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HP 2500C Professional Series Color Printer - Network Guide
Network printing overview
The HP 2500C, C+, and CM printers may be shared on a network. They can be connected directly to a network using an HP Jetdirect print server, or attached via a parallel cable to a computer that is connected to a network.
Supported network printer connections
Printing through an HP Jetdirect print server (client/server and peer-to-peer)
In this configuration, the printer is connected to the network through a print server. This configuration provides better performance, as well as flexibility in preparing a location for the printer. The HP 2500CM printer comes with an internal print server, which is an optional accessory for the other HP 2500C series printers. It is therefore recommended that the printer be shared on a network through the HP Jetdirect print server.
There are two basic network configurations using the print server: Client-server printing and peer-to-peer printing.
Client-server printing is typically used in medium-to-large networks where dedicated computer servers are used to manage printing needs of many users. Client-server networks use a network operating system, such as Novell NetWare or Microsoft (R) Windows NT Server 4.0. The following table outlines the supported network configurations for client-server printing:
| Server
|
Client configurations
|
|
|
|---|
| |
Windows NT 4.0
|
Windows 95/98
|
Windows for Workgroups 3.11
|
| Windows NT 4.0
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Windows 95 and 98
|
Not recommended
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Novell NetWare 3.12/4/11 (Bindery)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Novell NetWare 3.12/4/11 (NDS)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
For more information, see the section, "Configuring to print on the network", below.
Peer-to-peer printing is more suitable for smaller networks. On peer-to-peer networks, users configure their Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0 systems to print directly to the printer.
|
NOTE:
|
To create an HP Standard Port to which to print, download and install the HP Install Network Printer Wizard (INPW). To take full advantage of network printer management features provided by the printer, use HP Web Jetadmin 6.2 or later and the latest printer firmware. |
Printing through a computer with a parallel connection to the printer
In this configuration, the printer is connected directly to the parallel port of a selected computer (or server) on the network and is shared out to the other computers (or clients). The server could be a Novell NetWare 3.12 or 4.11 server, or a computer running Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0. Sharing the printer in this configuration is a low-cost, easy way to share a printer because it requires no additional hardware or software.
The printer can be shared over a network with this configuration. However, it is recommended only for a small workgroup where there is a small number of users or usage is low, as the shared computer will be slowed down when many users print to its shared printer.
| Server
|
Client Configurations
|
|
|
|---|
| |
Windows NT 4.0
|
Windows 95 and 98
|
Windows for Workgroups 3.11
|
| Novell NetWare 3.12/4.11
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Windows NT 4.0
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Windows 95 and 98
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Windows for Workgroups 3.11
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
Installing the HP Jetdirect print server
The following steps allow you to install the print server card.
Verify that the printer works:
Turn on the printer.
Press MENU repeatedly until SELF-TEST MENU appears.
Press ITEM repeatedly until PRINT DIAGNOSTIC PAGE appears.
Press SELECT to print the Diagnostic Page.
| CAUTION:
|
The HP Jetdirect print server contains electronic components that can be damaged by static electricity through electrostatic discharge (ESD). To prevent ESD, maintain frequent contact with any bare sheet metal surface on the printer. A grounding wrist strap (or similar device) is useful for this purpose. Handle the card carefully at all times. Avoid touching electronic components or circuit paths.
|
Install the print server card into the printer:
Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
Unscrew and remove the metal plate on the left side of the printer.
Insert the card. Align the card with the guide rails in the printer.
Press the card into the slot until the card is firmly seated.
Tighten each thumbscrew a little at a time, alternating between each side until both screws are secure.
Connect the network cable to the card.
Connect the power cord and turn on the printer.
Customizing the printer software
You may choose to customize the printer software so that certain items or features, such as status and bidirectional printing, will be disabled the next time you install the printer software. This feature is useful when installing a customized configuration on several computers in a network. To customize the printer software, follow the steps listed below and the software will be installed according to this configuration the next time you install from the downloaded files.
