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‎12-18-2017 09:08 AM

HP Recommended
Product: OfficeJet Pro 6978
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I just can't stand this machine any more.  Without ranting and raving, let me just put this out there.  I have such a simple home network.  One desktop PC and one notebook in another room.  Both are WiFi capable but they are connected to the internet through wired ethernet plugs.  The printer is in the room with the desktop.  Simply put, what is the best way to connect the printer so that both computer's print and scan all of the time, without any errors, like off-line notifications or the scanner option not showing up on the software?  Thanks, Dave.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎12-18-2017 06:06 PM

HP Recommended
@who4ever123 wrote:

So even though my computer network is wired, both computers will be able to see the printer if it is wirelessly connected to the router?

 

Yupper, no issue.

 

 

And what if I wanted to connect the printer by ethernet?  I only have one ethernet cable in the room with the desktop and the cable currently goes into the computer.  Would I have to get an ethernet switch or hub and plug the printer, router and computer into it?

 

Yupper here too.  Just buy a cheap 5 port switch.  But wireless will work also.

 

 

Dave

Have fun.  Easy now.

View solution in original post

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19 REPLIES 19

‎12-18-2017 10:07 AM - edited ‎12-18-2017 10:08 AM

HP Recommended

Is the printer connected to your router?  Ethernet or wirelessly?   Has the Full Featured Software and Drivers been installed?  All this needs to be done.

 

Status of the Print and Scan Doctor if you have run this?

 

Download link: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/printers/hppsdr/patches/HPPSdr.exe

Or

Get it here:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02073861

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‎12-18-2017 11:12 AM

HP Recommended

Sabretooth04:  No, the printer is connected to my desktop through USB.  Maybe I should uninstall the printer and software and start again.

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‎12-18-2017 11:16 AM

HP Recommended

Connected through USB means only that one computer can access the printer.  Best to connect via wireless so all computers can access the printer.

 

Run the Wireless Setup Wizard through the front panel of the printer to connect to your routers SSID with password.  Once done now run the HP software to connect your computers to your printer.

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‎12-18-2017 11:33 AM

HP Recommended

What I've never understood is can a computer connect to the internet through a wired system, such as ethernet AND connect to a wireless printer through WiFi at the same time?  Our ethernet is so much faster than our WiFi that I'd hate to give it up.  The router is in another room.  There is only one ethernet wire that goes through the wall to plug into my computer where the printer is.  Should I use a ethernet switch or hub in the room where my computer is?  Plug the router, computer and printer into the switch or hub?

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‎12-18-2017 03:51 PM - edited ‎12-18-2017 03:55 PM

HP Recommended

USB or Ethernet?????  Which is it????  You have not helped as you have not explained EXACTLY how everything is connected.

 

NO, you can not have  wireless and Ethernet connected at the same time.  Time for you to start all over and explain everything.

 

Please diagram your complete network.

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‎12-18-2017 05:46 PM

HP Recommended

OK, I'll start again.  Both my desktop and laptop connect to the Internet through wired ethernet lines, which eminate from my router.  All 3 devices, the laptop, desktop and router are WiFi capable, but I like to use the ethernet wiring because it is so obviously faster.  My printer plugs in to my desktop using the USB cable and port.  Its as simple as that.  So lets forget about the printer for now.  I have two computers, in different rooms, connected to the Internet using a wired ethernet to a router.  All 3 devices are in different rooms.  So now, lets make believe I just brought this 6978.  How would you connect the printer to my network so both computers can print and scan using the device?  That's it.  And thanks for trying to help. 

Dave

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‎12-18-2017 05:54 PM

HP Recommended

There we go.

 

Simple.  Take your pick.  Either wired Ethernet to the printer OR connect the printer wirelessly to the router.  Now install the full featured software and drivers on all computers to talk to the printer.   Printers don't need much speed so there will basically be no difference between wired and wireless. 

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‎12-18-2017 06:01 PM

HP Recommended

So even though my computer network is wired, both computers will be able to see the printer if it is wirelessly connected to the router?

And what if I wanted to connect the printer by ethernet?  I only have one ethernet cable in the room with the desktop and the cable currently goes into the computer.  Would I have to get an ethernet switch or hub and plug the printer, router and computer into it?

Dave

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎12-18-2017 06:06 PM

HP Recommended
@who4ever123 wrote:

So even though my computer network is wired, both computers will be able to see the printer if it is wirelessly connected to the router?

 

Yupper, no issue.

 

 

And what if I wanted to connect the printer by ethernet?  I only have one ethernet cable in the room with the desktop and the cable currently goes into the computer.  Would I have to get an ethernet switch or hub and plug the printer, router and computer into it?

 

Yupper here too.  Just buy a cheap 5 port switch.  But wireless will work also.

 

 

Dave

Have fun.  Easy now.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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