Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

network printer

Jan 29, 2005 10:44AM PST

I have an old Lexmark Optra S1250 that i wish to network. Unfortunaltly i dont have any manules and the printer lcd screen is missing pixels so that it makes it hard to read. I can make it out but sometimes i dont know what it says and so it makes it difficult.

I want to connect it directly to the network so that i can have all the computers access it without me having to connect it to one computer and sharing it with the rest. It has the network port in the back, but when i try to go to network setup in the printer menu the printer freezes.

I did find that when i have it unplugged from the network, the network setup menu will let me work. I set up the ip and other things, but it is not recognized on the network when i plug the wire in. I am trying this in the dark with no success. Anyone ever done this and can help me?

Tyler

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
You need to set up the PCs too
Jan 29, 2005 11:45AM PST

You'll need the appropriate printer software on all the PCs and they may not find the printer automatically. You need to create a TCP/IP port and direct the printer output there. This also requires software (or XP can do this for some printers) and should be available from Lexmark. Have you done this?

- Collapse -
yeah
Jan 30, 2005 12:49AM PST

i created the TCP/IP port and directed it to the ip address i assigned the printer. However, when i did that the computer could not find the printer and gave me an error popup.

- Collapse -
Ok, a really dumb question
Jan 30, 2005 2:59AM PST

Because of the freeze you suggested when connected to the network, I am wondering if reconnecting it results in some communication issue. So, here's the dumb question. Are the IP addresses of the PC and printer within the proper range so they should be on the same network? There is an extensive manual for the Optra S series on the support web site if you don't have one. I believe there are also pictures of the LCD menus that might be of help.

- Collapse -
thanks
Jan 30, 2005 6:30AM PST

i finnaly got it to work. i unplugged the Network. Configured the printer and when it asked for the Gateway i pluged it back up to the network. It works now on all three computers. Thanks for the help.

Tyler

- Collapse -
Well, hope it stays that way.
Jan 30, 2005 10:48AM PST

I have on HP laserjet plugged into an external print server. Occasionally the printer fails to respond until I disconnect and reconnect the power cord. I just live with it.