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the installation program does not run automatically, access File Manager or Explorer and run INSTALL.EXE on the CD-ROM.
Click Printer Driver
, followed by Download
.
During download, the computer will ask if you wish to customize the printer software. If not, run the Installer Configuration Utility later by double-clicking the HPINSCFG.EXE
icon in the driver directory of the Starter CD.
Select the options to install.
Click OK
.
Configuring to print on a network
There are several options to use the printer in a network environment - use the HP Standard Port or merely configure to connect directly to the printer. This section describes the procedures for setting up the server or client configurations and sharing the printer on the network.
Configuring the PC as a server to print through the HP Standard Port (client-server)
This procedure takes you through setting up the computer as a server to print through the HP Standard Port to the print server. To allow other computers to connect to this configured server computer to print using the HP Standard Port, share this computer.
|
NOTE:
|
Printing large print jobs with IPX/SPX in Windows NT 4.0. may stop mid-page and continuously re-spool. Use TCP/IP instead or ensure that the system has been upgraded to Microsoft NT 4.0 Service Pack 4. |
Install the Install Network Printer Wizard and associate the printer with the HP Standard Port
Run the HP Install Network Printer Wizard by one of two methods:
If the software is downloaded and installed, click Start
, Programs
, and HP
Install
Network Printer
Wizard
.
Insert the HP Jetdirect CD into the CD-ROM drive, and select Install
Network
Printer
.
Select a printer by one of two methods:
Select Search
from the list of available printers, then Next
. Wait for the search results, then highlight the printer to configure and select Next
.
Select Specify the network printer by address
, then Next
. Select TCP/IP
address
, host
name
, or hardware
address
. Type the information into the space provided, and select Next
.
Select Windows TCP/IP
or IPX/SPX
in the Select a communication mode
drop-down menu. This list may show several options, depending on the network protocols and clients installed on the computer and the capabilities of the HP Jetdirect print server. Three possible selections will appear:
The HP Install Network Printer Wizard will recommend one of the options according to the following priority:
Novell (NDS) - (has the highest priority) or Novell (Bindery). The computer must be logged in for this to be available.
Windows TCP/IP when:
Windows IPX/SPX when:
If using TCP/IP, add the TCP/IP addresses to the fields provided.
To associate the printer software with the HP Standard Port, select HP 2500C/CM Printer
in the Printers
folder. The printer name will defer, depending whether you are installing the PCL 3 or PostScript (R) printer software.
Right-click and select Properties
.
Go to the Port Configuration
screen and click Add Port
, then OK
.
Select the HP Standard Port
to assign to the printer and click OK
.
Ensure that the printer has been set up as shared. Refer to the section entitled: "Sharing the printer on the network" for the procedure, if the printer is not set up as shared. The Installation Option
screen appears for selecting print features.
Install the HP 2500C series printer software
If running Windows NT 4.0, log on to the computer as the system administrator.
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive to install the printer software.
If the installation program does not run automatically, access the File Manager or Explorer and run INSTALL.EXE from the CD-ROM. The Starter CD allows you to either install or download the printer driver onto the network drive.
Select Download
if customizing printer software for future quick installation. The next screen appears to prompt you to select the port.
For Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0: Select Local/Existing
, which assumes that the port is a local (LPT) or defined print server port For Windows for Workgroups 3.11: 3a: Click Connect
when prompted to select a printer port. Type in the path to which the printer has been mapped, and select the shared printer. Select the LPT port just mapped and click OK
.
Configuring the computer to connect to the HP Jetdirect print server through a network server (client-server)
There are three methods to set up the computer as a client to a configured print server on the network. Refer to the following.
Using the printer software
If running Windows NT 4.0, log on to the computer as the system administrator.
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive to install the printer software.
If the installation program does not run automatically, access the File Manager or Explorer and run INSTALL.EXE from the CD-ROM. The Starter CD allows you to either install or download the printer driver onto the network drive.
Select Download
to customize printer software for future quick installation. The next screen appears to prompt you to select the port.
