Network printer

[kimpossible]

I have a HP 5m Colour Laser Printer, I believe it's a network printer so I haven't got a clue how to set it up on this computer/the network. I know I need to do something with it's IP address! I am the dumb. Help please - any online dummies guides out there or is it simple to set up?

[Jeep Stone]

If you plug it into a machine on the network (not necessarily yours), can you then add the printer using the Printer control panel?

[Whatever]

Either as Jeep says or on ours you need to install the software on every machine. If it is already on the machine you may need to re-install to select the option of it being networked.

[Rosco]

If you install it as a normal local printer on one machine, then share it out to the rest of the network, then PCs connecting to it will download the driver from the 'server' PC

the PC will need to be on

If you are wanting to connect the printer directly to the network (e.g. using a CAT5/ethernet cable) then you'll need to install the drivers on every machine and set each machine to print to it on its IP address

[kimpossible]

EEK! That's got me even more confused.

I know Martin used to input the IP address of the printer, on the computer (printer set up?).  So it sounds like he had it connected to the network.
The printer has been installed on this PC before so the drivers must be on here. I don't want it on a network, just this machine, thus it sounds straightforward to set up.

Off to give it a try.....

[kimpossible]

Right some things I have discovered...

...this printer can only be installed onto a network as it only has a network port(?) no usb (it's very old).

So, I have set up my network, which I think is working fine. Printer plugged into network. Power connected.

I go to Add printer>A Network printer>Browse for printer ...it doesn't manage to find the printer. There is no obvious place to add the ip address either.

I've tried to find the drivers, think I've downloaded some for HP but haven't got a friggin' clue what to do with them now I've unzipped them.

Now I'm stuck again. I promise I am trying!

 

[Tony]

Doesn't it have a serial port on it? you could connect it through that

[kimpossible]

Doesn't it have a serial port on it? you could connect it through that

Yeah it does but I don't have a lead!

[Mr Tickle]

Doesn't it have a serial port on it? you could connect it through that

Or a parallel port ?   I think this would be your best bet if it's just one PC going to be using it. You should be able to pick one up for a tenner at most.

[Tony]

Doesn't it have a serial port on it? you could connect it through that

Or a parallel port ?   I think this would be your best bet if it's just one PC going to be using it. You should be able to pick one up for a tenner at most.

I knew what I meant! At least I can make a wink smilie   

I might have one knocking about Kim - I'll have a look in the shed tomorrow.

[kimpossible]

With my expert IT knowledge I would say it is a parallel port not a serial port! 

[Dave]

This may help: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=115&prodSeriesId=25509&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=25509&objectID=bpl11035

You'll need to know its IP address.

[Tony]

With my expert IT knowledge I would say it is a parallel port not a serial port! 

I was just testing your expert knowledge - you passed the test!

[Tony]

I had a look in the shed and I have a couple of parallel cables, on the printer does it have a couple of wire clips at either end of the port or is it like the one on your PC?

I have one of each, so if you want one or both, PM me your address and I'll stick em in the post for you - just gathering dust and waiting for the next big shed clearout.

[kimpossible]

I had a look in the shed and I have a couple of parallel cables, on the printer does it have a couple of wire clips at either end of the port or is it like the one on your PC?

On the printer it has a couple of wire clips on either end.

I have one of each, so if you want one or both, PM me your address and I'll stick em in the post for you - just gathering dust and waiting for the next big shed clearout.

This is just a ploy to get my address, so you can send me some of your soiled pants.....YGM! 

[Tony]

I could deliver it personally in my soiled pants if your prefer 

[kimpossible]

I had a look in the shed and I have a couple of parallel cables, on the printer does it have a couple of wire clips at either end of the port or is it like the one on your PC?

I have one of each, so if you want one or both, PM me your address and I'll stick em in the post for you - just gathering dust and waiting for the next big shed clearout.

Hoorah, leads arrived, connected and printer working. Thanks Tony.

Now if only I could remember what I wanted to print! 

[Tony]

Thanks god for that - I thought this was going to turn into one like ChrisH's sound card thread