Wireless Printer

[CaliforniaCook]

I was reading luv's thread, but this is a little different. (Great advice, Keltin.)

Bought a new hp wireless printer (scanner). Was able to get the printer to work, but not the wireless feature. Would it help to disable my virus check? Read somewhere it might interfere with the set up. Don't know how to do that. Think I have a firewall, as well. There's a space to provide an ISP address, which is optional. Maybe I have to call & find out what mine is. The computer is hooked up to the printer & all the power is on & plugged in. Doing something wrong, but can't figure out what. TIA

[Adillo303]

My first question is do you have a wireless router in your residence? If not then that is the problem.

[Keltin]

You need a wireless transmitter on your PC. Did the printer come with a wireless dongle that you plug into a USB port (some do)?

If not, you’ll need to get a wireless router that will act as transmitter/receiver for the wireless card in the printer.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=serp&q=wireless+g+router+belkin&hl=en&cid=15178994291191733085&ei=ZZRkTJv3NYLWwAWF7dilBQ&sa=title&ved=0CFcQ8wIwBTgA#p (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=serp&q=wireless+g+router+belkin&hl=en&cid=15178994291191733085&ei=ZZRkTJv3NYLWwAWF7dilBQ&sa=title&ved=0CFcQ8wIwBTgA#p)

[Keltin]

You can find your PCs IP address by:

1. Hold down the Windows key and then hit R.

2. Type “cmd” in the text bar.

3. In the window that opens, type “ipconfig”.

BUT…..that is the address of your PC, and not the address you need to put into your printer.

With a router, the printer will DHCP out and grab an address from the router pool automatically, so it’s not something you have to worry about. Basically, you NEED a router.

[CaliforniaCook]

Uh-oh. I have a modem. Is that the same as a router?

Also, it came w/ a disk for set-up, but my drive isn't working/reading the disk. Went to HP's site & set it up, but don't think I saw anything about a router or cards. Yes there are two(?) plugs - one goes into the computer port. The other I think is plugged into the modem.

[Keltin]

No. A modem is the old school way of connecting to the internet via a dial-up phone line (unless it’s a DSL/Cable modem).

Either way, a modem is no help here. A router allows multiple devices to share an internet connection, and creates a virtual network as if all the devices are connected together via Internet Protocol (IP) which is what that printer is trying to use. So you’ll need a router. With a router, the printer will get an IP address, and then your PC will be able to “see” it on your new virtual network.

[CaliforniaCook]

Phooey. I don't think they mentioned that on QVC or in the directions. They said they will mail me a manual. What kind do I need to get? I bookmarked that router page, Keltin. Thanks a bunch. I wondered why I have so many wires all over the place for a wireless - & the modem sitting near the computer. You're a real sweetie pie :)

[Keltin]

Most people selling wireless anything just assume you have already installed a wireless network in your house. They take a lot for granted! :doh:

The Belkin Wireless G router I linked to is very popular and can be found at Wal-Mart, Best-Buy, and other places. I've got that one myself, and love it. It's easy to set up. The CD that comes with it has a very comprehensive walkthrough that basically sets it up for you.

Once you get the router going, you'll need to set up a few additional things, like security keys, and then program your printer with the keys to be able to access the network. It sounds hard, but it's not really.

But, of course, you could always leave the printer wired to your PC if you don't mind having it nearby and hardwired to the PC. Nothing wrong with that if you have the space.

[CaliforniaCook]

Who knew?!? Got rid of my clunky desk & have a glass one. So, I wanted to get rid of all these wires, & stick the printer out of sight. Will have to check out the router. The printer is pretty cool. It's a photosmart. It can print out a pic in several pages - poster size or larger(?) I've been running off a print to have framed for art. Thanks, again. :smile:

[Keltin]

I know what you mean about the wires......should see my setup! :pat:

If you get the router and need more help, come back and post! Me or one of the other Computer Geeks will surely help out! :thumb:

[CaliforniaCook]

Thanks, Keltin. You saved me a headache - probably having to call their 800 # & talk to a tech in another continent. ;-)

Here's one I printed out on four sheets to make one huge image.
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/852/arose.jpg

[YeOldeStonecat]

Uh-oh. I have a modem. Is that the same as a router?

Also, it came w/ a disk for set-up, but my drive isn't working/reading the disk. Went to HP's site & set it up, but don't think I saw anything about a router or cards. Yes there are two(?) plugs - one goes into the computer port. The other I think is plugged into the modem.

First...post the make and model of your modem. If you have cable internet, chances are it's a pure "bridged" modem, in which case great..you can go out and get any popular home broadband router and proceeed (and benefit proper firewall protection too). If you have DSL...chances are it's actually a combo modem/router "gateway"..in which case you want to be careful in your setup if you want to go get your own wireless broadband router and take proper steps in setting it up right. Because you don't want a router behind another router...

[CaliforniaCook]

Follow-up. I put this on the back burner, until I had more time.

Finally called HP, & spoke w/ a rep in the Philippines. Turns out, my modem is a 2 wire - combo modem and router - DSL. We spent over an hour on the phone. I allowed the tech access to my computer, & watched (without touching anything) the mouse moving, opening & closing files, printing out my files & pics, & downloading files/drivers? from her end. Pretty amazing to watch. Unfortunately, the printer is defective - can print & scan wirelessly, but no copying & non of the features works manually. They did, however, offer me an online gift certificate.

Just thought I'd mention this, in case anyone else is unsure (like myself) about hooking up a wireless printer, modem etc.

[MexicoKaren]

Won't they just give you a new printer if that one is defective?

[CaliforniaCook]

Won't they just give you a new printer if that one is defective?

That's what I asked HP. They only have refurbished, for that particular model. I prefer a new one. :(