network printer

[paolow]

hi everyone - can anyone help - im stuck!
ive got a machine running XP pro on a small lan using a linksys router and an hp laserjet 5 that im trying to make work as a network printer. the printer drivers are installed on the machine but there seems to be a communication breakdown between the two so that i cant print. always the same - failed to print error message ive tried the router both as dhcp and not, but no joy on either and really dont know what to try. im using a standard cable - does it need a straight patch cable? - ie not twisted pair? i can run a printer diag and it gives an ip but i cant find this from my machine. also the add a printer wizard doesnt wanna know and im not too sure what port to specify - certainly its not an lpt or serial port - so what is it? well like i say im really stuck - can anyone help???

paolow

[dontlift]

Is the IP given by the printer in the same subnet as your machines.

Simply answer can you not run the printer from on of the PC's to make life simple?

edited to add: there is a network diags tool on HP's website but you need to understand rocket science to use it!

>> Edited by dontlift on Wednesday 2nd April 22:37

[sjg]

I take it your Laserjet 5 has a Jetdirect card fitted, so it's just connecting directly to the network?

If so, clear the configuration on the card by switching the printer off, hold down the "Go" (online/offline) button and keep it held down when you switch the printer on.

Then download the Jetadmin software from HP's website which will take you through setting up both the printer and your PC.

[pdv6]

iirc, I think you still need to have one of the PCs acting as the print server, even though the printer is directly connected to the network. The print server prints to a port that resolves to the IP address of the JetDirect card.

Having said all that, the JetAdmin tools (as previously mentioned) should walk you through setting this up.

>> Edited by pdv6 on Thursday 3rd April 09:14

[alunr]

You can get a point and print driver from HP's site that will reconfigure the printer for you.

Works a treat on misbehaving 5000's...

[paolow]

thanks for all the help guys - as it is ive only just got back online after really goosing my settings last night so ill proceed with more caution this time! i cant just plug it into the back of my machine as i havent got an lpt socket - technology eh? will try all the suggestions and keep you posted!

thanks again
Paolow

[paolow]

YES!
it works - thanks loads guys - resetting the factory settings and then running the instillation tool worked a treat. *looks for things to print*

thanks again

Paolow