Family Tree Maker and Vista

[SallyF]

Has anyone come across this problem before?

Since having my new computer (with Vista installed automatically) I can still use my Family Tree 2006 and another older family tree program, simply called Family Tree 4, but when I try to print out anything, I get just the text of my tree, but no boxes or lines connecting them.

Both the boxes and lines show on the screen and on print preview, just not on the paper after printing - very annoying!

Any/all help gratefully received 

Sally

[Bill749]

Hi Sally

FTM 2006 needs a free download patch to work properly under Vista.  Go to the FTM website to download and install.  I'm using it and it seems to work OK.

Bill

[SallyF]

Thanks, Bill,

I've taken your advice, downloaded the patch, seems ok, but the boxes and lines still don't print.

I'm starting to think it has something to do with my printer drivers instead.

Where's my tech support (aka husband) when I need him??    

Sally

[RJ_Paton]

Which printer are you using ?

[SallyF]

Hi Falkyrn,

I've got a Hewlett Packard hp photosmart 7960

Sally

[RJ_Paton]

That I'm afraid is the culprit ..... although HP released a driver to allow its use in Vista they did report

this is not a fully functioning vista driver and some functionality may be lost

They are reportedly working on new drivers which should be released some time this month although from past experience I wouldn't hold your breath.

If you haven't already done so then it might be worth trying the driver which is on their download section for your printer
HP Photosmart Vista driver it's 20.3 Mb

[SallyF]

Ok, done that............ still not working.

I guess I fit into the "some functionality may be lost" category! 

Oh, well, I'll keep a look out for these promised new drivers and see what happens.  I've also left a question on their site, maybe they'll get back to me with good news.......(maybe I'll also win the lottery this weekend.... )

Many thanks for your help,

Sally

[SallyF]

Hello again,

Got my reply from HP........not good news, I'm afraid.

Thank you for contacting HP Total care.

I understand from your E-mail that you are experiencing a print quality issue while trying to print from the HP Photosmart 7960 Photo Printer from your computer running on Windows Vista operating system as it does not prints boxes and lines.

I greatly appreciate that you have forwarded us your concerns and have given us an opportunity to assist you. I further appreciate your efforts to troubleshoot the issue.

Sally, I would like to share this information with you that HP has released only the Basic Print Driver for Photosmart 7960 Photo Printer. This driver makes it possible to use ony the basic functions for the printer which supports only basic text printing. HP will not be providing a Full Featured Vista Software and Driver for this product; therefore, some functionality (photo/image printing) may be lost when you use this product with Windows Vista.

Looks like they have no intention of supporting Vista, and I'll have to get used to text only, nothing more. 

It looks like it might mean a new printer - guess it won't be a HP one!

Sally

[downside]

May be all is not lost.

According to this thread you may be able to use the PhotoSmart 7800 Series driver instead:-

http://help.lockergnome.com/vista/HP-Photosmart-7960-ftopict13965.html

It must be worth a try.