HP 7960: Installation problems

Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (More info?)

I recently purchased (June 7, 2004), a HP Photosmart printer 7960, for
use with my Windows 2000 Professional desktop. The computer has 512MB
of RAM, multiple USB ports (including two on the motherboard
directly), and lots of hard drive space. The processor is a Pentium 4
2GHz. There are two other HP printers connected to the system; a
Laserjet 4050N connected through a Network Hub; and a DeskJet 895Cxi
connected via a parallel port.

Using the manual, I attempted to install the printer the day after I
purchased it. The installation proceeded normally (I loaded all of
the ink cartridges as instructed) until it was time to plug in the USB
cable. The installation froze at that point, and I have not been able
to get the installation past that point since.

I have tried numerous "fixes". I have obtained the updated driver
(newer than the one on the CD that came with the printer),
de-installed the CD driver and used the updated driver. I have tried
disconnecting all of the other USB devices (an HP 5500c scanner, a
Palm cradle, an Olympus Camedia card reader, and a MIDI interface);
installing the printer cable into only one of the USB ports which is
directly on the motherboard (the other ports are in a 4-port card
which is installed in the computer); and the same result occurs (the
installation process freezes).

I have spent 3 hours on the phone with an HP technician (including his
supervisor) to no avail. The technician from CompUSA came out today
and tried to install the printer, this with the identical results.
Finally, as recommended on your Website, I printed a test pace from
the printer (to check for a valid serial number), and the serial
number which I received in the printout was: CN39532160EV with an
"FV Revision" of GR63139C; a Service ID of: 08218; a "Last System
Code" of FFFFFFFF and a "Mfg 0-2" of 004F00000000.

Has anyone else had this problem? The last techie talked about
problems in the Registry, but, if this were the case, why do I have
this problem only with this device. All of the other USB devices work
well. I really like the features of this printer; but if I can't get
it installed, it is just an expensive paperweight.

I have a message into HP, but perhaps someone here knows the cause and
treatment of this problem.


Best,

Bob

Robert A. Fink, M. D., FACS, P. C.
Neurological Surgery
2500 Milvia Street Suite 222
Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA
510-849-2555

"Ex Tristitia Virtus"