Printer to PC via Ethernet

GingerBob_3

Trying to connect my printer/scanner to an old PC that is not connected to the Internet. I've connected the devices directly via an Ethernet cable. The PC is Windows XP. I get a small icon in the system tray saying "Limited or no network connectivity". When I try to repair the connection I get the message "unable to renew the IP address". How might I overcome this? Does the PC need to be connected to the Internet to renew an IP address?


Thanks,
GB.

kwikbreaks

There either needs to be a DHCP server (these are typically provided by routers) or you could maybe manually set an IP address for the printer. I'm in no way sure how you would achieve that though.

I'd start out running a command prompt and typing ipconfig /all to see just what the current state of play is network wise. A right click and properties on the connection icon would be the path into allocating an IP to the printer but I doubt that would be enough in itself.

GingerBob_3

Thanks. I'll give it a go. if that fails I'll connect both the PC and the printer to a router. I'll need a very long network cable to do it - which is why I've not tried it so far.

Cycrow

Some printers can be set manually for the ip address.
You will also need to manually assign an ip on the pc in a matching subnet.

Depending on the age of the pc and printer, you may need to use a crossover cable rather than a straight network cable

if you cant set the ip manually, then you need to run a DHCP server so it can be assigned an ip.
This could be run on the pc with the right software.

The easiest way would be if you have a spare router, to connect both the pc and printer to that router (it doesn't need to be connected to the intenet)

AndyPix

Why are you not using usb cable ?
This is a very !!!!-eyed way of doing it.

You would need a crossover cable not a standard cat5 cable
Or as mentioned you would need a router in-between the devices

You are getting the limited or no connectivity icon because your pc is looking for an ip address from the printer as if it is a router - that's never going to work

kwikbreaks

On reflection I think all you'll be able to set from the icon is your network card adapter. Does the printer have any control panel interface that allows you to set an ip? If so all you'll need do is pick and set an IP for the printer via that then just set one for the network card in the same subnet (same three number groups from the four group IP) eg set printer to 192.168.1.10 and the network card to 192.168.1.20. It sill may not work though.

===

Ah I see some others posted while I was typing. Crossover cable maybe - depends on the age of the kit. If it comes down to buying one to try then imo that is a gamble too far and you may as well get the long standard cable (cheap as chips on eBay).

Fightsback

Try this as a solution:

http://www.dhcpserver.de/cms/

GingerBob_3

Sorted!! :j


Many thanks for all the replies. This was the clincher: As suggested, I connected the PC to an old (wireless) router via Ethernet. The Brother printer has wireless capability. I then just needed to input the router security key on the printer, and voila! Job done. No need for internet connection.


I might add - I had previously tried a direct USB connection, but it wouldn't work. I thought is would/should, but it just wouldn't have it.