Need help - HP Laserjet 2100 JetDirect not working

[vetteguy]

I am out at a client site and am trying to get their 2100 working on the network. It had been working fine (so they say) but they recently did some remodeling and had to move it. The printer works fine, and I can print to it via parallel cable, but the JetDirect card isn't working properly. If I print a configuration page, it tells me that the card is "initializing" and is trying to get an address via DHCP. I have a DHCP server running but it never gets an address. It shows all addresses as 0.0.0.0 and the IP information as "not configured". I know it was configured before because it has an entry on the server as being active on the network. I have tried resetting the printer, etc, and it still says "initializing". I cannot find any information on HP's site nor anywhere else that helps. Can anyone lend a hand? Thanks in advance.

 

[MisterMe]

If they were remodeling and suddenly things aren't working, there is probably a conectivity issue some where. Test the cable with a tester or connect your laptop to the network cable that normally runs to the printer...see if you can get an IP that way...

 

[vetteguy]

Originally posted by: MisterMe
If they were remodeling and suddenly things aren't working, there is probably a conectivity issue some where. Test the cable with a tester or connect your laptop to the network cable that normally runs to the printer...see if you can get an IP that way...

Connectivity is fine...I have all new cables run and have verified that they work. The port that the printer is on has activity, and I even plugged in a crossover cable to my laptop and that works fine too. The problem lies in the JetDirect card.

 

[Viper GTS]

1) Cold reset it if you haven't already. This is NOT the same as power cycling it.
2) Put the jetdirect in a REAL printer (something with a LCD display, 4K/5K series) & see if you can hardcode an IP into it. Then move it back into the 2100 & see what happens.
3) Try another network connection. I know your cable testers say it's fine, but jetdirect cards are VERY picky.

Viper GTS

 

[flippo]

Here is the document from HP about Cold reset and upgrading firmware:
Cold reset JetDirect


Another advise from HP discussion forums:

- if you have a firewall software disable it (it may be blocking SNMP communication port, preventing Jetdirect from identifying itself to INPW) or enable communication over UDP port 161 (for SNMP); also check TCP port 69 (used for tftp) if you plan to upgrade Jetdirect's firmware
- try connecting w98 computer and Jetdirect directly, using crossover cable (you might need to temporarily configure static IP addresses on both)

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: flippo
Here is the document from HP about Cold reset and upgrading firmware:
Cold reset JetDirect


Another advise from HP discussion forums:

- if you have a firewall software disable it (it may be blocking SNMP communication port, preventing Jetdirect from identifying itself to INPW) or enable communication over UDP port 161 (for SNMP); also check TCP port 69 (used for tftp) if you plan to upgrade Jetdirect's firmware
- try connecting w98 computer and Jetdirect directly, using crossover cable (you might need to temporarily configure static IP addresses on both)

The problem with the 2100/2200 is they have no display or proper control panel. The only way to hardcode an IP on the printer is to do it via the web interface or telnet. That's why I suggested using a laserjet 4K/5K/8K/9K or pretty much any HP printer that has an EIO slot & a proper control panel. That way you can cold reset the card & hardcode the data via the control panel.

The card will retain the settings when you move it back.

Viper GTS

 

[vetteguy]

Viper-
Thanks for the suggestions. I was trying for several hours to reset it but nothing I did worked. I will check the documents you linked to. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a 4/5k series to put the JD card into (I wish I did).

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: vetteguy
Viper-
Thanks for the suggestions. I was trying for several hours to reset it but nothing I did worked. I will check the documents you linked to. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a 4/5k series to put the JD card into (I wish I did).

To cold reset the printer, turn it off. Hold down the job cancel button (the smaller one), turn the printer on & keep holding the button until all three LED's are lit. Release it, & then wait for it to return to ready.

Viper GTS