Question : Problem: get colors printed to match colors on screen

I would like to know step by step how to calibrate my PC so that the colors I see on the screen are the colors I see on the printed page.

Often I print and what looks tan on screen, comes out olive green for example.

I know there are expensive monitor devices - but from what I read, they are to calibrate the monitor to real photo colors... not the printer...
plus I really dont want to spend $500 to fix what should be a non-issue.

What can I do to get better print color accuracy?

Answer : Problem: get colors printed to match colors on screen

You have the ability to modify the colors on both of these printers. The 'value' can be changed, to help compensate for the colors you want. This is why HP printers allow you to change the color values. You might also check to see if someone has already altered these settings, which might explain your color problem. The colors can vary depending on the 'program you're using to create your color documents vs. downloading a picture from the 'net or a photo from your camera. This is also the reasoning for the 'calabration mode' built into each color laser printer. It will automatically 'recalabrate' periodically, depending on page counts, power off, etc. as this will insure the color variations are consistant.