Type in the name of the shared printer in the Select Network Port field. If you do not know the computer name or printer name, browse the network to find the printer. The Installation Option
screen appears.
Using the Add Printer Wizard (for PCL 3 drivers only)
Use the Microsoft Windows Add Printer Wizard to install the printer software.
Click Start
, Settings
, and Printers
.
Double-click Add Printer
.
For Windows 95 and 98, select Network Printer
.
For Windows NT 4.0, select Network Printer Server
, when prompted.
Type in the network path or queue name of the shared printer. If you do not know the name, click Have Disk
when prompted to select printer model.
Click Browse
and locate the HP2500C.INF file. This file contains the printer name to select. The file is located in the Starter CD or on the network server if the System Administrator had copied the files onto the server.
The Installation Option
screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the PC configuration process.
Other methods for configuring the computer (for PCL 3 drivers installed in the server and the port has been configured for sharing)
If the printer software is installed in the server computer and the port has been shared out, the printer software can be installed onto the client computer by doing one of the following:
Sending a print job to the printer by dragging the document onto the network printer icon.
Dragging a network printer icon into the Printers
folder.
Double-clicking a network printer icon.
Right-clicking a network printer icon and selecting Install
.
Configuring the computer to print directly to the printer over the network (peer-to-peer)
There are two methods for configuring peer-to-peer on the network. Refer to the following sections.
Installing Install Network Printer Wizard and associating printer with the HP Standard Port
Run the HP Install Network Printer Wizard by one of two methods:
If the software is downloaded and installed, click Start
, Programs
, and HP
Install
Network Printer
Wizard
.
Insert the HP Jetdirect CD into the CD-ROM drive, and select Install
Network
Printer
.
Select a printer by one of two methods:
Select Search
from the list of available printers, then Next
. Wait for the search results, then highlight the printer to configure and select Next
.
Select Specify the network printer by address
, then select Next
. Select TCP/IP
address
, host
name
, or hardware
address
. Type the information into the space provided, and select Next
.
Select Windows TCP/IP
or IPX/SPX
in the Select a communication mode
drop-down menu. This list may show several options, depending on the network protocols and clients installed on the computer and the capabilities of the HP Jetdirect print server. Three possible selections will appear:
The HP Install Network Printer Wizard will recommend one of the options according to the following priority:
Novell (NDS) - (has the highest priority) or Novell (Bindery). The computer must be logged in for this to be available.
Windows TCP/IP when:
Windows IPX/SPX when:
If using TCP/IP, add the TCP/IP addresses to the fields provided.
To associate the printer software with the HP Standard Port, select HP 2500C/CM Printer
in the Printers
folder. The printer name will defer, depending whether you are installing the PCL 3 or PostScript printer software.
Right-click and select Properties
.
Go to the Port Configuration
screen, click Add Port
, and click OK
.
Select the HP Standard Port
to assign to the printer and click OK
.
Ensure that the printer has been set up as shared. Refer to the section, "Sharing the printer on the network", for the procedure, if the printer is not set up as shared. The Installation Option
screen appears selecting the print features.
Installing the HP 2500C series printer software
If running Windows NT 4.0, log on to the computer as the system administrator.
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive to install the printer software.
If the installation program does not run automatically, access the File Manager or Explorer and run INSTALL.EXE from the CD-ROM. The Starter CD allows you to either install or download the printer driver onto the network drive.
Select Download
to customize printer software for future quick installation. The next screen appears to prompt you to select the port.
Select Network (Server/Peer-to-Peer)
, instead of Local/Existing
, to associate the printer software with the HP Jetdirect port. This selection applies when the port intended for use is not defined. Select the desired port from the list, or enter the port name.
Click OK
. The Setup Printer wizard appears to guide you through the set-up process.
Configuring the HP Jetdirect print server port to connect to the NetWare 4.11 Bindery Network (using INPW to configure for Novell Netware requires firmware x.06.00 or later) (client-server)
This procedure allows you set up the HP Jetdirect port on the NetWare 4.11 Bindery Network. Refer to the following sections.
