1. Used to have something called Eraser on a Windows 98 machine.  Now we have Windows XP, so do we need eraser on it?  Eraser was free, so are there any free downloads if we do need something comparible to Eraser?

2.  Lost the CD for the printer, and have not connected it yet.  We do need a CD to connect the HP printer to the Windows  computer, yes?  (This is embarrassing to be so ignorant.)

Any help is most appreciated.

For the Second  question...the computer should recognize it as soon as you connect it. Usually it does ask for a CD but if you don't have one then I believe it won't matter. You just won't be able to use any of the special printing programs that were on the CD because their not installed. Hope this helps...

Guz

I am not familiar with Eraser, but Spy-bot may have some of the features you are looking for in this type of program.

HP's web site will allow you to download the drivers for almost all of their printers -- even quite ancient ones.

As for your first question just Google a washer/eraser for your computer...there are many easily found for XP that are still free(I use Web Washer and Window Washer 5 myself...both free)

The second question has an an "it depends"...some printers do have drivers for XP(if you upgrade from Win 98) and some don't...the best thing I can suggest is go to whatever the printer maker's site is online and see if they have the drivers there(most do...you aren't the first person to lose their CD)

Good luck!