Re-installing printer, get message it requires my entering WN number. Where's that?

[ggjj]

My cColor Laser Jet Prop MFP M28fdw printer was fritzing (randomly prints, mostly doesn't do anything).  I am trying the "correcting mechanism" of uninstalling it, and re-installing it.  On my computer, after selecting my nearby wireless printer, it asks for a WN number that is supposed to be located on the printer.  I looked all over this printer and found nothing beginning with "WN".   Googling the location of the WN number on my printer results in  AI telling me that's the serial number.  I tried that, and that's not correct.  Could somebody wise out there tell me about a WN number?  What is it?  Where would I find it?

I was cleaning up cords that were plugged into the electric outlet strip, and in the process, I hooked up  "an old phone line" kind of cord from the printer to the modem/router/wi-fi (what is the right word for the box-like thing that Xfinity/my internet provider rapes me on in rent payments each month).  At some point in my searches, I read that since what I have is wireless, I don't need the printer hooked to that modem/router box, and that hooking it up could be causes my printer to fritz (doesn't work most of the time....randomly throws out one thing I asked it to print four days ago, etc).   In addition to telling me all about the WN number, could someone please enlighten me on hooking up the wireless connection printer to the modem/router box.

I did manage to run the Wireless Network Test Report, and it says wireless in on and working.  printer settings are consistent with wireless router settings, and then the connected test is failed, as I already knew...since I don't know what the WN number is, etc.

Thank you!

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ggjj 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're having a frustrating experience with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M28fdw printer and its wireless setup. Let me address your questions and guide you through the steps to resolve your issues.

What is the WN Number?

The WN number you're being asked for is likely the Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) or a WPS Pin that is used to establish the wireless connection between your printer and your router. However, this term can sometimes be confusing. Here's how to understand it better:

Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID): This is the name of your wireless network. The WN number could refer to this if it's a more technical way of saying your Wi-Fi network's name.

• To find your Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID), look at the settings in your router or modem (often on a label on the back or bottom of the device). It will typically list your network name as well as the default password.

WPS Pin: If the printer is asking for a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) PIN, it’s a security code that helps connect your printer to the router without needing to manually enter the network name and password.

• To find the WPS PIN, you can check the wireless setup options on the printer’s control panel. If it has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup option, it will show the PIN there.
• Alternatively, your router may have a physical WPS button that, when pressed, will automatically allow devices like your printer to connect to the network.

Serial Number: As you already discovered, the serial number is not what the installation process is asking for. This is typically for identification and warranty purposes.

Where to Find the WN Number (SSID or WPS PIN)?

• Router/Modem: The label on your router/modem provided by Xfinity or your internet service provider should have the SSID and password (sometimes marked as "Wi-Fi Key" or "Wi-Fi Password"). You can use these for wireless connection.
• Printer Screen: On the printer’s display, you can go into the wireless or network settings to check for the WPS PIN or SSID if it's prompting you for those specifically.

Wireless Printer Setup (Without the Phone Line):

Since your printer is wireless, there’s no need to connect it to the router/modem via a phone line or Ethernet cable unless you're using it for a wired connection (which isn't necessary for your wireless setup).

Here are the steps to reconnect your printer wirelessly without needing the old phone line:

Ensure the Printer is on the Same Network:

• Make sure your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network by checking the printer's display for the network name. If it’s not connected or you need to reconnect, you can use the printer’s menu to search for and join your Wi-Fi network.
• On the printer's display panel, navigate to Network Settings or Wireless Settings. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the network password.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support