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venu105 · Feb 21, 2005, 07:15 AM

I have purchased a china make IrDA adapter (USB). But when I tried to install the driver, I got a message that the driver is not having windows logo stamped. Will it be harmful to the machine if I install this? Any suggestions to overcome this?

Thanks

ScottGem · Feb 21, 2005, 07:58 AM

Probably not. It just means that the maker didn't bother to get certification from Microsoft.

I would make sure to create a Restore point before installing and make sure your data is backed up, just for safety's sake.

venu105 · Feb 22, 2005, 01:43 AM

Thanks. I will try to do that.

fredg · Feb 23, 2005, 05:24 AM

Hi,
Your windows version will accept the driver. You will probably get a pop-up from Windows saying something like "Don't do this"... etc, but do it anyway.
Microsoft has a monopoly on most everything with computers, and doesn't want you to use anything else!

You would get the same message from a printer when using a "generic" print cartridge, which is much cheaper than the manufacturer's cartridge. It still works great.
Best wishes,
fredg

ScottGem · Feb 23, 2005, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by fredg

Hi,
Your windows version will accept the driver. You will probably get a pop-up from Windows saying something like "Don't do this"....etc, but do it anyway.
Microsoft has a monopoly on most everything with computers, and doesn't want you to use anything else!

You would get the same message from a printer when using a "generic" print cartrige, which is much cheaper than the manufacturer's cartridge. It still works great.
Best wishes,
fredg

I must comment on Fred's advice here. This has nothing to do with Microsoft not wanting you to use anything else or having a monopoly. What it has to do with is Microsoft trying to protect your setup. Drivers have to integrate with Windows. MS just wants to make sure the authors adhere to certain standards when they do that. So if a driver author doesn't get that certification, they warn you. Its protection for you. It does not mean that the driver is bad or will screw up your system. It wouldn't make much sense for a hardware manufacturer to do that.

As for using generic print cartridges, the feedback I get on that varies. Some people have had success with it, others have not. From what I hear and read its about 50-50. Personally, I don't think the extra savings is worth the risk.

fredg · Feb 24, 2005, 08:57 AM

Hi,
Opinions do vary on many different things for computers and hardware.
Mine is only one.
But, one never knows what will work until it's tried. No generic cartridge will harm a printer. If it did, the companies selling them would not have a business remaining!
Best wishes,
fredg

SESaskDFC · Feb 24, 2005, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by fredg

Hi,
No generic cartridge will harm a printer. If it did, the companies selling them would not have a business remaining!
Best wishes,
fredg

Try using one in an Epson.. I have three of them here that are doorstops due to using generic ink cartridges and having the heads plugged so tight even using the Epson brand name wouldn't clear them!

As with anything generic, you are taking your chances plain and simple!

Murray

ScottGem · Feb 24, 2005, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by fredg

Hi,
Opinions do vary on many different things for computers and hardware.
Mine is only one.
But, one never knows what will work until it's tried. No generic cartridge will harm a printer. If it did, the companies selling them would not have a business remaining!
Best wishes,
fredg

Fred,
You are correct opinions vary. For example, you have your opinion of me and most people have a vastly different one. But there is a difference between opinion and fact. There is also a difference between opinions that have no basis in fact.

Your statement about driver certification was such an opinion. It was misleading information.

Your statement about generic cartridges is also misleading as well as untrue. Lets use an example. Ford had a recent problem where the treads on certain tires would separate. There is no question that the tires were defective. Yet both Ford and the tire company are still in business. I have helped several people who have used generic cartridges that have damaged their printers. Unlike you I don't make sweeping statements. I don't say that all generics will cause damage. Obviously many do seem to work well enough. But to advise someone that NO generic will harm a printer is false information and bad advice.

You have claimed that you are here to help people. If that is true, then why do you give such bad advice?

fredg · Feb 25, 2005, 04:59 AM

Hi,
I have used generic cartridges from http://www.printpal.com for the last 4 years.
They have, and still are, being used in an HP, and an Epson, both and older Epson, and a new one.
Lexmark manufacturer's cartridges are the only ones that can be used in newer Lexmark printers. That is how good the generic cartridges are!
Lexmark had to do something, so it changed it's engineering in regards to their cartridges so you can't use anything except their own brand.
Friends and companies I work part-time for also use a good generic brand.
Posting information like this is helpful for those who want to try an alternative to very "high cost" ink cartridges.
Some people re-fill their own cartridges, with syringes and other aparatus. Some use generic cartridges.
For experts and other printer users, this is simply a matter of choice.
Best wishes,
fredg

ScottGem · Feb 25, 2005, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by fredg

Hi,
I have used generic cartridges from http://www.printpal.com for the last 4 years.
They have, and still are, being used in an HP, and an Epson, both and older Epson, and a new one.
Lexmark manufacturer's cartridges are the only ones that can be used in newer Lexmark printers. That is how good the generic cartridges are!
Lexmark had to do something, so it changed it's engineering in regards to their cartridges so you can't use anything except their own brand.
Friends and companies I work part-time for also use a good generic brand.
Posting information like this is helpful for those who want to try an alternative to very "high cost" ink cartridges.
Some people re-fill their own cartridges, with syringes and other aparatus. Some use generic cartridges.
For experts and other printer users, this is simply a matter of choice.
Best wishes,
fredg

Fred,
I agree, posting info like the above is helpful. You speak of your experiences and give a link. However, this is very different from saying; "No generic cartridge will harm a printer." That was not helpful because its not accurate.

My choice is not the risk using generic cartridges because of the experiences of people I have corresponded with.