When Mac OS can’t connect to the printer.
Snow Leopard is the first version of Mac OS that doesn’t support AppleTalk. While that shouldn’t be an issue for most folks, if you’re like me and have an ancient printer that uses Ethernet and AppleTalk to connect to your computer, you might have a problem.
With me, the printer is an HP LaserJet 2100TN manufactured in 1999. Yes, I’m using 10-year-old laser printer. It works fine — or at least it did on all versions of Mac OS through Leopard. But when I upgraded to Snow Leopard the other day, my Mac suddenly couldn’t see the printer.
I’ve been wanting a duplex laser printer for some time now, and I simply haven’t been able to justify the cost. With this sudden incompatibility issue, it looked like I had a good excuse to buy a new printer. But what to do with the old one? My husband is very happy with my previous printer, an HP LaserJet 4MP. And wouldn’t it be better if I could just get it to work?
So I went online. I soon discovered that the good folks at HP have written a support article all about using HP printers with Snow Leopard. I highly recommend reading this article if you’re having any trouble at all connecting an HP laser printer to your Mac under Snow Leopard. It provides steps that I will not duplicate here.
I read the article carefully. It told me two things:
- My HP LaserJet 2100TN should work with Snow Leopard, even though AppleTalk was no longer an option. It provided complete instructions for connecting.
- My HP Color LaserJet 2600n would not work with Snow Leopard.
Wow. Was this screwed up. You see, when I couldn’t get the 2100TN to work, I reinstalled the drivers for my 2600n (from the HP Web site) and successfully set it up. So HP was wrong: it would work with Snow Leopard. And no matter how many times I tried to follow the instructions for setting up my LaserJet 2100TN, I was unable to get it to work.
Now the 2100TN is a network printer that uses Enternet connected to a JetDirect device that’s installed on the side of the machine. I recalled having a problem with setup years ago, when I had a static IP address. Back then, I’d had to manually assign an IP address to the printer to get it to work. I really don’t recall why or how I did this, but since it continued to work despite many connection changes, I didn’t change anything.
I pressed the only two buttons on top of the machine simultaneously to get two pages of self-test and configuration information. It told me my IP address was the unlikely 65.101.62.77. I tried repeatedly to use this information with setup, but could not successfully print. Perhaps I had to go back to the default settings?
I found this article on PrinterTechs.com that explained how to do a factory reset of just about any HP LaserJet printer, including mine. I followed the instructions. Then I printed another configuration sheet. Now my IP address was the even more unlikely 0.0.0.0. Of course, this wouldn’t work either.
I powered down the printer, waited a minute or two, and turned it on again. I printed another configuration sheet. Now my IP address was 192.0.0.192. Ah, now we were getting somewhere. But when I used that address, it still wouldn’t work.
I opened the Network preferences pane and saw that Ethernet had a self-assigned IP address. I chose Using DHCP with manual address from the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu and entered 192.0.0.191 (why not?) in the IP address field. I clicked Apply. Then I tried to add the printer again. This time it connected. And when I went back to the Network preferences pane, it showed that Ethernet was connected.
I tried to print and succeeded.
Is this the “right” way to fix this problem? Who knows? All I know is that it works. And you know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
So it looks like I won’t be buying a new duplex printer after all. I just don’t need it.
And, for the record, the configuration page also told me that I’d printed 35,200 pages during the 10 or so years I’ve had the printer. Sadly, that number was reset along with the IP address.
It’s in the Book!
You can find more information about setting up printers for use with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard: Visual QuickStart Guide.:
- Printing & Faxing is covered in Chapter 17, pages 361-388.
- Networking is covered in Chapter 20, pages 445-486.
Dear Maria:
Thank You. I will bookmark for when I update within the month.
I have a pair of 2100TN’s and they are at least ten (I think closer to 15) years old.
I would gladly upgrade, but have not found a better black and white printer.
Paul
It is a great printer. Not as fast as the $139 Brother laser printer I bought a few years ago for a second office, but much clearer. I especially like the multiple trays and easy feeding of envelopes. HP makes a good printer!
Just wish it were duplex…but by the time I can justify buying one of those, my printing needs will be so insignificant that i won’t use it enough to make it worth buying.
Just before I found this page – will be trying out your suggestion in a minute – I found another workaround: one of my Macs, a Mini, used as VCR/DVD player, was not yet upgraded to Snow Leopard, so I went to the print & fax preference pane there, and selected ‘Share this printer’ for my trusted 2100TN – after which it immediately showed up in the Add Printer dialog on the Snow Leopard machines…
Bit of a workaround, but – as stated above: the 2100TN is just a very good and dependable printer, why change and toss a perfectly working device down the drain…
Just a bit more to the story above: though the ’share this printer’ does effectively works, it would also mean that I could not update the Mini, so it did remain kind of a workaround.
I had printed a configuration page, and also had a bit of an improbable IP address, which was a fixed one, probably set long time ago. So (following a suggestion somewhere else), I found how to do a factory default reset (power down, power up while keeping the ‘cancel job’ button – the small one – until all lights light up, release all buttons, and give it some time to initialise), and then the config page did show a much more probable, DHCP-allocated address.
