Help I have a HP LaserJet 400 Color M451/nw

[Leslie4444]

Everything worked fine with my cell phones and MacBook Air on Airprint but NOW the printer won't hook up to

the new router.  Comcast installed a faster unit and I have tried everything to get it to connect.  It works with my 

HP OfficejetPro 8620 because I can enter the exact network and new password...but the HP 400 doesn't allow

me to do that.  Yes, I turned off the computer...pressed set original defaults...turned new router on and off...hit the WPS

button on top...it just won't recognize the new wirelss system.  The weird thing?  It shows up on my list

of Wifi hookups?  I really need help.  I also tried hooking up the router with a USB?  and the cable wire (Might be dumb)

but I was desperate to get it to work.

Can anyone help me?

Leslie

[sabretooth04]

Replacing/changing your wireless router, try here. 

http://www.hp.com/global/au/en/wireless/reconfiguring-system-help3.html

Make sure your router is set to a fixed wireless channel like 1, 6 or 11, never ‘auto’.  Try each channel one at a time.  Make sure they are at least 5 feet apart.

However if you have a Gateway (modem+router) device, all Gateway devices are terrible for wireless performance and connectivity.   If this does not work, suggest you put that gateway device in full bridge mode and install your own high quality router that YOU have full control over. 

[davidzuts]

Generally when you change routers the best way for devices to connect to wireless items is to remove the printer from the computer and any software the computer loaded when the printer was first installed.  Look under add/remove programs for toolbox or other software for that hp printer and remove it.  Do a reset of the printer to defaults.  Turn your computer and printer both off and then back on.  Now reload the printer using the initial setup and cd that came with the printer.  If you have lost the cd, then download the complete software download for your operating system and use it to attach the printer to your network.  

[sabretooth04]

I may disagree with you. What you state is the last thing to be tried to get the printer running. Routers are basically transparent to the computer and printer. That's why they don't need a driver.

You should be able to swap in a router and the devices should work without any change in the software.   I just changed out my Netgear router for a TP Link.  The first thing I did was to duplicate the settings in the TP Link.  Once done, power off old router, put in new router and power up.

Came upstairs and all devices connected without issue and my printer works perfect.  However, it is a Brother printer not HP. 

[davidzuts]

This assumes all users are computer experts.  They are not.  Most people will never change a routers settings and will use the defaults from the time it is initially installed.  Most people do not even know how to change the settings in the router. What happens is most printers when connected using wireless attach the first time during the initial setup of the printer and the user never has to worry about the settings.  This changes when the router is changed and new settings have to be entered to communicate with the router.  Most printers do not have the ability to enter those settings at the printer so the best way is to remove the printer from the computer and reload so the current settings for the new router can be established.  The question is not the driver but the wireless settings the computer needs to communicate with the printer. Computers automatically adjust to the new router since they are set to dhcp or bootp and find the new router if wired and if wireless there is a place in the computer where you enter the appropriate code(s) necessary to attach to the new router. Most printers do not allow for this action when connected wireless.

[sabretooth04]

Understand what you are saying. I'm just saying that you need to get the printer connected back to your router before you attempt to reload the software. Otherwise you now have 2 unknowns. And yes if you can't get it connected via a front panel, you have to use a cable and software. Hence my sig.

[WyreNut]

---

@Leslie4444 wrote:

 The weird thing?  It shows up on my list

of Wifi hookups?  I really need help.  

Leslie

---

IF your printer is showing up as an active wifi source, then you need to turn off Wifi Direct!

Press the Wireless button on the printer to get access to this menu.  

WyreNut

[davidzuts]

If he turns off wifi direct would that no effect his ability to communicate with the printer from his phones.  My assumption is the printer was connected using wireless not direct which requires the entry of a security code in order to attach just as a computer connected via wireless also requires the entry of that code.  I think by his initial post the printer is not allowing him to enter the new code.  I assume he has pressed the wireless button on the printer and has navigated to the wps setup and he is unable to enter the correct code.  I also assume that the wireless (not direct wireless) is turned on at the printer.

[Leslie4444]

Thank you.  I'm going to try this.  All other idea's have failed.  

Your right on the other posts...if I could put in the new name of the Comcast router and password...it would be

perfect...did that with my other printer...but NOT this HP Laser 400 Color M451/nw

I'll be back with hopefully a success story!

Leslie

[Leslie4444]

Hi

Thank you for taking the time to help with this issue.  The problem is...the printer won't connect to the new

modem!  It worked GREAT until I upgraded with Comcast to a higher speed modem and I don't have the option

on THIS computer to put in the exact Name (HOME-4544) and the new passcode.  I think it is defaulting to the 

old information?  I did a total reset on the printer to "original defaults" turned it off...turned off the new modem

started both up again and it still doesn't recognize the new modem/router.  If it would?  I would be able to pick

up the signal from the printer and thus enable the computer and phones to airprint like I used to.  I have another

HP Officejet 8620 and it allows me to put in the modem name and password.  I just LOVE my Color 400 and wanted

to be able to just push a button and print from anywhere in the house.  It works by the way with the USB cable