PC Doctor May 11, 2020

Have your computer questions answered here! Search the PC Doctor archive or submit a question of your own at info@athollibrary.org

Dear PC Doctor:

I have always used my printer with a cable directly connecting it to my computer. In recent weeks, I’ve re-arranged my home work space, and it makes sense now for me to use the printer’s wireless feature. My computer is asking me for the IP address of the printer before it will print for me. Can you help? It is an HP Color Laserjet.

Thank you,

Sean

Dear Sean:

Sure!

(These are generic HP instructions - You may have to do something slightly different on your model printer, but the process should be similar enough that you can figure it out.)

Press the "Menu" button on the outside of your printer and scroll until you get to the "Information" menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the options until you see "Print Configuration Page." Click the "Select" button to print a configuration page. This configuration page should list the IP address of the printer.

Note: If you have never used this printer wirelessly, the IP address on the configuration page may be blank. In that case, you may need to set up wireless printing for that printer. To do this, you will use the printer’s control panel. You will need to know the name of your wireless connection and your password.

On the printer control panel, look for your Network menu. Select Wireless Setup Wizard. When you see your wireless network’s name, choose it. (If you don’t see it, you should be able to enter it manually.) Enter your password.

Once your printer is set up to use the wireless connection, you can print the configuration page again, which should show the IP address this time. Then, you can enter it on your computer where it has been requesting the printer IP address.

I hope this helps!

Until next time,

Happy computing!
PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library.