HP Download Manager not working in Win7 (trying to do Laserjet/Jetdirect Network install)

[Bob-Printer]

I'm trying to install a printer in Win 7.  The printer is our old workhorse, the tireless Laserjet 5 using a Jetdirect card. On MS-Vitsa I was able to run the "Install Network Printer Wizard", it found the printer, and I was done in a couple minutes. Unfortunatly the program doesn't appear to be Win 7 compatible.

I tried to find a new version of the Install Network Printer Wizard and I kept getting directed to the HP Download Manager.  I also tried to find a Win 7 driver for the Laserjet but that also sent me to the Download Manager.

So, I  gave in and downloaded what appears to be the latest version of the Download Manager 4.30.002. When I run it, it gives me the option of using a local catalog (which it can't find) or an Internet Catalog (which it can't find).

I tried the Internet "Direct" option and the "HP Proxy Server" option and it can't find either server. I have the feeling that the servers it's trying to use arent' there anymore.  It's not a block on my machine... every other program that needs to get to the Internet can. I did shut off both my Firewall and my virus protection but it didn't help.

Suggestions?

[davidzuts]

The download manager is only for upgrading the firmware on jet direct cards and I am not sure if it supports the old MIO network cards. That said the best way to the load the printer is to perform a cold reset by pressing the green button while powering on the printer until you see cold reset in the menu and release. When the printer comes to ready wait a couple of minutes then press the menu until you get to test menu and then press item to print self test and select. It will print a couple of pages and one of them will have the ip address the printer found off your network. On your computer go to add printer, local printer, next and in the lower half choose create port and in the drop down choose standard tcp/ip and then follow the prompts to enter the ip address of the printer and just keep going until you have loaded the driver and finished and the printer should print if the network card is working.

[Bob-Printer]

Hmmm... every link I followed for the "Install Network Printer Wizard" led me to the download manager page. I figured that they were using the download manager for all software downloads now. 

In the meantime, I did try to native  install it through Win 7's native interface, which amazingly (unlike earlier versions of Windows) found the printer/jet direct on the network. So it's installed roughy as you suggested.

Is there a driver for the LJ 5 via Win7 ? There doesn't seem to be one loaded in Win 7 although some folks suggest it is available.  I went with the Laserjet 5200 since it was PCL 5.

[davidzuts]

Did you try the windows update button when you got to the makers page? The driver you are using should work fine unless you print envelopes.

[Bob-Printer]

I didn't try that... should it have been available during the driver selection process?

[davidzuts]

It is on the sreen that lists the makers. Most people do not click on the link since it takes a lot of time, up to 30 minutes for the action to take place. Worth a try if you have some free time.

[Bob-Printer · Accepted solution]

Yes, right after I posted I decided to delete the printer and re-add it. Thanks, it worked much better with Windows Update and I got the Laserjet 5 driver..  but it was a long wait for the driver list to update. 

[Bob-Printer]

So, HP wants me to click " Accept as Solution" in this thread (per their email) but that button is not where they say it is in line with the Reply button... or anywhere else that I can see.  Ever seen one?

EDIT: And after posting THIS reply, the button magically appeared on ALL posts. Weird.