Installing Install Network Printer Wizard
Run the HP Install Network Printer Wizard by one of two methods:
If the software is downloaded and installed, click Start
, Programs
, and HP
Install
Network Printer
Wizard
.
Insert the HP Jetdirect CD into the CD-ROM drive, and select Install
Network
Printer
.
Select a printer by one of two methods:
Select Search
from the list of available printers, then select Next
. Wait for the search results, then highlight the printer to configure and select Next
.
Select Specify the network printer by address
, then Next
. Select TCP/IP
address
, host
name
, or hardware
address
. Type the information into the space provided, and select Next
.
Select Windows TCP/IP
or IPX/SPX
in the Select a communication mode
drop-down menu. This list may show several options, depending on the network protocols and clients installed on the computer and the capabilities of the HP Jetdirect print server. Three possible selections will appear:
The HP Install Network Printer Wizard will recommend one of the options according to the following priority:
Novell (NDS) - (has the highest priority) or Novell (Bindery). The computer must be logged in for this to be available.
Windows TCP/IP when:
Windows IPX/SPX when:
If using TCP/IP, add the TCP/IP addresses to the fields provided.
Unconfigured printer
The HP Install Network Printer Wizard queries the Novell server to determine if the printer is already configured on the server. If the printer is not configured, the wizard displays a screen with default names (based on the printer model) for the bindery objects (see Figure 1).
Accept the default values or make changes as desired.
Figure 1: Novell (bindery) print mode, unconfigured printer
Select Next
to begin the printer driver installation (see below).
Printer already configured
When the printer is already configured, the bindery screen will show the Print Server name that cannot be modified and the Print Queue and Volume that can be changed (see Figure 2).
Accept the default values or make changes as desired.
Figure 2: Novell (bindery) print mode, configured printer
Select Next
to begin the printer driver installation (see below).
Installing the printer driver
Select a printer driver by one of two methods:
Configuring the Jetdirect print server port to connect to NetWare 4.11 NDS network (using INPW to configure for Novell Netware requires firmware x.06.00 or later) (client-server)
This procedure allows you set up the HP Jetdirect port to share the printer. Refer to the following sections.
Install the Install Network Printer Wizard
Run the HP Install Network Printer Wizard by one of two methods:
If the software is downloaded and installed, click Start
, Programs
, and HP
Install
Network Printer
Wizard
.
Insert the HP Jetdirect CD into the CD-ROM drive, and select Install
Network
Printer
.
Select a printer by one of two methods:
Select Search
from the list of available printers, then Next
. Wait for the search results, then highlight the printer to configure and select Next
.
Select Specify the network printer by address
, then Next
. Select TCP/IP
address
, host
name
, or hardware
address
. Type the information into the space provided, and select Next
.
Select Windows TCP/IP
or IPX/SPX
in the Select a communication mode
drop-down menu. This list may show several options, depending on the network protocols and clients installed on the computer and the capabilities of the HP Jetdirect print server. Three possible selections that will appear:
The HP Install Network Printer Wizard will recommend one of the options according to the following priority:
Novell (NDS) - (has the highest priority) or Novell (Bindery). The computer must be logged in for this to be available.
Windows TCP/IP when:
Windows IPX/SPX when:
If using TCP/IP, add the TCP/IP addresses to the fields provided.
Unconfigured printer
After selecting the Novell (NDS) print mode, the HP Install Network Printer Wizard queries the Novell server to determine if the printer is already configured on the server.
If the printer is not configured, the Wizard displays a screen with default names (based on the printer model) for the "Print Server" and the "Printer" NDS objects (see Figure 3). Change these as desired.
Figure 3: Novell (NDS) print mode, unconfigured printer
These values are derived from the printer model string. When the model string has embedded spaces, those spaces are replaced by an underscore (_). In addition, each field value is made unique by using a suffix:
Before the HP Install Network Printer Wizard proposes these default names, the Novell server is queried to determine if the default names are valid. If the software is unable to generate default names, the fields will be left blank, and you must fill them in.
