10.6: Get an HP print server working with Snow Leopard

Oct 02, '09 07:30:01AM

Contributed by: IdleMac

Snow Leopard doesn't support AppleTalk, but has IP print protocols built-in. So an HP print server (or a networkable printer) should work, right? Tunrs out it's not as easy as it sounds -- not because of Snow Leopard, but because of a few vital details which HP's help desk and tech forums don't mention.

The following relates to an HP JetDirect EX Plus print server (J2591A), but can be adapted for most hardware. First, do a Cold Reset of the print server. This step should never be omitted, as it resets to factory defaults and makes the server reachable on a network to change its details (more on that later).

Doing a Cold Reset on most HP products is not as simple as turning the power off then on again. For the JetDirect, remove all cables (including power). Then plug power in while holding the Test button down for 10 seconds, then unplug power holding the Test button down for another 10 seconds. Then reconnect all cables and power up again. Sounds weird, but this is the only way it will work.

Next, find the IP address of the print server. After the JetDirect has been going for at least two minutes, just press the Test button once and it will print out its configuration pages. The IP address will usually be 192.0.0.192, with no subnet mask or network server specified. Now change your Mac's IP address to the same range as the JetDirect, so that your Mac can connect (System Preferences » Network » Ethernet). This is just temporary, so take a note of the settings before you do this, including the Subnet Mask and Network Server. Change the IP address to 192.0.0.10 Use Manual settings, not DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol).

Connect your Mac directly to the JetDirect with an Ethernet cross-over cable, then open Terminal (in Applications » Utilities) and enter this command, then press Return twice: telnet 192.0.0.192. When you do, the JetDirect's settings should display. If not, type ? and press Enter; now you will see both the settings and how to change them. (If you cannot connect to the JetDirect or printer, the problem is almost certainly with the Cold Reset. Repeat the reset procedure, and make sure you do it right.)

Change the JetDirect settings to the same range as the original Mac settings you took a note of earlier above (except for the specific IP address), including the Subnet Mask and Network Server. In my case, my Mac's IP address was 192.168.1.2, so I used 192.168.1.200 for the JetDirect. The Subnet Mask was 255.255.255.0 and the network server (router) was 192.168.1.1. Use the telnet toggle to turn DHCP off (otherwise the JetDirect will default to its factory setting if it loses power).

Type in ? and press Enter again to check your settings. If things look OK, type quit and close Terminal. Now go back to your Mac's network settings in System Preferences and change them back to what you noted earlier. Disconnect your Mac from the JetDirect and reconnect to you router.

Go to Print Settings (in the Print & Fax System Preferences panel), and reset the print queue (Control-click). Add a printer (click the plus symbol). Click the IP tab, select HP Jetdirect - Socket from the first drop-down menu, type in the JetDirect's new IP address, change Name to your printer name, and select the driver using Select Printer Software.

Click the lock to prevent changes, and you should be good to go.

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