This is a basic computer question...
 

I have recently bought an HP Pavilion laptop. It has Windows 8.1 installed. I have an older HP Photosmart C4580 printer and used it with Windows Vista in my old Toshiba.
The new comp wont recognize the old printer even with an HP password sent to my email. Is it mission impossible or what? Compatibility issues? Thanks in advance. G:)

Windows 8 compatibility issue with older printers:

HP Photosmart C4580 All in One doesn't print with Windows 8 ... - HP Support Forum - 2482109

Windows 8 and printer compatibility - Microsoft Community

Usually caused by manufacturers not updating drivers or just not supporting older hardware for new operating systems.

If the printer worked for Vista and now is unrecognized on 8, it's most likely a driver issue.

I've got an HP Pavilion computer running W8.1 and an HP C7280 All-in-One that works so check around. The driver might be out there for your printer.
Mine is hard wired btw and I don't recall having to download a driver for it.

Try installing the driver in compatibility mode for vista

Well it's a brand new world buying a new computer...
 

I ended up buying an HP Pavilion 14 inch screen. I am very impressed with the way it performs and it has more memory than what I had before so speed is quicker.

However there is no microsoft word installed so I have trouble installing it. I used to buy a computer with it installed already. Not anymore- you have to buy it. My daughter bought it for me(Office 365) and you buy it and it lasts 4 years and it can be applied to two different users. I ph. the tech support for Microsoft and the tech rep is in Costa Rica remotely loading and unloading what is required. It is fascinating to watch the cursor scurry around doing things and I am on the speaker phone monitoring this gal's activities. Anyway that is done.

Thanks also to Aragorn and others that I have my old HP 4500 series printer up and running.
I hate to throw out technology that still works.
Cheers, Guy:)

I had this same problem. the HP650C printer I bought new in 1995 is not supported for W8.1.
I checked the interwebs, no luck finding anything that can drive this thing nowadays.
Gonna hafta go buy a new one I 'spose.


Oh well, I got my money's worth out of it.

Go to HPs and download the drivers. If no joy, buy another printer.....

If you are going to get a new printer, I would highly recommend a Brother laser printer that is 8/8.1 compatable. I have two in my office and the cost to print is way less than a regular inkjet printer. Do a little searching and you can find a mono model (2230) under $120 and a replacment toner on amazon for under $10. Drums can be found for under $20 on amazon also. Color comes in at around $250 for the printer and replacement toner for around $120 from amazon (around 1400 color pages.)