connecting new computer to LasterJet 2100

[aooms123]

Ok, the other laptop has indeed MacOS 10.5
the driver version is 4.3.5.153
The URL starts with "pap://"

The laptop that doesn't work has driver version 18.4
I don't see an URL in the option window, but the printer website is http://npi64db7d.local. and doesn't show anything.

There is a "HP LaserJet 2100 Series.gz" in the PDD/Contents/Resources folder

[danindixie]

Okay, the first thing I have to say is NO NO NO NO NO. Why would you make ANYONE go through this many hoops to print from a network printer? The level of product support is atrocious.

Here's my issue, and I'm furious about it. I've got over 3 hours invested in trying to fix this, and that is unacceptable. HP should have a DRIVER that WORKS with ALL operating systems.

I've got an HP CP 1518ni. Connected to the network, prints pages fine when I choose "show printer webpage" and then ask it to print any particular report. So I KNOW it knows where the printer is. (As a matter of fact, it printed just fine a week ago when I tried to print from Word.)

But, this week, when I try to print from any other program, including Word, I get a "printer not responding" error message.

So, I want a quick easy fix; there should be a printer driver that will drive this thing, or Apple should have one that works, and y'all should be able to tell me where it is. (I would iike to note that your "universal printer drive" is anything but, as it was NO help at all, and I ended up downloading Apple's printer driver to make this thing work at all. How lame.)

Email me the fix, please: [Personal Information Removed]

[aooms123]

I've invested more than 3 hours and I would like to have it fixed completely, that's why I post the information needed to fix it. Please start your own thread to rand about the driver not working and keep this one clean for solutions so I can print again and the computer where it is working on can go to it's new owner.

[AuntieEm]

aooms123,

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Let's see if this will help....

Go to your printers and click the plus sign.

When it gives you the add printer box > click on default > find the printer name in the drop down (hopefully you will be able to click on the 2100 here) > this will populate the name of the printer in the name box below

In the print Using > select  "Other"

Under favorites > Click "Search: This Mac" > in the search box type "ppd" > you should get a folder and documents

On my machine, I had to search in the folder to find the Laserjet 2100 but yours might be in a different place, but search for the laserjet 2100 > PPD > contents> resources> scroll down until your find the Laserjet 2100 > click add

See if you can print using this driver.

[aooms123]

Still get the same message "the printer is not responding"

[danindixie]

#arooms,

I posted here because I am having the same problem as you, with a different printer.

I'm hoping I can get the same or a similar fix.

#AuntieEm

I need a (similar) solution, too. Please post one here for me.

Why oh why doesn't HP have a driver that works? A functional computer, a functional printer should mean that "plug and play" is all that is needed. But, ONE query to HP tech support should be the MOST that is required for ANY solutions.

Arooms and I still have NOTHING that works, in spite of all your suggestions about possible fixes.

Please research, give us ONE answer that WILL work, and let us ALL get back to doing what we were doing. This level of customer service is completely unaccepable.

[aooms123]

The software update that was released today (or I saw today) didn't help

[IronBadger]

ok.. so based on the information you provided... your old computer is using AppleTalk to connect to the printer.  Mac OS 10.8 no longer supports AppleTalk as a network service.

My guess is that your wireless router is having some issues with the Print Service offered through Bonjour.

Lets try this:

Print a configuration page from the 2100.  Look at the EIO configuration page.  On this page you should see an IP Address.  Make note of that address.

1. Open the print and scan preferences.

2. Delete whatever queue you currently have for the 2100.

3. Click on the '+' to adda printer.

4. Click on the globe Icon at the top that says "IP" underneath it.

5. In the address field put the IP address for the 2100 from the configuration page

6. next to protocol select HP Jetdirect - Socket

7. In the nam efield give th eprinter a useful name rather than the IP it auto fills in th eslot

8. In the "Use:" field highlight Select Printer Software

9. locate the HP LaserJet 2100 Series PPD from the list.  Your screen should now look like the screen shot I attached.

10.  Click Add and try and print

If this does not work.. repeat the process but select LPD instead of Socket.  The issue is taht the 2100 is old enough that I no longer have one available and do not remember exactly what services are offered.  The printer was designed to work on a Macintosh using AppleTalk.  But since that service is no longer available we will have to try others.

Note:  This resolution will only work for LaserJet products with LAN capabilities.

[aooms123]

Still nothing! Both don't work (and I also tried the third option (IPP))

There is an extra module to give it the LAN capabilities. Will it make a difference if it is connected via USB? (Not sure if it have the option for that).

It says it is supported in Mac OS 10.8, why doesn't the driver work?

[IronBadger]

Ok something is just not adding up at this point.  The issue seems to be with the connection.  The socket method is just a dump to the printer.  If the printer is actually viewable by the Mac this should have worked.

Lets take a good look at how things are connected.

On the 2100 is there a JetDirect EIO card installed?  If there is what is the number on the card?  What ports are available?  Is the cable connecting the printer an RJ45 (ethernet cable)?  Or are you connecting to an adapter that runs out of the din-8 (round serial port) on the card?

After that.   What was the IP address of the printer?  What is the IP address of the Macintosh?  What is the subnet gateway listed on the printer and the Mac? Are they on the same subnet?

If you open the terminal on the Mac, can you ping the IP address on the printer?  Open terminal and type "ping ip.address.of.printer".  Make sure you get a response.

If that works then we at least know the Mac is capable of communicating over IP to the printer.

Try connecting to the embedded web server on the printer.  Put the printers IP address in your web browser of choice.  Results will differ based on what card is installed.

If all these connection are successful.  At least we can rule out communication.

I have seen on another post that someone was just not able to get their 2100 to work with PostScript.  Not sure why that might be.  But they were able to successfully print with Gutenprint which is a PCL driver for Mac OS.

Here is a link to their solution:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Mac-Printing-and-Scanning/HP-Laserjet-2100-PCL6-with-Mac-OS-10-7-4-Lion...