Adding WiFi printer (DJ 3070A) directly to Windows XP PC without companion software ?

[webvan]

Just got a Desktop 3070A and the printer seems good (scanning is super slow and low qual though...) but I'm finding it to be a hassle to add it to my other Windows XP computers in the house.

It seems the only way to do that is to install the PC software (a 23Mb download) as it does not get recognized as a network printer (tried enteriing its IP address directly to).

Am I missing something? It might well be as printing from my iPhone is very easy, the printer just gets recognized immediately.

Thanks for any help.

[Dragon-Fur]

Hi webvan,

I don't know if you missed anything.  If you can get it installed, the Full Feature software for your printer will add features to the printing experience - the software may not be necessary to connect the printer to your network.  The software may make the setup easier to manage:  Depending on the software for that printer, it may even help you with the setup and connection steps.

Here is a good resource for connecting Wireless printers that you can use to check your setup:

Wireless Print Center

One thing I have read recently that may help:  If all else fails, use the USB cable to run through the full software setup and then swap it over to wireless.

I hope this helps.

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[webvan]

Yep it works with the "Full Feature software " and it may be useful from the main home computer but it's a hassle to have to install it on all the computers of the house. All I need on these computers is to add the printer as a network printer and be done with it.

[Dragon-Fur]

Yeah, it can be a hassle to add extra software if you have multiple units all over the place.  If you set up remote computer support, you could sit in one room and administer all the other units.. I live in a small house - if you live in a huge place, that might be worth it.  It's less secure and there's a bit of setup involved.  You can look it up in the help files and see if XP even supports remote administration.  (I suspect it does, but I don't remember much about XP.)

I installed my printer as wireless before I installed the full service software on it... If you are having issues, the only thing I can think of without knowing anything about your network is that you've tripped over the router security.  Check the Access List (if you are using them to control the wireless hardware connections - you may have to add the MAC address).

If you are using Norton (I feel sorry for you) - you may have to open something there to allow the network to share.

The Wireless Print Center doc is pretty good - check the FAQs, too.

Here's a network help file to supplement:

Network Connection - XP

(There are links in the file for other Operating Systems in case one/more unit(s) are running Vista or Windows 7.)

Good Luck!

[webvan]

Right, the wireless setup is part of the software package. I just don't understand why you can't add the printer directly from a PC as you do from an iOS device, maybe a Windows limitation.

[Dragon-Fur]

Well, you aren't the first one to trip over a Windows "feature". 

If I come up with anything useful, I'll come back.

We do have XP experts on this panel - maybe it's just something I missed.

Good Luck!

Happy Excellent New Year to you!