Some of Ferraro's questions and answers:
Question: "Just wandering if anybody is having problem. I am trying to use the UPD 3.1 in Vista for HP LJ 4100 and 4050. (Have not tried anything else yet) Whenever I try to open the printer properties, it crashes Windows Explorer! I am able to open the printing preferences without a problem. Does anybody knows if this is a problem with the driver or my installation of Vista? FYI. I am using Vista Ent. Thanks. GT."
His answer: "This is a known issue and we're working with Microsoft on a fix."
Question: "Has a driver been created to allow scanning as well? I have been able to print, but not scan on my HP LaserJet 3390. Any suggestions to solve this problem?"
His answer: "The HP Universal Print Driver is a printing solution. Scan drivers for the LaserJet 3390 shipped with the Vista operating system and provide basic scan functionality. A full scanning software solution will be available later this spring."
Question: "I do not see the HP 7410 printer on the list of printers supported by the new driver. The driver loaded by Vista for this printer provides only rudimentary functions, defective duplexing, and no support for fax or scanning that I can determine. I cannot understand why you do not have an appropriate driver since Vista has been available since 11/06."
His answer: "I'm sorry, but the HP Universial Print Driver does not currently support PCL 3 devices, such as the HP 7410."
Finally, Ferraro adds:
I know you're struggling with ramifications of adopting Windows Vista and hope I've answered your questions relative to HP LaserJet printers. Please feel free to comment back on your experiences in solving these problems for your LaserJet devices. . .
And those aren't the only questions that have sprouted regarding HP printers in a Vista environment.
And HP isn't the only vendor that has systems in the market where Vista compatibility issues have come up.