Printer set-up

kemi2078

I have just started a small business and bought a 2nd-hand network printer (HP colour laserjet 5500n). It has three connections - FIR, RJ45 and what looks like a parallel printer port but only about an inch long (c-connector?). I tried connecting an RJ45 cable straight from the printer to my computer and when that didn't work I connected it via a hub. The computer finds the hub and the hub has a light indicating a connection to the printer but when I run the add printer wizard I still can't find the printer. When I use the network wizard I can't see the printer listed. Am I being a complete idiot and missing something obvious or do I need to look at another set-up? I considered buying a bi-directional parallel cable (A to C connectors) but was unsure whether this is the right cable or whether I'm still going to have problems if I connect that way? Anyone got any ideas?

hendersonb

I'd give it anothr shot with the network - however configure the printer manually - go through the menu and configure the TCP/IP network address then the standard windows add printer should pick it up

Red_Rose_Exile

Just as a matter of interest, do you know if the rj45 cable is a straight through cable or a crossover cable?
Is it a hub or a switch?
Is it an auto-negotiating hub/switch?

kemi2078

Unsure about the RJ45 cables - is there a way to tell?
It's routed through an auto-negotiating Addon SW05/08P 5/8 port 10/100mbps ethernet switch. Sorry - not sure how to configure TCP/IP address - I'm afraid my knowledge is patchy at best!

Red_Rose_Exile

However this shouldn't be a problem with switch printing, but will be a problem with direct printing, as a straight through cable will be needed

You may have to play around with the ports in the printer and possibly give it a fixed IP address.

Start the Add Printer Wizard as normal. When it asks what port the print device is connected to, select the option to create a new TCP port. Enter the IP address of the print device.