Problem connecting to printer server

Hi guys,
I have bought a printer server http://www.micronet.com.tw/Products/PS/SP755A.asp and Ricoh Aficio 1224-1232C http://www.boeweb.com/frames/ricoh/Ricoh1224C.htm .Ricoh Aficio 1224-1232C is connected directly to one of the computers.

I got two computers and a switch.all computers are on the workgroup and the printer server is connected to the printer's parallel port and directly to the switch.I have configured the software and the printer server is online ,however when i try to add the printer and specify the path it doesnt find it.any idea?but when i print test through printer sever it prints?

help lease

 

When you use a print server box, it has to be assigned an IP address in the subnet range of your LAN eg 192.168.0.2. If your workstation are obtaining IPs from DHCP in a router or from a server PC, stop this (turn off DHCP) and assign all PCs a static IP address. This will mean you also have to fill in the gateway IP on these PCs so they can find the DSL router or PC sharing the internet if applicable, after doing this.

You will find the print server IP address can be changed through software provided with it or by typing its current IP in a web browser like you do with many DSL routers.

If your new print box has a default IP not in your LAN's IP range you may have trouble reaching it to change this, so you will have to change the IP on the PC accessing the print box's settings to match the Print Servers subnet. eg 192.168.0.x, the first 3 sets of numbers being the subnet, the last being the device's unique suffix, which is any number 1 to 255.

After changing the print box's IP to suit your LAN you would have to change the PC you changed in the last step, back to its old IP again. It may be simpler to change your PCs to suit the print box's IP. The default IP of the print box should be in the user manual that came with it.

Another common thing that stops printers working is firewall software, like Nortons Internet Security. You have to set up rules to a) accept its IP range if not done already, and b) to allow the print spooler service to run on the network (In XP this is a file called spoolersv.exe and it is in /windows/System32/). Most firewall programs will auto configure permission for this service, but sometimes they dont. NIS does 9/10 times but i have seen it not do it also.

Hope this helps somehow.

 

Thanks alot for such a long reply,
Do you suggest that i uninstall the network printer attached to the main pc?and install it again?Or leave it as it is?.I know the ip range are assigned automatically.So should i just specify an ip range manually for both pc and configure the printer server in that range?

Your information has been really helpfull.Any the site that can provide you with more details and step by step guide?

Regards

 

I'm sure Dez is on the right path.

The fact that you cannot connect to the printer suggests that it is not assigned to the same subnet as your computers and that it is not set up to automatically receive an address. This is a little long winded but this is what I'd suggest you do.

1. Look through the manual for the print server and find the default IP address. If you can not find it, try this: hold down the status or power button for ten seconds. This might not work (or there may not be a button) but on some printer servers, this causes an information page to be printed from the attached printer. This sheet should have the IP information on it.
2. Change the IP settings on one of your computers so that it matches that of the printer. For example, if the printer is 192.168.0.1, set the computer as the next number: 192.168.0.2. If in doubt, you can use this tool to test that the IP addresses are right for the computer and the printer to communicate.
3. You should then be able to communicate with the printer. Nowadays there is a good bet that you will be able to configure the print server via a web interface on the server. So open your web browser (Internet Explore for example) and enter the IP address of the print server.
4. Change the configuration of the print server so that it is matches the address your computers are normally set to (you can use the tool again to test you address settings). Save changes.
5. Set the computer back to automatic IP addressing.

You should then be able to access the printer from both computers.

 

Do what he said.....

Thanks Reg you saved me a lot of typing. He is spot on. And yes some Printer boxes will have a button to press to get an info page with IP on it. Most should have the IP in the manual, or on the web site of the manuafacturer at worst in thier Support section.

Enjoy!

 

After the print server is set up

To point a PC to the printer connected to a Print Server Box, you either:

> Install print management software on each connecting PC if supplied with the box. This is not as common post Windows 98.

or

> Run the New Printer Wizard

Running the New Printer Wizard

1. At first screen choose "Local Printer Attached to this PC" Clear the Auto Detect option. NEXT
2. Choose "Create a new Port" and in the combo box there, choose Standard TCP/IP port.
3. The Add Standard Printer Port Wizard will launch. NEXT
4. Type the IP of your Printer Box in the IP field and the name of the port field isnt important. Type what you like there. NEXT
5. Follow the Wizard's instructions to complete the Printer install. You will need to have your Printers driver CD handy.

 

Dez and Reg - what a team! Though I have to admit the mischievous side of me is tempted to go back into my posting and change it so the instructions are wrong.

Reggie and his over-developed sense of humour

 

Thanks alot guys,
Ill try to do it sometimes this week, and let you know.

Many thanks

 

Sorry one more question.
The printer is already installed on one of the computers but it's standalone and it's not shared with other pc's because the switch has been disconnected,since the printer is using the connectiont to NIC.So i've unplugged the cable from nic and connnected the cable from the switch to the pc(to connect the pc to the workgroup)and connected the printer server directly to the switch.

Should i uninstall the drivers from the workstation?When i install it should i install it using standard TCP/IP port setting or other?please specify

Thanks