How to setup a network printer

[proudfrog]

I have Neatgear router, WNR2000v3, and I just picked a HP Laserjet 5Si MX printer. I thought all I would have to do is conncect the printer to the router and then go to my laptop and just add the printer but my laptop can not find it. I am running WIN Vista X32. The router on the front shows a device connected to the LAN port one but the configuration utility does not show a LAN device under maintenance-> attached devices-> wired devices. In fact, my laptop doesnt show up on the wireless devices list either.
I know the printer works because I tested before bringing it home.

One more thing - HP says the printer driver is Vista supported so I can not download it from their site - unless I download it for XP, which I did.

The only way I can hook up the printer to my laptop is via the ethernet cable. the printer does not have a usb port.


Any suggestions well be greatly appreciated

[jmizoguchi]

I am running WIN Vista X32

One more thing - HP says the printer driver is Vista supported so I can not download it from their site - unless I download it for XP, which I did.

confusing...

The only way I can hook up the printer to my laptop is via the ethernet cable.

meaning both devices on wired to the router ?

if it is not just directly to the laptop and printer works is what you are saying?

[proudfrog]

No, I do not have the laptop wired to the router, only the printer. I wanted to print wirelessly. I though I should be able to print from my laptop as long as the printer was connected to the router.

[jmizoguchi]

The only way I can hook up the printer to my laptop is via the ethernet cable.

did not answer this one

[fordem]

The 5SI is an older parallel port laser printer - if you have a JetDirect (network) card installed, you need the JetDirect management software AND the printer drivers.

Did you get the CDs with the printer?

Install the JetDirect Manager and run it, it will find the printer on the network and allow you to configure it, and then ask you to insert the driver CD.

If you don't have the CDs - it is possible to manually configure the printers network settings via the front panel and to run it with the basic Window PCL drivers.

Call HP support.

As an alternative - you can purchase USB - parallel printer adapters and connect it to your laptop that way.

Sometimes buying older used equipment is more of a headache than it's worth.