Trying to setup network printer in home network

[maskedSONY]

So I'm attempting to use a spare Windows XP SP2 based PC to setup a HP Laserjet p2015dn for network use. In order to do this, I need to setup a home network and share the printer.

When I go to setup the computer for sharing in the control panel, I go through the wizard that Windows has but then at the last step, when it attempts to configure the computer, it says the network adapter is improperly configured for this and then nothing happens.

I have NO clue on how to remedy this problem. Has anybody ever seen this happen before?

[SpiffyGTI]

Stab in the dark...

Go to Control Panel -> Network Connections -> right-click the network adapter and select "Properties". Is the checkbox for "File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks" checked?

[maskedSONY]

Yes, one of the first things I did.

[DanG]

Why isn't the printer hooked right into the network? If you have the model # right, the N stands for network.

Program in a static IP for it and set it up on each of the PC's that way.

[maskedSONY]

The printer is hooked into the network via a router. Are you saying setup the printer for a static IP?

[SpiffyGTI]

Absolutely. I thought you were trying to share it out as it was directly connected to a computer. If it's connected to the router then yes, give it a static IP and you should be all set.

[maskedSONY]

Since I already messed with the printer software before, I guess I have to ask - do I have go through the printer software in order to get it to stay as a static IP or is that something I'd find in the router settings?

[SpiffyGTI]

HP LaserJet P2015 Printer Series - Configure a Static IP Address Using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)
Information
The HP Embedded Web Server allows you to view printer and network status and to manage printing functions from your computer instead of from the printer control panel. The HP Embedded Web Server works when the printer is connected to an TCP/IP-based network. The HP Embedded Web Server does not support IPX-based printer connections.
The following information details how to configure the printer to use a Static IP address using the HP Embedded Web Server.
Details
To open the HP Embedded Web Server, type the IP address or hostname of the printer in the address field of a supported Web browser. To find the IP address, print a Configuration page from the control panel of the printer by pressing and holding the Go button for 5 seconds. The HP Embedded Web Server URL can be bookmarked for quick access at a later date. Supported web browsers include the following:

Internet Explorer 6.0 (and later)
Netscape Navigator 7.0 (and later)
Firefox 1.0 (and later)
Mozilla 1.6 (and later)
Opera 7.0 (and later)
Safari 1.2 (and later)
Konqueror 3.2 (and later)

The HP Embedded Web Server has the following three tabs that contain settings and information about the printer:

Information tab
Settings tab
Networking tab

Once the HP Embedded Web Server opens, perform the following steps to configure a static IP address:

Click the Networking tab.
Click Network Settings under Configuration in the left menu bar.
Click the TCP/IP tab.
Use the drop-down menu to change the IP Configuration Method to Manual.
Type the new IP Address in the box to change the IP Address .
Change any other applicable networking information, if applicable.
Scroll down the page and click Apply .
Click OK on the confirmation screen and then close the browser window.
Wait a few minutes and then print the Self Test/Configuration page and the HP Jetdirect Configuration page to verify that the IP Address has changed.

[maskedSONY]

goddamnit i was staring at that the other day. I guess since it was 330AM and I was tired as hell I couldn't piece it together.

Ok, thanks again.

[SpiffyGTI]

[maskedSONY]

Are there any adapters out there which will allow you to take a USB printer and basically use it as a network printer? Or do you have to share it via a PC?

[Egilbe]

Some printers have built in wireless adapters. Mine does, but it's only a year or so old and it's a multi-function fax, scanner, copier, printer thing.

I checked, your model has it as an option, but not sure if your particular printer has that capability.

[SpiffyGTI]

Are there any adapters out there which will allow you to take a USB printer and basically use it as a network printer? Or do you have to share it via a PC?

Not that I know of, since I assume it has a lot more to do with the driver than general connectivity.

[maskedSONY]

I was asking because while the printer I posted about above has it (also, its working perfectly now after setting up a static IP) I had an older printer and was trying to determine how to use it best. However I'm just gonna pick up a newer model that has the built-in networking card and avoid the hassel.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

So I'm attempting to use a spare Windows XP SP2 based PC to setup a HP Laserjet p2015dn for network use. In order to do this, I need to setup a home network and share the printer.

When I go to setup the computer for sharing in the control panel, I go through the wizard that Windows has but then at the last step, when it attempts to configure the computer, it says the network adapter is improperly configured for this and then nothing happens.

I have NO clue on how to remedy this problem. Has anybody ever seen this happen before?

You don't need to share the whole computer.

How is the printer connected to the network? Ethernet? an HP printer with dn is usually a network ready printer... so it should have an Ethernet (JetDirect) card built in.

If it has that, use it when possible so that you don't need to keep a PC on at all times to share/print to it.

[maskedSONY]

You don't need to share the whole computer.

How is the printer connected to the network? Ethernet? an HP printer with dn is usually a network ready printer... so it should have an Ethernet (JetDirect) card built in.

If it has that, use it when possible so that you don't need to keep a PC on at all times to share/print to it.

I already solved the problem with Spiffy's advice. It's connected to the router and has a static IP.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

I already solved the problem with Spiffy's advice. It's connected to the router and has a static IP.

[2VWatatime]

I was asking because while the printer I posted about above has it (also, its working perfectly now after setting up a static IP) I had an older printer and was trying to determine how to use it best. However I'm just gonna pick up a newer model that has the built-in networking card and avoid the hassel.

No need - get a wireless USB print server. I've an older HP LaserJet downstairs hooked to a wireless print server (no PC attatched) that I picked up on Ebay for around $35.

[SpiffyGTI]

No need - get a wireless USB print server.

Nice, I didn't even know they made those.

[Hostile]

Nice, I didn't even know they made those.

Yup. I actually use to use a wireless adapter from my original Xbox to get my Dell laser printer onto our wireless network.

[maskedSONY]

Nice, I didn't even know they made those.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833704066

This is mad useful, however I'm undecided if I'll replace my 1998-model Laserjet with a slightly newer model or not. I could use an upgrade.