So Added the printer using this address – and it all magically works again…
Thanks a lot for your article – would you mind to post a link to it on discussions.apple.com??
Kind regards,
Dirk
Dirk: If you think it’s helpful, please do share the link. It sounds as if you went through pretty much the same steps that I did.
Bless you. You saved my LaserJet 2100M when everyone else’s instructions had failed.
The one problem I had is that I originally misread the IP number you entered into the Ethernet configuration settings. Since only one numeral was different, I originally thought you were entering the same IP number as the printer’s, which of course didn’t work. Fortunately, when I went back and reread, I saw my error.
Aaron: Glad I was able to help you! It’s usually better to make old equipment work than to buy new equipment. Not only does it save money, but it keeps the parts out of landfills. I’m one of those folks who doesn’t buy a new thing unless I can find a home for the old one — or I keep it. (Which explains why we have 3 perfectly functioning laser printers in our house and I have several old computers in my garage.)
As for the IP address, the key is to have a different IP address in the same network. One digit off on the last set of digits should work.
I will be installing Snow Leopard quite soon and am using a small HP LaserJet 1022 printer – should I expect any problems?? I like it because of its size so would not wish to replace it. Many thanks,
Traudi: I don’t know if you’ll have trouble. It depends on how you connect to the printer. AppleTalk? You might want to check out the inks in this post. USB? Probably no problems. You might have to re-install the driver. Unfortunately, I only know about the printers I have first-hand knowledge of.
Good luck to you!
My LaserJet2100M’s config printout gives only LocalTalk name, node (514), and network number (0)…I have reset it according to your directions, but still no direct IP address. I set this up so long ago I can’t recall how I did it. Can you give me any ideas?? Don’t like feeling so out of control of my devices! ;)
Thank you!
Unfortunately, I can only be sure about printers I have. Have you tried the article on HP.com that I linked to in the post? It could be that your printer is not network-compatible; I don’t know anything about the 2100M model, but I suspect it’s roughly as old as mine — 10 years? In all honestly, I think we should consider ourselves lucky when we can get old hardware to work well with new hardware, operating systems, and software.
Sorry I can’t be more help. Best of luck to you!
I also have a HP 2100 M. It does not have a JetDirect 600 N print server card. that connects to ethernet. According to the manual that came with the printer, the model with a print server is the 2100 TN.
Apple tech service was clueless about how to make my printer work. HP tech service told me that if i bought their $345 Jet Direct 600 N card it would probably work but they would not promise it. If it did work, I would still have to go through the set up steps that Maria explained.
My local independent Macintosh store knew the answer right away. For $50.00 they sold me a “USB Parallel Printer Adapter” made by Belkin. On the advice of my computer store, I did not repeat not load the software that came with the adapter. I just plugged the USB connector into my Mac. Then I plugged the parallel connector into my HP 2100 M. Everything worked immediately with no setup. It was pure plug and play.
I can now use my 2100 M for another ten years.
James: Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this information. If I couldn’t get my 2100TN to work with an Ethernet cable, I planned to explore a parallel to USB adapter solution. Fortunately, I didn’t have to go there. But $50 sure is a lot less than $300+. And I’m willing to bet that your solution will work with any HP printer that’s got a parallel port.
I’m hoping someone who needs this information finds it here — thanks again for sharing your solution.
Thanks so much for this article. You just saved my nonprofit from replacing my printer (still going strong after close to 15 years).
Maria,
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I did check the HP article, and everything I can find, but still no luck. My 2100M is probably 15 years old – and boy, do I hate to give it up!!! It’s been a workhorse, and I sincerely doubt I can find anything these days to replace it. But, as you say, time passes and sometimes we have to give up the ghost (or printer)…
I’m still trying, though. Will repost if I happen upon a solution!
Wendy
Wendy: Have you looked into the new drivers released by HP through Apple Software Update? They just came out a few days ago.
I should mention here that the only reason I stopped using my old HP LaserJet 4MP 10 years ago (when I bought the 2100TN) is because the darn thing didn’t have enough memory to print the complex PDFs I needed to print back then at a rate faster than 1 page per 15 minutes. It still works fine; my husband uses it to this day.
Good luck to you!
I did not know there was a new software update – thank you for letting me know! Downloading now, fingers crossed!!! I’m lucky that the person who put my system together way back when (incl. Mac IIsi, with 20MB HD – can you imagine?) had the foresight to stuff it with memory. It can take some time with really big jobs, but it’s super quick most of the time.
Thanks again!
Wendy, my first Mac was a Mac IIcx with 1 MB of RAM and a 20MB hard disk running System 6.0.3. So I know where you’re coming from. My fingers are crossed, too!
Well, no luck with the HP driver upgrades, frankly, but YES, luck, with an HP JetDirect Office Connect 300X print server! Woo hoo!
