I don't know any specifics on those but I've installed and run some really old hardware including an HP SJ5P scsi connected scanner under WIN 7 32 bit by using the latest I could get, in this case an XP driver for the Adaptec scsi card and the older version of HP's scanning software Deskscan 2.9 instead of Precisionscan and installing TWAIN to link the scanner to the OS.

In general WIN 7 32 bit seems very tolerant of older stuff and I normally use the compatibility mode to install even if it may not be necessary and also Run as Administrator.

  Hugh

>> 64 bit REQUIRES signed drivers and those are not available for some older hardware... >>

So I thought, but then there's this...

Win 7 64-bit looked for a driver for my Realtek onboard AC97 sound and sent me to the Realtek Web site. I downloaded the driver for Win 7. As I was installing it, Win 7 gave me the usual warning screen about an unsigned driver and how it might damage my system. Did I want to install it anyway? I said "yes" and and Win 7 installed it with no more complaints. I immediately got sound and so far nothing has blown up.

That goes against everything we've heard about 64-bit signed drivers.
--Judy M.

There is a hardware troubleshooter thing for hardware that needs a driver. I'm not at that computer so I can't give the exact name, but it's under Devices and tells you that you need a driver or something like that. If you click it searches for a driver on the Internet.

I *thought* it opened IE at the Realtek site, but maybe it just pulled up a link and I went to the site. I did have to download the driver from Realtek. Win 7 didn't find it and offer it to me. The driver did not come from Windows Update.

Which leads me to a question for you. Windows Update is offering me a driver for my Radeon Xpress 200 graphics chip. I'm using the ATI Vista 64-bit driver and I haven't noticed any problems. I assume the driver from Windows Update would be specifically for Win 7. Should I have WU install it?
--Judy M.

>>If you click it searches for a driver on the Internet.

Really?  The "searching" I have seen it do is Windows Update only, not Vendor sites...

Interesting...

I have WU install any driver it presents in bot Vista and Windows 7...

<you are "beyond off base" here...>

And perhaps you're a misplaced worker as your demeanor doesn't help business but deters it. May I suggest a book called Micromessaging by Stephen Young.
If you read near the bottom of the shortcut I just gave MS makes referals to IE settings.

<There is no "soft" way to put this:>

Yes there is, that's why I suggested the reading in accurate communication techniques.

<Did you read the thread?>

Yes, did you read my URL?

<Where in the discussion (signed drivers in 64 bit Windows) was IE ever mentioned until you tossed that out???>

I introduced the thought of IE like Judy introduced the thought of an alternative suggestion, yet you didn't imply her answer was off base (stupid). All you have replied with are questions to refute my suggested solution. Tell me where I'm wrong, not off topic! Off topic is kidding around with something else.
Am I stepping on your turf by helping out here? Are these questions for the sysop pros only?

>> I do not know if the paid for sites that claim to fix. are any good.

Nope, keep your $$$ in your pocket.  If the vendor has no driver and there is no native support in Windows itself, you are SOL.  I was in that position with my Canon Lide 80 scanner - the 32 bit XP driver worked in 32 bit Windows 7, but there is nothing available in 64 bit, so the hardware does not work...