How do I set up my printer to "print to network folder" -- a folder I create on my desktop?

[Agate]

I am unable to set up 'Scan to Network Folder".   I'm using a Mac, OS 13.6.9.  When I select Scan to Network folder on the printer (HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw), it says "This feature is not set up". 

I followed the instructions using IP address, and entered folder name and path where I want the files saved. When I run the test, it says  Cannot find the remote server. Check server name or use IP Address to connect. Check that the remote computer is turned on. (It is.)

Next, I tried saving a scan from the printer. It now shows my desktop folder as an option. I select it and enter the pin, then hit OK. I get a menu showing all the settings. They look good, so I hit SCAN.  It says " Connecting to [my file name]"....  Then I get an error message: "Cannot find the remote server. Check server name or use IP Address to connect. Check that the remote computer is turned on".  (It is).  

My printer appears to be connected to the same wireless network (router) as my computer. The Wireless Network Test Report has "Pass" for the first 6 items, then for Connected is says "Fail"    Under Troubleshooting it says "No problems found. Congratulations on successfully setting up your HP wireless printer."

On the home touch screen, the Beacon in the upper right looks normal, suggesting it is connected. 

Can you help me get this to work?

Thank you

Agate.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Agate,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

To set up "Scan to Network Folder" on your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw, especially when using a Mac with macOS 13.6.9, follow these steps to troubleshoot and configure the feature:

1. Verify Network Connectivity

Check Printer Connection:

• Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can verify this via the printer's control panel under the Network or Wireless settings.

Check Computer Connection:

• Ensure your Mac is also connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Ping Test:

• Open Terminal on your Mac and ping the printer’s IP address to ensure it’s reachable. Type ping [printer's IP address] and press Enter. Replace [printer's IP address] with the actual IP address of your printer.

2. Configure Shared Folder on Your Mac

Create a Shared Folder:

• Create a folder on your Mac’s Desktop or another location where you want to save scanned files.

Set Folder Permissions:

• Right-click the folder, select Get Info.
• Under Sharing & Permissions, make sure the folder is set to Read & Write for everyone or at least for your user account.

Enable File Sharing:

• Open System Settings > Sharing.
• Enable File Sharing.
• Add the folder you created to the shared folders list.
• Click Options, and ensure Share files and folders using SMB is checked. You may need to provide your Mac’s login credentials.

3. Configure Network Folder on Printer

Access Printer Web Interface:

• Open a web browser on your Mac and enter the IP address of your printer (e.g., http://[printer's IP address]).

Login to the Printer's Web Interface:

• Log in with the admin credentials. If you haven’t changed it, the default might be something like admin/admin or admin/12345678.

Navigate to Scan Settings:

• Find the Scan settings or Scan to Network Folder settings. This might be under Scan or Network settings.

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

[Agate]

Rachel, thank you for the detailed steps. 

The printer is connected to the same network as the computer

 The ping test shows my computer can talk with the printer 

A desktop folder  is set for sharing.

The system settings are set for file sharing with the folder listed.

SMB is checked. 

In the printer's IP window, I configured the Network folder info with the folder name, path, and the login info for my computer. 

When I run the test in the IP address window, this time it never ends. ( it doesn't now give the can't find server message).

But when I try to scan to folder from the printer, it says it cannot find the remote server.  (the printer status is "connected")

Your steps were really clear -- I just can't figure out why it doesn't want to scan to the folder.

Any more clues?

Thanks -- Agate 

 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Agate 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

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