Print Server Issues

[LordG1313]

So here's the issue. I just picked up a SimpleTech SimpleShare NAS that has two USB ports in the back that can be used to attach printers or another external drive. I have an HP OfficeJet 5510 that is plugged into the back of the NAS right now. The way it works is that the NAS shows up as //simpletech, and you can go into the "Printers and Faxes" folder on the server and the printer appears there.

I attempt to install the printer by right clicking and clicking on "connect" and it needs a driver obviously. I direct it to the folder on the hard drive where I have the HP installation package installed. It claims that it cannot find the right driver for the device.

Here's the deal. I know that the print server only supports unidirectional printing. I am okay with losing the printer reporting and scanning functionality over the network. Windows doesn't seem to allow me to install the drivers for the printer however. So there are three real questions,

a) does anyone know of any places where I may be able to find an open source driver for the printer that may allow me to get past the need to be bidirectional

b) is there a way to configure the print server to install drivers

c) what type of frickin printer made today doesn't require bidirectional communication?

 

[LordG1313]

also, is it possible that the printer may be getting an IP address of its own? and if so, would i be able to set it up on an IP port?

 

[LOFBenson]

You probably just need to extract the driver from the install program. Either actually run the program and install it or get the driver version off HP's website that will allow you to extract the actual driver to a directory.

 

[LordG1313]

I actually did this. I also got the enterprise version of the drivers. the issue is that i get a series of inf files. is is called autorun.inf and the rest are hpoprn08.inf hpzid.inf, hpzir.inf. each of these have a 12 and a 13 version.