Hi Folks,

When Vista won't run peripherals

Question.  I recently bought a computer with Windows Vista installed. To my dismay, I found Vista will not run my Hewlett-Packard HP 3600n printer. No driver will be available until later this year. HP says to use the XP driver, but it will not install in Vista. My wife's XP laptop can access the printer, so I have a (painful) workaround. Here's my point: People who want to use Vista should be sure their peripherals will still run.

Answer.  I'm hearing plenty of stories like this. Drivers are programs that tell Windows how to run a peripheral. It is up to the peripheral manufacturer to develop drivers. In some cases, they are way behind.

This was an even bigger problem when Windows XP debuted. XP was a radical departure from the previous DOS-based Windows versions. Lots of things wouldn't run. Manufacturers eventually caught up. But they would probably prefer that you buy a new peripheral.

In this case, the printer is a Color LaserJet. It goes for $550. I wouldn't want to replace it, either!

On its site, Hewlett-Packard shows the 3600n as compatible with Windows Vista. I also received a pop-up, offering help from an HP representative. Have you actually talked with someone from HP? They might be able to step you through the driver-installation process.

If not, grit your teeth and have your wife do your printing. I would wait this out, rather than replace such an expensive printer.

Canned Air

I'm sure you've all heard us talk about canned air before in some of our tips. We use it here quite often and I'm willing to bet that a lot of you use it too. But, for those who don't know, what is canned air? Well, it's basically air that is sold in a pressurized can that is used to clean out dust, dirt and any other grime that may exist in hard to reach places. It's mostly used on sensitive electronic devices, including the insides of computers and between keyboard keys.

Canned air comes with a long nozzle that shoots out a blast of air, which blows out all of the debris found in tight areas. A good rule of thumb is to use canned air whenever you have a spot to clean that a vacuum or a piece of cloth cannot reach. Now, the air used for canned air is not the same as the air we all breathe. The mixture is often made up of nitrogen and other harmless gases. It is also known to be ozone safe, which is always good.

Now, even though canned air is safe to use on your computer, etc., you do need to pay attention to the kind you buy. A wonderful WorldStart reader informed me that there are two types of canned air: flammable and non-flammable. The can will clearly say whether it's flammable or not, so make sure you read the label closely. If a certain propellant in the canned air mixes with a high voltage from your computer, it could cause flames. So, even if you think air is non-flammable, don't be so sure. Read the label and just be as careful as possible when working with canned air. It's better to be safe than sorry. At least that's what I always say!

Q:
Do you have any new information on the whole Vista and iTunes compatibility issue? You said you would keep us updated, but I haven't heard anything else about it lately. Just curious!

A:
You're absolutely right! I did tell you awhile back that I would keep you all informed about the Vista and iTunes situation. And well, I'm not one to break a promise, so that's what I'm going to do for you today. I do have to apologize though, because this information may be a little outdated. After I wrote the first tip, I kept checking back, but nothing new came. So, I concentrated on other tips in the meantime and it wasn't until I received this question that I went back to it and low and behold, there's some new info! Let's take a look, shall we? I know several of you have been anxious to find out what's going on!

First of all, the first part of this has to do with another tip I wrote a few weeks ago. Apple released a new version of the iTunes software called iTunes 7.1.1. This version was created to deal with a lot of the compatibility issues that came about between iTunes and the new Windows Vista operating system. iTunes 7.1.1 can be used with other operating systems as well, but it's mostly recommended for Vista.

The 7.1.1 version addresses several of the issues that the earlier versions of iTunes had with Vista. Now, while most of the problems have been ironed out, there are still a few that remain. This usually happens with just about any new program though, so don't panic too much. At least you now know which version of iTunes you should be using. Also, Apple is still working with Microsoft to fix the additional problems, but until that's all figured out, you can still use iTunes 7.1.1 with assurance!

In case you're wondering what some of the remaining issues with Vista are, they include:

• If you use the Safely Remove Hardware icon to eject your iPod, you may corrupt your iPod player. Microsoft is now working on a fix for this, but until then, Apple suggests that you always eject your iPod by going to the Controls menu within iTunes and selecting the Eject iPod choice. That way, you know you won't be harming your iPod in the process.
• In Windows Vista, you may see some odd text or graphics on your iTunes screen. Microsoft is still trying to get all of those panned out as well, but if you go ahead and resize the iTunes window you're working in, the problem should correct itself.
• For some reason, the Contact Groups from the Windows Vista Contacts feature will not sync right with any iPods yet. Until this issue is corrected, you just won't be able to use that.
• If you have a 64 bit edition of Windows, iTunes will not work. iTunes is still unsupported with those editions, which include Windows Vista and even XP x64.

Now, if you haven't upgraded to Windows Vista yet, but you're getting ready to soon, there are a few things you may want to do to prepare yourself. If you follow the steps below, you will have an easier time syncing your iPod or playing your songs in iTunes once you are upgraded.

1.) First, you'll need to deauthorize all your iTunes store accounts. To do so, open iTunes and from the Store menu, go to Deauthorize Computer. Choose the Deauthorize Computer for Apple Account option and then enter in your Apple ID and password. You can read here for more information on getting this done.

2.) When you have that finished, go ahead and do a fresh install of Windows Vista. If you already have Vista on your computer, it's recommended that you do a clean install, but it's not required.

3.) Next, you'll want to download the iTunes 7.1.1 version. You can do that from this link.

4.) After all that's done, open iTunes.

5.) Go to the Store menu and then choose the Authorize Computer option. This will get you set back up and you'll finally be ready to use iTunes with Vista.

So, even though there are a few things still hanging up Vista and iTunes, most of the problems have been worked out. At least now you can trust iTunes enough to use it with your new operating system. That means no more waiting! You can enjoy your music once again, without any of the extra hassle!

~ Erin

Now You Pretend

Although this married couple enjoyed their new fishing boat together, it was the husband who was behind the wheel operating the boat. He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency.

So, one day out on the lake, he said to his wife, "Please take the wheel, dear. Pretend that I am having a heart attack. You must get the boat safely to shore and dock it."

So, she drove the boat to shore.

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