Any hope for HP software?!

[cubby1223]

Recently helped two different companies install a new LaserJet 3390, and HP's software just seems to be getting worse and worse. I knew it was bad, but you'd think it'd just improve over time? They've replaced their digital imaging monitor software to what's now called Toolbox FX. On two distinctly different computers, between the toolbox program, spoolsv.exe, and wmiprvse.exe, the cpu was constantly at 100% usage, until I ended the toolbox process. And on another computer, with the toolbox software running, Quickbooks was being affected, erroring out whenever trying to enter payments. So who knows what other programs that software will screw up...

Is there any hope? HP makes the best printers, IMO, but does anyone over there have any clue how to write proper software?

 

[kduncan5]

What good are their printers if their software is crap. Lexmark is worse. I won't use either one because of the software. Wish they'd hire people who knew how to create bug-free software for the hardware they foist on everyone. -kd5-

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: kduncan5
What good are their printers if their software is crap. Lexmark is worse. I won't use either one because of the software. Wish they'd hire people who knew how to create bug-free software for the hardware they foist on everyone. -kd5-

Their printers are still good because they work with just the drivers, and not the additional software programs loading at startup. But the software is forced on the user during installation, and trying to explain the whole issue of HP's bad software can be tough for some people to accept - there's always some part of them that thinks I'm the one who's nutty blaming others for why the computer doesn't work properly...

 

[xgsound]

I've never expected "peripheral" software to be functional. Whenever possible, I don't install it. When that isn't possible, I uninstall as soon as possible. They have enough trouble keeping thier drivers working when there are OS and program updates.


Jim

 

[RebateMonger]

I don't buy HP printers anymore because of HP's history of not providing software for new Windows operating systems. HP abandoned several nearly-new HP printers/scanners/faxes when XP came out, never updating their software from the Win98 versions.

 

[imported_nocturne]

epson has the best drivers IMHO, but their scheme to rig their printers to tell you to replace the ink early lost my confidence in them (robbed me out of a few hundred bucks I'm sure...).

 

[eplebnista]

I still like, buy, and recommend HP printers. I have never run into any problems with their drivers or software(98 or XP).

 

[oynaz]

Yes, both HP and Lexmark have serious software problems. A use Canon as much as possible, simply because the software is relatively bug-free.

 

[alent1234]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
I don't buy HP printers anymore because of HP's history of not providing software for new Windows operating systems. HP abandoned several nearly-new HP printers/scanners/faxes when XP came out, never updating their software from the Win98 versions.

aren't the drivers compatible? i know XP has a new driver model but i think if you use older drivers it's OK