JetDirect, HP 5000 LaserJet network printer and W2000 Server

Since you can print successfully from the server the problem should be in the network.
I assume that all workstations connect to the server through the Dell switch, first of all you should check if switch "Advanced configuration" has been enabled. Dell switches offer some options to manage addresses, ports and SNMP protocol (used by tcp/ip port monitor), which could prevent network nodes from communicating correctly with the printer.
Check also Xp workstations, if they have a firewall running disable it. Since you have a network firewall you shouldn't need local firewalls which could block printer discovery performed by HP Network Install Wizard.
Unfortunately you have to use Hp utility to find and install your print server Tcp/ip port, Hp doesn't declare compatibility between JetDirect EX Plus and Microsoft Standard Tcp/Ip port.

If you are unable to complete installation even with the above mentioned suggestions you could try creating an LPD port as explained here:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&taskId=115&prodSeriesId=27321&prodTypeId=18972&objectID=bpj02836#N105C0

Ok, before I waste anymore time...can someone tell me how to find out what the IP address of different devices on my network are?  I know most of them but somehow the Dell switch didn't get recorded and I can't get to the management console to check configurations without it.  Thanks.

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

Devices which get IP address from Windows 2000 DHCP service are listed on the server under Start -> Administrative Tools -> Dhp.

If you are using statically assigned IP addresses you will have to check each network note individually, running IPConfig on XP/2K machines or checking device configuration (like IP address submenu for networked printers).

We aren't running DHCP on the server.  I found a list of DHCP server leases in the Firebox Manager, but nothing about the switch.  How do find and then identify each network node through IP config?

The LPD port didn't work either.  Connecting directly to LPT port on server didn't work.  Interestingly, when I try to add a printer through Add Printer Wizard from my workstation (XP) and I browse for a printer, all I get is Microsoft Windows Network...no printers to select, despite the fact that I can still print to several other shared printers.  I'm leaning towards pulling an "Office Space" on the printer, server....heck, everything.  Ug.

Oh, and another thing...when trying to get to Properties of the printer from a workstation, the error message reads "Print spooler service is not running".

Any other ideas?  Thanks.

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

ok..

your spooler seems to be a bit messed on the workstation.

restart the spooler service.. and then try and look a the properties...

and if you have xp w/ service pack 2 turn off the firewall..

if your using the hp install network printer wizard, you'll need to make sure the workstations are on  the same subnet as the printer, and make sure if you have a firewall running port 9100 is open -  this is the printing port for jetdirect's..
You can ping it so iam assuming basic comms is ok, but it may be as a result of the spooler failing..

try telneting to the device... and print out a jetdirect config page from the printers menu...

you may well have a duplicate ip address and if this is the case the page will tell you this.
to find out all your ip addresses on the network try a tool like CC get MAC address.... this should be helpful...

Restarted spooler on workstation and server...nothing.
Firewalls are turned OFF in XP.
Same subnet.
Port 9100 is open.
How do I "telnet"?
I changed IP address to avoid duplication.

At what point is it ok for me to start breaking stuff and/or crying? :)

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

We out of ideas?

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

Since LPD port doesn't work, I have to admit that I feel disoriented.

I'd try with another test to determine whether the print server is actually working or not. I'd try connecting directly the print server to a workstation using a cross ethernet cable, running Hp Network Install utility and trying to find the printer.
If it works you have a network problem that could be caused by the firewall. Since I don't know how your network is connected I cannot be sure that the firewall inspects network traffic, I just have this idea since you have the FireBox 501 leasing IP addresses.
If print server doesn't work even if connected directly to a computer you have to replace it, however since you have already tried sharing the printer connecting it to the server on parallel port it shouldn't be your problem.

just test that you ahve comms to the box..

enter the ip address of the jetdirect in internet exploer and try and open the web server interface..

if this is up then the box is functioning, and you chould be able to see the menu's for the printer too...

to be honest the cross over cable does not allways work, and the INPW tool may or may not find it that way..

to telent open a dos prompt.

type telnet
then open and the ip address..

when asked for a username just hit return, and the same for the password...


btw did you print out a config page from the printer.. ie the one with the jetdirects settings... a jd config page??

if not print one off, and let me know the firware version of the jetdirect... if you ave it quite a few years then chances are it's on a low firmware revision.

also if you or someone has tried to upgrade it and a print job has been sent at the same time you may have corrupted firmware.

the jd's themselves are pretty robust.. but since you cannot connect to it at all, i am a bit puzzled, can you also check the network statistics on the jetdirect config page and let me know what they are set to and we will get to the bottom of this..

if you scan the page and post it it might be helpful..

regards
pysches

OK...I was able to telnet the JetDirect, so I appear to have some communication with the box.  I can access it through HP Web Jetadmin.  I can ping it.  I can test page print from the server.

I do indeed have an older firmware (v.E.05.13), the latest appears to be v.E.08.49.  I tried to upload the latest revision through HP Web Jetadmin...kept getting an error.

Couple of other things to note:

1)  I can still print from my workstation to other shared printers that are installed, HOWEVER, I can no longer get to them through "Add a Printer".  As a matter of fact, I can't reach anything throught that.  Does that give any indication as to the problem?

2) When I try to navigate the network through My Network Places, I get the following error message when double-clicking on our domain name: "Brennanarch is not accessible.  You might not have permission to use this network resource.  Contact the administrator (believe me, I'd love to) of this server to find out if you have access permissions.  The server is not configured for transactions."  Why does my gut tell me that this has something to do with the printer issue?  Like the printer, this issue just appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Also, I scanned the config pages (PDF's)...but, how do I upload them to this question?  Do I email them directly?

I really appreciate all the help and suggestions thus far.  Not only am I confident that we'll get the problem solved, I have a learned a ton of stuff about networking this past week.

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

Ok, adding a port from my workstation works.  I was able to print a test page.

Yes, I was trying to add a shared printer on the server.

Unfortunately, I am the "quasi-administrator".  Yes, I do have the admin account.  

Yes, there is something wrong with the domain.  Although, my knowledge is limited...does it seem that there is a broadcasting problem?  I can force my way to other shares through the network, but they aren't "voluntarily" showing themselves through the Entire Network icon.

Well, its not perfect and I still have problems, but I can print, brutha.  That's all that counts right now.  Thanks much.

Ben Ledbetter
Thomas J. Brennan Architects

no problem.

your welcome.

if you want helo with that problem of browsing let me know the details and we probably can help.

you  may as well sort the whole lot out now you've started.