How to install Officejet Pro 8600 on Windows XP PC

[ChrisRobin]

A neighbor gave us a used OfficeJet Pro 8600 printer. I didn't get any manuals or software. I was able to download the User Guide & Getting Started documents and what I think is the installation software. The installation file is entitled "20151113 HP 8600 Full Feature Software and Drivers (OJ8610_198).exe" and it's 166 KB.

I ran it on my XP machine and it said it was successful until it got to the Connections Options. At that point, I selected the first option (Wireless) and clicked Next. It said it was checking the network environment and then asked me to check the network status on the printer. The only status I can find it to touch Setup, then Network, then Wireless. At that point, I see a blue light next to the On option. The installation software asked me what I see at the top of the wireless information screen and to choose one of these 2 choices:

• Not connected or Off or not sure
• Connected and signal strength.

As I said, I see a blue light next to On, but no signal strength, so I am not sure what to select. I choose the second (Connected) options and click Next. It then asks me for the IP address displayed on the screen. There is no IP address on the screen, but when the printer was connecting, if offered me the chance to print a status sheet, which I did. That sheet has an IP address (10.0.0.87) so I entered that and click Next.

It says it is searching for the printer and then that it cannot find the printer. It suggests that I try Setup so I click that button.

It asks me to select Settings from the Wireless Status screen on the printer. I cannot find any such screen. So I touch Setup from the Home screen and then Network.

There are 7-8 options. I try Wireless and again see the blue dot next to On. I go back and try Wireless Setup. I am told that the wireless connection has already been setup and asks if I am sure that I want to do it again. Being not sure, I go back and try View Network Summary. I am shown a summary that has the correct network name, the same IP address, a hostname (HPD807BB, and that Wireless Direct is On. It offers to print that info so I do. It is 3 pages this time.

I go back to the installation software and click the option that says that the blue wireless light is on solid. The one on the printer control panel is off, but the one on the status page is on. On one screen, I read that the one on the control panel will not turn on until the installation is complete.

I click Next and it says it is checking printer status. After a few minutes, I am back at the screen asking me if the light is on.

Interestingly, neither the installation software or the printer ever asked me for the wifi password.

At one point, it suggests that I download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor. I click on the download buttin and run the software. It says it is only good for Win 7 and later, but offers me another link to download an XP compatible version, which I do. It says that the download failed.

I am about to toss the printer in the trash. Can anyone suggest what I need to do to get it to work? Or is there anyone I can call who knows something?

[ChrisRobin]

PS: We have an Epson wireless printer (Workforce 845) that works just fine on this wifi network and has for years.