Hey scubajerry,
I see you are having an issue getting your 8500a Plus installed on your Windows 7 PC. I see you have tried installing both as a network printer and USB. How do you prefer/intend to have it connected?
Have you installed the full feature software for the printer on your Windows 7 PC? I have provided a link below if you need it for convenience.
When you tried to connect wirelessly, did you run the wireless setup wizard on the printer? If so, were you able to obtain a valid connection and IP address? What happened when you tried to install over the wireless? Did the software not find the printer?
If so, then please take a look at the information in the link provided here.
If you received a device setup failed or unknown device listing when connecting USB please read the information in the document found here
Hope this helps,
Jason