Select the NDS context by accepting the default and selecting Next
OR
change the context by typing it in or select Browse
to browse the NDS tree for the context, then click OK
.
Specify the Print Queue name. As in the previous screen, the fields are filled with default values with all fields editable (see Figure 4). Accept the defaults or add a new print queue to the server by typing a new queue name and selecting the queue volume from the drop-down menu.
Select Next
to begin the printer driver installation (see below).
Figure 4: Novell (NDS) print queue, unconfigured printer
Printer already configured
If the printer is already configured on the server, the Install Network Printer Wizard can be used to create a new queue for the existing printer.
In this case, the NDS print server and printer objects will be displayed (and cannot be changed) (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Novell (NDS) print mode, configured printer
Click Next
to display a screen for specifying the printer queue name. A default queue name will be displayed with all fields editable (see Figure 6). Create a new print queue on the server by typing a new queue name and specifying the queue volume.
Figure 6: Novell (NDS) print queue, configured printer
Configuring the computer as a server to share the printer
There are two ways to install and configure the PC to share the printer on the network. Before proceeding with the installation, ensure the following conditions:
The server computer, which the printer will be connected to, has been set up correctly in the network. Refer to the documentation that comes with your network operating system for more information.
Networking software and protocol must be present on both the server and client computers.
The server computer must be turned on when trying to connect.
For Windows for Workgroups 3.11, the Print Manager must be enabled. To do this, double-click the Printers icon in the Control Panel and choose Use Print Manager.
For Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0, File and Printer Sharing of the server computer must be enabled.
|
NOTE:
|
If the server is running Novell NetWare 3.12 or 4.11, please refer to the documentation that comes with Novell on how to set up a local printer. |
Using the HP 2500C series printer software to share the printer
Install HP 2500C series printer software
If running Windows NT 4.0, log on to the computer as the system administrator.
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive to install the printer software.
If the installation program does not run automatically, access the File Manager or Explorer and run INSTALL.EXE from the CD-ROM. The Starter CD allows you to either install or download the printer driver onto the network drive.
Select Download
to customize the printer software for future quick installation. The next screen appears to prompt you to select the port.
For Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0: Select Local/Existing
, which assumes that the port is a local (LPT) or defined print server port. For Windows for Workgroups 3.11: 3a: Click Connect
when prompted to select a printer port. Type in the path to which the printer has been mapped and select the shared printer. Select the LPT port just mapped and click OK
.
|
NOTE:
|
The other two port options available for selection are: Network (Client): If wishing to connect to a computer (client) to the shared or server computer in the network. Network (Server/Peer-to-Peer): If wishing to connect a computer to print directly to the printer server port without sharing through a server computer. |
Share the printer on the network
For Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0:
Right-click the HP 2500C Series Printer
icon in the Printers
folder, followed by Properties
, to access the printer properties.
Select the Sharing
tab in Properties
to share the printer. Proceed to Step c if the Sharing
tab does not appear; otherwise, move on to Step e.
To enable the file and printer share, double-click the Network
icon in the Control Panel. Click File
and Printer Sharing
and make sure that both the boxes are checked.
Click OK
and restart Windows.
In the Sharing
tab, select Shared As
and specify a shared name for this printer.
Click OK
.
For Windows for Workgroups 3.11:
Double-click the Printers
icon in the Control Panel.
Select HP 2500C Series Printer
and make sure that the Use Print Manager
option is checked.
Select Cancel
or Close
to exit the Printers Control Panel.
Double-click the Print Manager
icon in the Main
group and select the printer.
Select Share Printer As...
from the Printer
menu. Proceed to Step f if you do not see the Sharing tab; otherwise, move on to Step h.
If the Share As option is disabled, printer sharing has not been enabled. To enable, double-click the Windows Setup
icon in the Main program group, select Change Network Settings
in the Options
menu and enable printer sharing.
Click OK
and restart Windows.
Specify a shared name for this printer.
