Win ME upgrade to WinXP problems...any help please

[lavagirl669]

I recently upgraded my Mom's computer's OS from Win ME to WinXPPro.
They have a Dell Dimension 8100 that came with Win ME installed.

Installation went fine, no problems and system rebooted perfect.

Programs were reinstalled, but note that many of there software is older versions.

Now experiencing problems with certain programs showing error msgs and incompatibility type
issues.

Also, tried to reinstall HP Designjet 430 D/A1
Printer lights up, all connections are made correctly but printer will NOT work!
Tried uninstalling and reinstalling Printer Drivers.
Printer properties, checked port settings and all looked ok (LPT1) and tried a test page but nothing.
tried to do a command prompt to test print and nothing
tried changing Cable IEEE 1284 - Nothing
Tried reverse hook up - Drivers first, then printer connection made After rebooting - Nothing
Even called HP and they pretty much advised the same troubleshooting steps.

First off, why are some of the Programs not working? They might open up but then error msgs are displayed.
Could this be due to incompatibility issues with WinXP?

2nd, what can I do about that Printer?? That is a big bucks printer and Step Dad is not too happy.

I tried everything I could think of, and nada's....

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Lavagirl

 

[buleyb]

Best advice I have for you is to backup her data, and do a clean install of XP Pro on the system. Upgrades are risky, because you'll never easily be able to track down the culprit...

Best of luck!

 

[jdogg707]

Ya, try and not upgrade, it will lead to more possible problems that it is worth. As buleyb said, backup your data and do a fresh clean install, it will save you a lot of headache! Just make sure you have drivers that are XP compliant, because if you don't you may run into some problems. Also make sure your programs are up to date and will run in Windowx XP, try looking for a patch on the manufacturer's website. If that doesn't work, you can try running the App in compatibility mode (Right Click on App, Select Compatibility Tab, Check to Run in: Choose OS from drop down menu). Good Luck!

 

[caz67]

Ya, try and not upgrade, it will lead to more possible problems that it is worth. As buleyb said, backup your data and do a fresh clean install, it will save you a lot of headache! Just make sure you have drivers that are XP compliant, because if you don't you may run into some problems. Also make sure your programs are up to date and will run in Windowx XP, try looking for a patch on the manufacturer's website. If that doesn't work, you can try running the App in compatibility mode (Right Click on App, Select Compatibility Tab, Check to Run in: Choose OS from drop down menu). Good Luck!

as above

 

[InlineFive]

Ya, try and not upgrade, it will lead to more possible problems that it is worth. As buleyb said, backup your data and do a fresh clean install, it will save you a lot of headache! Just make sure you have drivers that are XP compliant, because if you don't you may run into some problems. Also make sure your programs are up to date and will run in Windowx XP, try looking for a patch on the manufacturer's website. If that doesn't work, you can try running the App in compatibility mode (Right Click on App, Select Compatibility Tab, Check to Run in: Choose OS from drop down menu). Good Luck!

as above

as above

 

[LTC8K6]

I'd start looking for XP drivers for the stuff that doesn't work, in addition to as above.

You can also tell XP to run the programs in Windows98 compatibility mode.

 

[imported_Phil]

Ditto that- most problems are due to lack of driver support for certain key hardware items when upgrading.

Here's a link to the drivers for that printer.

 

[lavagirl669]

Thanks guys,

I will try that...

Any suggestions on the HP430 issue?

That is the BIG problem right now too....

Lavagirl

 

[LTC8K6]

If you are using the latest XP drivers for the printer, then perhaps you need to check your LPT1 settings in the BIOS? Maybe it has defaulted to a standard printer port and it needs to be set to ECP or EPP. Look under device manager and see if it says it's an ECP printer port.

 

[imported_Phil]

lavagirl669: did you install the drivers I posted a link to?

 

[Brian48]

I recommend you run the latest service pack as well. You may need the more updated driver cache that come with it.

 

[LTC8K6]

You can also use the windows update tool to get some of what you will need.

 

[lavagirl669]

sorry...hit that send button one time too many!

 

[lavagirl669]

I tried that link Dopefiend but it gave me a page not found.

I will try those other suggestions too guys, thanks.

Latest service pack was installed, but I will try the Windows update again just in case.

I will also definitely check out the BIOS settings for the Printer.

Appreciate all the help and any other thoughts you guys have....you guys are the bomb!!



Lavagirl

 

[imported_Phil]

Odd, works okay for me; try this link

You want the bottom Download line, not the CD-ROM order links.

 

[lavagirl669]

thanks Dopefiend

That link works...that is the link I went to previously to get the updated Drivers.
But still could not get printer to print.
hmmm.....

 

[imported_Phil]

Have you installed the latest chipset drivers for the board?

If you need help identifying the board & drivers, reply back and I'll see what I can do.

 

[lavagirl669]

Hi Dopefiend,

Sure if you could find those board & Driver links that would be great.

I did check Dell on their Dimension 8100 page, but could not find driver updates for
the board.

I suspect that may not be the problem, but it's worth a try.

 

[lavagirl669]

Hi Dopefiend,

Cancel that....got the HP working. Thanks for the offer to look that up though!

Thank you LTC8K6
You were right, it was the BIOS setting. It was on ECP but I changed it to EPP and
the HP worked!

Much Mahalos as we say in Hawaii....you guys are the best!