Chooser loses printer?

hazmat

hazmat

Rusher of Din
In our office we have a bunch of Macs and a Win2k Server. We have two network printers, each with their own static IP. One is a HP LaserJet 6MP and the other a HP LaserJet 4050TN. Most of the Macs, from OS 8.6 to 9.2 can access both, all can access the 6MP, but some cannot access the 4050. All PCs have no problem. What happens with some of the Macs is that in Chooser under Laserwriter 8 is that when you boot it up, you will see the 4050, but it will soon after disppear. Anyone know what the problem might be?

Thanks.
 
Does the 4050 have an ethernet port, or is it routed through an asanté port switcher (serial to ethernet for example)

I found that my 6MP at work would sometimes show, and sometimes not. I updated the firmware on the asanteTalk box, and it worked itself out.

If you don't have this setup, and you have an ethernet jack in the back of the 4050, I would look into any updates in drivers, and most importantly look into possible firmware updates. You may also want to check the printers settings to make see whether or not half-duplex is on, to make sure TCP/IP is always on, and doesn't load when needed.

Basically if those updates don't work, post what you've done, and we'll go to the next steps.
 
Thanks a lot for the reply. It uses an ethernet port. JetDirect J3113A. I updated to the latest firmware, and the Mac in question has the latest drivers. I believe half-duplex is on. The config says "100TX HALF". I find it hard to believe that the problem is on the printer's end, since all the Windows machines find the printer fine, and most of the Macs. I have both a PC (NT) and a Mac (OS 9.1 and X) and both find the printer no problem. Some of the Macs here can only use the 6MP, not the 4050. With the 4050, you might see it in Chooser, then if you click on something else in Chooser, then back to Laserwriter 8 (or Adobe PS for that matter), the 4050 is gone. When you DO see the 4050 and try to print to it, Finder will say that the printer cannot be found.
 
Have you moved your mac to another rj45 port?

I'm wondering if you've got some weird interference. I know that this sort of problem has occurred here as well. Once I re-strung the wire in the wall all problems were solved.

I'm reaching for an answer here, but if the calble is messed up, the computer would definately display this type of behavior.

Let us know what happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top