Hi hp_printer_perplexed,

Yes, you can telnet to the printer in question, first you will have to do is print a config page to determine the IP assigned. Then use telnet to connect to it and make changes (e.g. Assign a static IP, assign a host name, etc.). If you require assistance using telnet to connect and make these changes just let me know?

XeroX1988,

I guess we were typing at the same time...lol

well, it's better to have multiple responses with a solution then none, my opinion though :P

thanks for your responses!
i hvae tried to type in the new and old IP addresses into the web browser with no luck of connecting to it.
I have done that with a newer HP color printer and that worked, but this old HP2100TN is not as user friendly. It has a big round button and a smaller button with an engraved upside triangle.  

I do not know how to print out a configuration page.  when pressed, the big button prints out a test page, but has no indication of any configs.

I would need some help with telnet.  I tried using a DOS window by typing telnet and the ip addresses (old and new), but it could not open it.

It seems like I cannot find its current IP address.  Any ideas how to get it?

ok.  so I found out that if you push both buttons on the printer, you get a printout of its configuration.
the ip is from our old office 12.16.7.87.
I typed 12.16.7.87 into Firefox and it timed out.  
I typed 12.16.8.87 into IE7 and a google page opened with search results of that number

I tried the 'house' router idea, but I am not sure I set it up correctly.  I used a Linksysm 10/100 5-port workgroup switch model EXZS55W.  I plugged one ethernet cable between the pc and the switch channel 1 and another cable between the printer and the switch channel 2.  I then tried to open 12.16.7.87 in the web browsers, but neither of them worked.  The switch also has power and is plugged in.  
I noticed that there are 3 lights per channel on the front of the switch: Link/Act, 100, and Full/Col.  The pc turns on all 3 lights.  The printer only turns on Link/Act.  The printer is also plugged in and turned on.
The switch is not connected to the internet in anyway, should it be?  Remember, we have static IP addresses here, but I have learned that some could be switched to DHCP if necessary.

You may want to use a cross over cable for this? that is if it is indeed set as a static IP, sm and gw?

And directly link the computer and printer via the cross over cable, after statically configuring the computer, as suggested above?

great ideas! I changed printer to new office subnet mask, gateway, and ip address.  
But it still doesn't print.
I printed a new config sheet and the new data are correct
I tried deleting the print driver settings and reinstalled everything.  no luck
any more ideas?

Just to clarify it a bit, you managed to get into the configuration and you've edited the settings to match your new network ? Only thing it doesn't wants to do is print now?

we traced the problem to a faulty router.  everything works! Thanks guys!

I never fully understood the telnet option and how to do it.  I awarded more points to XeroX1968 because of more helpful tips.  
Ultimately, the solution was a combination of you guys, local IT, remote IT and internet searching.  Thanks for your help!