Bought used but guaranteed-working 300x on eBay, plus an HP cable (though any brand would do). Removed AppleTalk gear (EtherMac iPrint + cables) from printer, plugged in cable, plugged other end into 300x, then RJ45 from 300x to Airport Extreme. Hit the Test button on back of 300x, printed out info, and no luck, or so I thought – I didn’t read down to the part where it said “initializing”. Checked again later, and it printed out an IP address, which was really all I needed to add the printer to system. Add Printer > Protocol:HP JetDirect – Socket; Address: (IP address listed on 300x Test printout). Done!
Prints faster than the plain old printer ever did. I am really delighted to be able to continue to use my 2100M!
The 2100M is actually what I have. It’s the same machine as the other, plus built-in AppleTalk through the serial port. But you have to have an optional JetDirect Ethernet card to make the connection without AppleTalk, which is what Snow Leopard did away with.
Aaron,
Would you mind giving more details about your successful connectivity? I did just buy an HP JetDirect 300x print server but don’t yet have the proper cabling.
My 2100M has been connected via LocalTalk using an EtherMac iPrint to Airport Extreme. What JetDirect Ethernet card do I need now, and where does it install? Once that’s installed, how does the printer get found by 10.6?
I’d really appreciate knowing more – any info you can give would be a huge help!!
I’ve been using my HP 2100TN with a Mac Mini using a $15 USB2 to Parallel (prolific chipset) adapter. Other user on our network can see this printer via Printer Sharing.
Upgrade to SL did not affect connectivity to the HP 2100 at all.
BTW sometimes the HP 2100 even with 24 mg of RAM prints some graphic rich PDF as slow as molasses. So if I want to print out PDF files that are mostly packed with images or use lower resolution printing 300 or 600 dpi, I use the Gutenprint driver for HP 2100 in a second Printer Queue that I dubbed “Fast PDF HP 2100.
Can’t wait for my books that I bought from Amazon. Scanning my family pictures and negatives came to end, can’t find one scanner that will work with the Snow Leopard. Please let me know which one to buy. I have to buy one as soon as possible.
Also, power supply is burned on my old G3-4, but monitor and keyboard-mouse is very good. If any body can use it let me know, don’t want to trash it.
VueScan! with nearly any scanner – I use a CanoScan Lide 25, works great. Check eBay for scanners (the guy who created VueScan recommends the CanoScans, for good quality and price). VueScan is well worth the money, imo.
Hey, Tulay
If the mouse is the clear lucite one, then I could use it. Email me pankersATaolDOTcom.
Thanks
Frank M.
Thank you!!! I got my trusty 2100 working with Snow Leopard. I love this printer -it is a work horse.
Now if OKI will put out the drivers for the C5150 color laser I will really be a happy camper..
I’ve been working all morning trying to solve this problem and then I came across your article and now my printer works great.
In the Network settings, I didn’t have to configure my IP manually though. I was able to use “Using DHCP”
Thanks
Thanks a lot Maria!
I once bought one of your books.
Alberto: Thanks for your support. For every three books sold, I can buy a cup of coffee. ;-)
Yes I did the same got the config page to print turned out to be 192.168.1.44, one number down from the IP of my Mac Pro…. back to printing ebay labels, found the printer on the street in NYC and 12240 pages later it’s still working excellent, free toner from time to time as I spot more of them being thrown out with still toner in them.
Gooffer: I just want to get this straight: you found a printer on the street in NYC and have printed 12K+ pages on it? If so, wow. Keep up the good work!
Dear Maria,
I have an HP LaserJet 21000M which I can’t connect with since I installed Snow Leopard. The printer is plugged into an AsanteTalk adapter which is plugged into a router.
I can’t get the IP address off the 2nd configuration page because I can’t get a second configuration page; I never bought the add-on that would provide that. However, I did get an IPv4 number off Network in System Preferences, but it didn’t work when I tried to add it. Any advice? I really don’t want to replace this printer.
See my post above dated Sept 29. It’s still working. Every now and then I have to do a restart for reasons I can not understand. But my 2100m is still plugging away.
Thanks, I’ll look into the Belkin adapter.
Hi Maria. Just got this HP 2100TN yesterday. I followed your advice and printed out IP Address but I always get 0.0.0.0. I’m on system 10.5.8. When I click to add printer Adobe PDF 7.0 shows up, no matter how many times I delete it. Any ideas?
Abby: The same thing happened to me at first. I’m pretty sure I shut down the printer (power down) and possibly the computer and then started them all back up again. The IP address changed to something other than 0.0.0.0 and it worked following my instructions.
Hope this helps.
For those of you who get IP adress 0.0.0.0
Reset your printer to default settings by turning the printer off and then on again but now holding down the smallest of the 2 buttons on the printer for about 10 seconds.
Give it 2 minutes, print a new config sheet and you should have a new IP adress!
Worked for me!
Dilern: Thanks so much for this tip. I think I just did a shutdown, waited, and started up again to reset to a real IP address, but it was months ago and I can’t remember. If this always does the trick, it’s something good to know. Thanks for sharing it.
Wendy: So glad it worked out for you. And the extra-fast printing makes it worth dealing with the headaches you had trying to get it to work. Congratulations!