This problem happened like overnight, so I don't think it's an "old printer wearing out" issue. I have a Photosmart 7760, USB on WXP (same prob if I plug it into my MacBookPro). Suddenly, it prints way, way slow. It loads the paper as fast as normal, then when it starts printing, it seems to take like a minute to advance from one line to the next, any size file, even small text files. Any help is appreciated.

If the same symptoms are displayed on both a PC and a Mac then I would suspect a hardware issue. Did the slowdown coincide with a cartridge change or local power problems with the AC current?

If this coincided with a cartride change the printer could be in Ink-backup Printing Mode. This allows you to keep printing even if one of your print cartridges fails or runs out of ink. If you receive a print cartridge error message on the printer’s LCD screen or your computer monitor, remove the print cartridge and close the top cover to enter Ink-backup Printing Mode. You will see a message reminding you that you are in Ink-backup Printing Mode. Printing in Ink-backup Printing Mode slows the printer and affects its print quality. Ink-backup Printing Mode will be used for all print jobs until the missing or bad print cartridge is replaced. Yet you may have Extend Colors turned on. Turn off the option by using the printer’s MENU button. These are a few things I found in the manual. one time, some time, all the time...All about the past moment

Actually, it was soon after a cartridge change. I checked the extended colors via menu, it's off. As far as Ink-backup Printing Mode, I don't know if it's happening now or not. I suppose the only way to know for sure is to replace both cartridges with new ones?

I suppose a fresh install wouldn't hurt. Would I just do that via add/remove programs? Do I need to alter anything in the device manager, or will it update itself after the new install? Also, in Control Panel, should I delete the reference to the printer (currently installed)?

If you want to fully uninstall the printer you can use the add remove programs and then go into the printers and faxes menu and remove the printer; ensure you disconnect the printer first. Then install the printer via the cd if you have it. one time, some time, all the time...All about the past moment

As it turns out, it seems to have been the cartidge issue afterall. What I did was I found a bunch of old, pretty empty cart.s laying around, plugging them into the printer in various combos, continually printing off calibration pages, some slow as heck, then - VIOLA! - suddenly printing at normal speed. So I put the freshly refilled cartidge in and now we print in ink backup mode. HP doesn't like refilled cartridges. I'd like to know how it knows the diff between a new full cart. and a used but refilled one. Some thing are better left unasked. The thing that burns my bum the most is that when I called HP (in India, of course) they said, the printer's mechanically fried and you need to but a new one right now over the phone, a newer model, for $120, with the 20% discount. Then I found it online for $77. Think I'll go give HP another $50 for two NEW cart.s and run this thing until the roof burns off!