How to connect Officejet Pro 8100 printer to wireless network

[Wildbill3]

Bought a brandnew Officejet Pro 8100 and would like to use it via my wireless network. The CD that came with the printer is out of date. Updated software from Apple but do not see how to connect printer to network. Getting Started Guide is no help on this issue. Have searched support pages to no avail. HP Utility does not appear to offer a method to set up wireless feature. All instructions I find say to begin by making sure the printer is connected to the wireless network, and that's what I cannot find out how to do. What am I overlooking?

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Temporarly connect the printer with an Ethernet cable, either to your Mac or to your router. allow a minute to establish the connection and print a network report to locate the IP address as following:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02871800

Type the IP into your browser. the EWS page opens.

Open the network tab, under Wireless click on Wireless Setup Wizard and follow the steps to connect the pritner to your wireless network.

Unplug the Ethernet cable and wit for the connection to establish, the blue wireless light will become solide blue.

Then go to Printers & Scanners and click the plus sign to add the printer through the wireless network.

Please let me know of any issues,

Shlomi

[Wildbill3]

Thank you, Shlomi, but the IP address did not show up. Instead, it says "Not applicable." Also, the response to "Network Name (SSID) Found" is "Fail."

What do you recommend now?

Bill

[Wildbill3 · Accepted solution]

I finally called HP telephone support for help and was rescued. Turns out that the software from Apple's Software Update does not include all the requisite components. The software from HP's website is no longer available. It was frustrating to see the Getting Started Guide refer frequently to the HP Setup Assistant and be unable to locate it. Once the tech assistant took control of my computer and installed the necessary software, it was a breeze!

I also note that from dialing the support number to talking with a human was rather brief: between 1 and 2 minutes, as I recall. Although there was a phone menu, it was not extensive (unlike the labyrinthine and often circular attempt to locate help online).

Inasmuch as HP knows the necessary software in unavailable via Software Update or directly from HP, wouldn't it be logical to advise purchasers of this fact, together with how to access it? At least don't place meaningless, fruitless links on the website that lead into oblivion and frustration!

Although I didn't enjoy the journey, I did finally arrive at my destination. Thanks especially to Aris, the HP Technician. You're exceptional!

[topduffer]

I have the same problem. They don't supply the drivers so they can charge you $60 bucks to hook up the printer. Really! I will be buying a new printer, and you can be sure it won't be an HP. 

[Wildbill3]

I was not charged for the service, unless you count the time I wasted pursuing a solution prior to calling HP tech support.

[sabretooth04]

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@topduffer wrote:

I have the same problem. They don't supply the drivers so they can charge you $60 bucks to hook up the printer. Really! I will be buying a new printer, and you can be sure it won't be an HP. 

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The drivers are free on the web.

[topduffer]

Well technically you are correct, the drivers are there. What isn't there is the setup software to set up the wireless connection with a Mac with OS 10.8 or higher. HP will set it up for you, for 60 dollars. I solved the problem by setting the printer to the router with my wife's XP computer. Took 3 minutes. 

[RealGomer]

Not working, mate.  I got the IP address but the browser (FF32) says the connection has timed out. I can't even see the printer when I pull up the network map from the router.  What now? I've had nothing but problems since I had to install a Netgear DSL/wireless router/modem for Frontier's network. And their support is worse the Comcast when it come to networking.