Deskjet 6983 stopped dead

[ericindar]

I've had this printer for 8 months and the wireless has never worked.

1. The Mac install disk runs the install and leaves me on a pretty page where the buttons to configure the printer don't work. Even when I try to go to the user manual, HP tells me I'm not connected to the internet, when I most certainly am. This is NOT how the printed instructions say the install should behave. (I have re-installed at least 6 times.)

2. Giving up on the wireless, I ran the printer using ethernet and USB cables, but now it won't print using them either. It's possible that this is a print cartridge problem, since the replacement black cartridge for the 6983 is No. 130, but the black cartridge I bought in the US for the 6980 is No. 96. The No. 96 looks the same and fits perfectly. Anyone know about this?

The real frustration is getting any help from HP:

1. Local distributor was mystified and couldn't fix the wireless.

2. Online chat says they can't respond to my browser (Safari). That's strange, since 9% of US users are on Macs.

3. Email support is not available for my model, although pre-sales support is. Sell and forget it, eh, HP?

4. A search for new drivers for OS X 10.5 found none.

5. The telephone support is in Switzerland, an expensive call from here.

6. Even this forum has no listing for the 6983, which I guess is not sold in the US.

Since HP can't or won't help, I'm hoping for salvation from you, gentle techie reader. If not, please check YouTube for an almost new Deskjet 6983, the Printer From Hell, flying out of a 5th floor window.

Thanks! 

[PrintDoc]

Let's work on the cartridge problem, first. If it is not happy with the cartridge, it may just not want to talk to anything until that is put right.

In which country did you buy the printer?  How about the ink cartridge, where did you buy it?  Just because it fits does not mean it will work. There has to also be electronic compatibility.  You can test whether the printer likes the cartridge by printing something from the front panel of the printer. 

[ericindar]

Hello Printdoc,

Going back to a No. 130 print cartridge DOES print using an ethernet cable, so that's half the solution. (Though why HP would change cartridges for two almost identical printers, the Deskjet 6980 and 6983, is beyond me. I could not find No. 130 cartridges in the US.)

So, thanks for that, Printdoc. That's half of the solution. How about the wireless problem? 

Cheers, 

ericindar 

P.S. Purchased the printer in Tanzania from an outfit sourcing its product in Dubai. If the price of original HP cartridges seems high in the States, it'll take your breath away in Dar es Salaam. 

[PrintDoc]

OK, print a Network Config Page from the front panel of the printer.  Get its IP address.

Type that IP address into your web browser.  Can you see the printer's internal settings site? 

[ericindar]

Hello Printdoc,

I successfully went into the printer's settings and ran the wizard, but still no joy.

I'm using a Dovado USB router, so I checked that the WEP passwords were identical. I'm not sure whether I have to manually enter IP addresses though or whether to leave them on automatic.

Thanks again.

ericindar 

[PrintDoc]

What is a USB router?  What kind of ISP do you use?  Is this a rented device?  

It is best to enter a manual IP address (outside the range that your router's DHCP serves).

[ericindar]

Hello Printdoc,

Sorry for the slow turnaround... off in the bush for a week.

It's not going well with the Deskjet 6983. In fact, I'm going backwards...

- When I plug the ethernet cable in and enter the URL, there's no connection. The network indicator is not lit.

- I printed the status sheet, which shows network status offline, hence no URL.

- The Troubleshooting guide suggest re-installing, so I did.

- Now, I'm back at this pretty page that says, "Congratulations! You have successfully installed your HP Deskjet Printer software." So let's click on those buttons shall we...

   - "Open Printer Setup Utility" - clicked on it with no response.

   - "Open User's Guide" - tells me an Internet connection is required, when I'm damned well on the Internet right now.

   - "Open Read Me" - this, at least, works.

   - "Register Your Product" - which I've been unable to do since I bought this damned printer, gives my a splash page where the country list won't open.

   - "Configure your network printer" - pops up an icon on the dock, asks for my password, then vanishes when I enter it.

This is the same behavior I've experienced ever since I bought this printer and it's making me crazy. HP should not require that every ordinary user be a technical wizard to get his printer going.

Thanks again.

ericindar

[PrintDoc]

Print a Network Config Page from the printer front panel.  Note its IP address.

If it looks like a valid IP address (not 0.0.0.0) enter it into your web browser.  Can you "see" the printer?

[ericindar]

That's just it. I used to get a URL, but now it's just 0.0.0.0. On the theory that maybe the ethernet cable was defective (it hadn't been before), I switched to a USB cable. Still no luck. There is no network light on and no connection.

I'm in a deeper hole than before.

WRT your earlier questions... the USB router is simply a router that takes a USB modem (popular around here). Apple's Airport Extreme (which I don't have) doesn't... the USB is solely for printers. The ISP is cell phone company that piggy-backs internet access over it's cell network. It usually works okay.

Thanks again.

[PrintDoc]

Have you reset the printer to its factory state?

Verify that the printer is powered on.

Press and hold down the Report Page button.

While holding down the Report Page button, press the Cancel button three times.

Release the Report Page button.