manually every few weeks.

As for the drivers, I'm not sure. My first thought would of been to go to the website, but you said they don't work? Does it say the drivers are made for vista on the site? If they do there shouldn't be any reason that they don't work. I'd maybe contact them through email or over the phone and explain your problem.

Keej613 · 03-05-2008, 06:38 PM

If the native Windows drivers don't work and the most recent drivers for Vista from Lexmark's website don't work, you might just be shit outta luck. Make sure you DLed drivers for Vista from Lexmark. If they don't work, you might be effed. (This may sound silly but do make sure that you've not only DLed the drivers but also INSTALLED them.)

As for the "Windows is downloading updates" thang, here's a simplified explanation: Microsoft has made many revisions to Windows Vista since it was installed on computer (either at Gateway's factory or when you installed Vista from a disc). When Windows downloads updates, it's like it's DLing and installing all the latest updates, revisions, patches, tweaks, service packs (etc) that Microsoft has released since your version of Windows has been installed.

Windows will do this periodically. It's a good thing.

igordog · 03-06-2008, 06:01 AM

thanks so far guys. I'm pretty sure I've done everything right, but I'm gonna try it again.

kartaron · 03-06-2008, 09:01 AM

Vista's security protocols disabled a number of Scanner/printer drivers. Microsoft isnt interested in providing a solution right now and isnt encouraging manufacturers to write new drivers. Good luck.

Aragonian · 03-06-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

and the download that I got from the Lexmark site isn't working (and it took 3 1/2 hours to download.)

you don't need a file that big. those 100 + megabyte files for download are a part of a package (mostly software). just download the barebone driver zip file.

quick5pnt0cobra · 03-06-2008, 01:15 PM

Do you know if your computer has a 64 bit processor or not? The reason I ask is because Lexmark has both a 32 bit and 64 bit download available for that printer. You may have downloaded the wrong one.

http://downloads.lexmark.com/cgi-per...29:1:0:435:0:0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragonian

you don't need a file that big. those 100 + megabyte files for download are a part of a package (mostly software). just download the barebone driver zip file.

Lexmark only has full software downloads for this printer, not just drivers. The file size is only 32-51MB so he is likely on 56K which is why it takes so long to download.

stu3ufc · 03-06-2008, 04:02 PM

lol at u buying vista --where nothing is compatable

igordog · 03-07-2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stu3ufc

lol at u buying vista --where nothing is compatable

Thanks a lot. That's very kind of you. It goes right along with the sense of brotherhood that we all share here.
I got some online help and was told that my problem was that I downloaded the file over a dial up connection, and anyone who does it that way is going to have the same problem.
It would've been nice if I'd have known any of this shit before I bought the computer.