Windows 7 printing problem

Hi - I am new and this is my first post and I am not very tech knowledgeable, so please excuse my ignorance. I bought a new computer loaded with Win 7 Pro (32 bit). I installed all of my programs and everything worked fine, until I tried to set up my HP printer - which both Win 7 & HP say is Win 7 compatible (though it is an older printer). Windows Update found the printer, downloaded the driver and set it as my default printer with a big green arrow saying "Ready." When I try to print something (no matter the source) I get a pop up that indicates the document is being sent to the printer, then nothing happens, as if it just times out before the printer ever receives the signal (no flashing lights on printer - nothing). Then I check the printer queue and it is in there with an error. I delete the job and then check the printer in the control panel - and it has a big yellow ! - so I run troubleshooting and it says that it couldn't print because another job is in the printer queue.

I have tried all the suggestions for stopping the printer spooler and clearing the queue and restarting the spooler - and then everything appears to be OK again ready to print, (I get the big green arrow ready sign on printer icon again) - but then the same thing happens again. I have even tried another HP printer and all is the same. I have installed both printers, removed both printers, restored the machine back to arrival time, started everything all over, run MS's Mr. Fix It program for printer problems, done everything I can find with batch files, etc., all to no avail. I desperately need a printer that works. My internet searches indicate that many others out there have had the same problem with Win 7 and printers, but I never find the right answer.

Can anyone here help me? Is it something in the registry"? Is it the printer drivers even though HP says they are supported for Win 7? Is there some software that will fix it. I see some companies offering printer spooler fix-it software for about $40, but I presume it is something simple and I do not want to spend $40 and get ripped off or it not even work. I am willing to buy a new printer, if that would do it, but what's the point if something is corrupted in the Win 7 registry? Thanks much for any advice I can get. Very Frustrated.

 

What models are the two HP printers? Have you visited HP's website and searched for a driver? That might work better than letting Windows find the driver.

I have had no problem with my Brother MFC-790CW printer with Windows 7.

 

Just a thought but have you checked that the print to file window is not checked?

 

usafveteran - Thanks. I have given up and just ordered a new Brother laser printer that is supposed to come with Windows 7 ready disk. Hope that works. I restored my computer to a time prior to the installation of the HP printer to clear everything out for a clean installation. I hope! We shall see after it arrives. Since your Brother loaded with no problems, that gives me hope.

BeezNeez - No, the print to file box is not checked. I've finally just concluded that even though HP says it has provided drivers that will work, that is just not the case for some reason. I hope the new Brother does the trick.

Thanks to you both for responding.

 

I'm a little surprised that your new computer came with Windows 7 32 bit. Could it really be 64 bit and your trying to load 32 bit drivers????

I would imagine that 32 bit Vista drivers would work with 32 bit Windows 7.