New wifi network - can't find wireless setup wizard - printer not connected

[ejmcclel]

New to forum, thank you for reading!

I know there are several similar issues posted, but not for my specific OS and device.  

I recently switched wifi network names and now the printer won't connect.  I know this is an old printer, and that's perhaps not going to help here.  The printer still functions when wired, but wanted to see if I could figure out how to fix the issue with the wifi.

On phone with Apple, we reset printers, did all kinds of stuff, but they told me to contact HP and go from there.

I have explored most of the options on the printer's screen, but what was odd was that the wireless setup wizard didn't appear after resetting to network defaults.  I did see that there was a topic thread for this already, but the links in the replies were for windows, and not for this printer.

I was able to print the network configuration page and the wireless network test report and noted that the

Wireless on: passed   and

Wireless working: passed  but the

SSID failed, which may make sense considering that I changed network names.

Any help here would be appreciated!

Thank you!

[Dragon-Fur]

@ejmcclel

I don't speak Mac and I do not have this printer --- I can offer the following, which may help.

NOTE:  I have read ("somewhere" for "some" printer) that the Wizard is no longer available.  Cannot find the reference at this moment -- if the Wizard has been yanked, that explains why you cannot find it. 

If the printer is on the network,

If the printer has a reachable (pingable) IP address (that you know),

then

I found reference to using the Embedded Web Server (EWS).   (The document is for disabling IPv6.  Down the road, that information may (or may not) be useful in context.  Moving on...)

The point is that I found an indication this printer likely supports EWS.

Assuming EWS is indeed able to manage your printer, use EWS to update the Wireless information, including the SSID.

The only reference / example I have for EWS is from a newer printer (on a network with Windows computers).  The exact selections in EWS may be different though I suspect there is enough "the same" that you can extrapolate what you need.

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Advanced

Adjust as desired, Click Apply to save changes and exit.

NOTE: 

Updating the information will break the connection.  Wait for a minute (or more if your network crawls like a slug) -- open a new EWS session and check the results.

Example - EWS - Network > Wireless... > SSID 

HP_8630_EWS_Network_1C 

Example EWS - Network .... Static IP address assignment

HP_8630_EWS_Network_Static_IP_1 

Reference and Resources

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP Photosmart C4780 All-in-One Printer

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Answered? Click post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[ejmcclel]

Thanks for your prompt response.   One of the options on this printer is WPS, I don't see EWS...

However, the catch here is that I don't know/can't find the IP address of this printer.

[Dragon-Fur]

@ejmcclel

I would have thought the network configuration page would have provided the IP address.

Yes, you do need to know the printer IP address to connect to the Embedded Web Server in your browser.  Opening EWS is like opening a website except the "site" is your printer.

If the "wireless passed", and if that means the printer is on the network, then you could perhaps log into your router and check what is connected.  Anything that is "not" computer, phones, TV, "whatever", is the printer.  ?

I am not at all sure I gave you good advice about that Wizard... The documentation still points to the Wizard as the method to connect to the network.  

No Connection after Router or Wi-Fi Settings Change

In Windows (sorry, it is the only reference I have / know), you can opt to connect to the printer on the network during the installation of the printer software.  This assumes the printer is connected to the network, of course.  I would guess the software (magically) knows the printer's "signature" and would not try to connect your software to (say) your iPhone.  ??

Going back to the WPS as described in Wireless Printer Setup (OS X), the documentation explains that your router must support the "push method"

Step 1: Connect the printer to your network > Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

Down in the FAQ section of the document, there are steps to try if your printer is not listed when you try to add it to the Printers List on the Mac.

Sorry for the bouncing around.  Rats.

We can ask an Expert that actually understands this type of setup.  Forgive any delays - our Expert team is located all over the world and in a number of time zones.

@ShlomiL  / @greenturtle

I am lost in Mac / Printer / Network configuration.  Do you have words of wisdom for us?  Thanks!

HP Photosmart C4780 All-in-One Printer

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[ejmcclel]

Again, thank you for all of this.  

There may be an IP address listed on the network configuration page that I printed, I just might not know what I'm looking for, as there is nothing particularly itemized as such.

I went on to the router, and the device wasn't listed.  

Also, was just on with Apple again and uninstalled and reinstalled the software drivers.

Re: Wizard: tried the link, wizard still not showing up as an option (again, I mentioned that someone else had that as a topic on the forum, but the solution seemed to not be for mac or this printer).

WPS - the printer has this option but I'm pretty sure the Lynksys e2500 router i have does not have a WPS button.  It has one button and I believe that it's a reset button.

I checked the FAQ but what showed up was more about setup wizard, which isn't showing up.

Wanted to make sure that I at least tried all the avenues that you went out of your way and took the time to suggest before responding.  Thanks again for your help here.  If we can get further assistance from an Expert that would be great, but again, I truly appreciate your help here.

Best,

ejmcclel

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

I’m quite sure you should be able to connect the printer by using HP Easy Start.

Temporarily connect the printer to your Mac with a USB cable.

Next follow HP Easy Start below:

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Applications/HP_Easy_Start.app.zip

Follow the steps on screen by selecting your network, click Join and provide the network password if prompt.

Once the printer connects its blue wireless light should solid lit, then add it under Printers and Scanners.

Please let me know if that works,
Shlomi

[ejmcclel]

Thank you for this.  

Unfortunately, easy start wouldn't recognize the printer when it was unplugged.  No devices found.

Thanks though!

[Dragon-Fur]

@ShlomiL

Thanks. 

In general, I should think the printer would send a WiFi signal if the WiFi on the printer is switched on.  I found references to how to check / switch on the signal but nothing about what one can do if the printer cannot switch on its Wireless radio and / or if that signal cannot be detected by the router and / or computer.

I appreciate your time.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Is the printer been already connected to your wireless network?

Can yoy see the blue wifi light on the printer solid lit, blinks or off?

By connecting the USB to the printer and following HP Easy Start, were you prompted to select your WiFi network and provide its security passcode?

[ejmcclel]

Thanks for your efforts.

Wireless radio is on, not blinking.

I'm going to chalk it up to, it's an older printer, I'm sure when I get a new one it will all work out.  

Many thanks.