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- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 109 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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24 out of 25 people found this review helpful
0.5 stars
"Problems with Vista/installation"
Pros: fast, cheap, small, duplexing - but doesn't work!
Cons: Problems installing on Vista, Scan button not functional
Summary: After several hours on the phone with HP over the last three weeks, I have decided to return this printer. The reps could not get it installed properly on my Vista-equipped XPS. Actually, that's not entirely true ? currently, it is installed correctly, but Vista is so shot that I have such bad error messages that I need to reinstall Vista. This is a brand new laptop and I am furious with the reps for wreaking havoc on it. Through remote access they changed settings, changed permissions, changed the registry, and basically messed up my laptop so badly that it doesn't function at all now except to print. If I had more than 21 days to return, I would try to install the printer again after I reinstall Vista, but my time is up, and I'm not going to take that risk since it took us 6 installs to get to this point.
I suspect that HP's drivers are not fully compatible with Vista yet, which is really a shame. In fact, one rep even told me that "7 out of 10 times we will not be able to install."
I found most of HP's reps to be incompetent ? e.g. asking me to download wireless internet software when I don't even have wireless internet ? and I won't ever allow them remote access to my pc again.
Also ? the "Scan" button on the actual device is not functional on my printer. I suspect this is Vista related (too many details to explain here). The reps told me to "ignore" this and that button "is not supposed to work." What?! Minor annoyance but add it to the list.
Also ? the automatic ink level sensors don't work on my printer either. The reps also told me to "just ignore" this and to replace the ink when the pages start to fade. I don't really care about this feature but it's an indication of a bigger problem, in my opinion.
If you are buying this printer for a Vista pc, I suggest you immediately install the software and run several tests over several restarts (some of the error messages were coming up after successful installs; that is, a few days after a successful install, suddenly it would be asking me to insert the disk).Updated
I am learning that this printer is not "Certified for Vista," which is a designation by Microsoft given to devices after they pass a rigorous test of compatibility. Other HP printers do have this designation but not this one. Something to keep in mind for buying a printer for a Vista system.
- 9 replies to this review
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I've had the exact SAME things happen to me...tech support almost CRASHED my computer. I just got my return label in the mail today...my J6480 is heading back to HP after 4 mos.of heck.
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Many of us use Vista because we bought a new computer after Vista was released and Gates' Trust will not allow Windows machines to be sold with anything other than the latest gobbledygook put out from Palo Alto. It is not by choice I am stuck with Vista and I will never be again stuck with a Windows machine as my next computer purchase will be a Mac. Don't blame me because Gates has a near monopoly on operating systems. It's not my fault. Talk to George II about why he dismissed the anti-trust suit which the Government had won.
Respects. -
I just installed this printer on my wife's computer. She has Vista. The install went fine. After reading this review, I tried a scan by pressing the scan button. It went to my wife's computer just fine. No problems. I still have to set it up for my computer.
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That's your fault for getting vista...
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Also has problems with Windows 2000. Guess what? Scan To button doesn't work there either? HP Scanning Essentials/HP solution Center software would not even install. HP"s tech support says the problem is my computer? Unacceptable if HP is going to say on the box Compatible with Windows 98,ME,2000,XP,Vista.
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Com'on guys? Is it really that bad? I just placed the order ($99 Newegg.com) and yes I have Vista.
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Having pop up errors on my Vista PC also. My other XP machine loaded and works perfectly. Vista on the other hand, wirless works but scanning gets hung up on the PC side not the Printer side; "HP Cue Scanning Flow Component Has Stopped Working" the pop up says. Once again for HP- good hardware and crappy software. That goes for computers and printers. Vista has been around for how long now...and the the two of them (HP & MS) can't get their act together?! It's a brand new printer for crying out loud! If you have Vista, save the box the printer came in...you're going to need it for the return.
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Mac.
I have used Windows since Ver. 2.0. Granted it has improved. I just bought a MacBook Pro. I use Vista @ my office and Mac everywhere else. It is only now that I see the glaring deficiencies of the Windows paradigm.
All quirks aside (which any OS has), Mac is far superior with getting things done while avoiding farting around with tech'y issues.
Vista is a klodged together mess. And after so many versions even. -
Why anyone uses Vista is beyond me. Its just another form of windows ME.
Try going into the printers network settings and make sure that the IP address is the same as what your actual IP is.
click on your settings button on the printer, scroll over to network settings,hit ok, scroll till you see print network settings, hit ok. This will print out all of the settings for your printer.
Now go to the start button on your computer, click on run. Type in ping and leave a space, enter the IP from the page you printed, hit enter. If it says it times out your computer is trying to find the printer by the wrong IP number.
Go to start / run / and type in ipconfig. Make a note of your IP settings and your gateway settings.
Now go back and hit the settings button on your printer, scroll over until you see network settings, hit ok, scroll until you see IP settings, hit ok, change it from automatic to manual, hit ok, now change the IP number that is shown to the one from your IPconfig notes. Hit ok
Now go back to start/run and type in cmd once the DOS window opens type in ping, leave a space and type in the numbers from your IP and see if you get a ping response. If it times out, then you still have a problem, call tech support back and tell them what I had you do, they should then be on the right track to help you fix your problem.
Where to buy
HP Officejet J6480:
$174.00 - $239.00
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$239.00 | Yes |
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$174.00 | Yes |
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$174.26 | Yes |
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