Check the Re-share At Startu
p option if wishing to share the printer permanently.
Click OK
.
Proceed to install the printer software on the client computer.
Installing alternate drivers
If the server is running Windows NT 4.0 and you wish to install Windows 95 or 98 drivers to client computers over the network, do so if you have installed an alternate driver in the server. To install an alternate driver in the server, follow these instructions:
Insert the Starter CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Click Start
on the Taskbar.
Select Settings
and Printers
. Right-click the HP 2500C Series Printer
icon and select Sharing
.
Select Shared
and type in a Share Name
of your choice.
Select Windows 95
under Alternate Drivers
.
When prompted to insert disk, click OK
.
In the Copy Files From
box, type d:\ drivers\nt295\
(where d:\ is the CD-ROM drive). Also click Browse
and point to the directory to be installed from.
Click OK
and follow the instructions on-screen to complete installation.
Installing the PostScript driver
Option 1
Insert the HP 2500C/C+/CM Adobe (R) PostScript 3 CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive and run INSTALL.EXE.
Follow the instructions on the screen and select HP 2500C Series PS3 Printer
in the PPD description
.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation and verify setup with the self-test page (for Windows 95, 98, and NT only).
Option 2
Copy the entire contents of the HP 2500C/C+/CM Adobe PostScript 3 CD-ROM to a folder in the server.
Assign (map) a drive letter to the network folder.
Run INSTALL.EXE.
Follow the instructions on the screen and select HP 2500C Series PS3 Printer
in the PPD description
.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation and verify setup with the self-test page (for Windows 95, 98, and NT only).
Option 3
Copy the folders and files of the specific operating system and language required from the HP 2500C/C+/CM Adobe PostScript 3 CD-ROM to a folder in the server.
Run SETUP.EXE.
Follow the instructions on the screen and select HP 2500C Series PS3 Printer
in the PPD description
.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation and verify setup with the self-test page (for Windows 95, 98, and NT only).
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems printing over a network, refer to the following documentation:
The Troubleshooting tab on the HP 2500C Toolbox
The HP Jetdirect Hardware Manual
The HP Jetdirect Software Manual
The NOS and OS Manuals
Improving printing performance over the network
Color output from applications requires a lot of processing to become printer-ready data. Therefore, when networking color Inkjet printers, the demands on the resources of the print server system are higher than other network printers. To optimize printing performance over the network, the following is recommended:
Set the print queue to accept only RAW data in a NT 4.0 client-server environment
A print queue can be configured to accept only RAW data. By doing so, the work of creating RAW data is moved from the print server to the client computer. This will reduce the load on the print server. To enable this option:
Click Start
, Settings
, and Printers
.
Right-click the printer icon and select Properties
.
Click the General
tab.
Click Print Processor
.
Check the Always Spool RAW Datatype
checkbox and click OK
.
Free-up hard disk space
It is recommended that the print server have 200 MB of free disk space for every 10 queues.
Set port monitor
HP recommends using the port software that comes with HP Jetadmin (3.4 or later) or HP standard port software that comes with HP Web Jetadmin, instead of Microsoft LPR port software. Also, for optimal printing and spooling of 11 x 17-inch or A3-sized jobs, the TCP/IP Idle Time Out value of the MIO card should be set to at least 360 seconds. To do this, perform the following:
Click Start
, Settings
, and Printers
.
Right-click the printer icon and select Modify
.
Click Next
.
Set the TCP/IP Idle Timeout to at least 360.
Click Next
and Finish
.
Reduce the complexity of the file
Reduce the complexity of the file, such as reducing the number of colors.
Send the print file through a different application
Some applications handle complex print files more efficiently than others. Try opening the file with another application and try to print it.
Use the HP ZoomSmart feature
If intending to print a larger version of a print job (from A4 or letter-sized to A3 or 11 x 17-inch, for example), use the ZoomSmart feature to enlarge the image, instead of enlarging it through an application. The spool file generated with ZoomSmart is about 30 percent smaller.
|
|
Printable version
