printing wirelessly with a hp deskjet 6980

Just got my Macbook Pro and an HP DJ 6980. Printer works fine via USB, but the wireless setup process crashes. When working from the "Next Steps" dialog in the HP setup software, I click "Configure your network Printer" and "Continue" in the following "Network Printer Setup Utility". It scans for printers, sees my printer briefly and then the window closes before I can get to the next "Continue" button. I've installed, uninstalled, downloaded updated drivers from HP - nothing works. Any suggestions?

Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Tobias,

I was finally successful, but it was not straight forward. The setup software wouldnt work for me. HP support (e-mail only) sent me instructions using the built in web browser in the printer. There is a tricky point where you have to switch from hpsetup network setting to your wireless network. As the connection switches, hpsetup "hangs". The connection was made, even though it appeared to "hang". Let me know if you are still having problems and I'll forward HP's web-based instructions.

i'm having trouble setting this printer up too. my network consists of a passive airport express hooked up to a wired router. i'm able to access the printer and use it only when hooked up to the router via ethernet cable. however, when i use the wireless wizard (whilst still hooked up to the router) to configure the printer to join the airport's network, i'm unable to add the printer after i disconnect the ethernet cable. the printer indicates it successfully joins the network as indicated by the non-flashing green network symbol and blue wireless symbol. the setup guide doesn't correlate with the cd that came with it. when i install the software i get results similar to tobias'. in short, please post what hp emailed to you.

thanks

ibook g4, intel imac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I believe your problem may be how you are configured. You need to use the Airport Express as a bridge which means all devices, wired or wireless need to have the same subnet mask and should have manually assigned IP addresses. Check page 48 of this document for bridging instructions. If you provide some more detail on how your wired router and AE are configured, we might be able to help more.

mkupe,

I have the exact same problem: network setup tool crashes as it scans for wireless printers (with a deskjet 460). I'm still waiting for HP's support email answer. Would you mind publishing the web-based instructions?

This post may help you.

Intel MacMini Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.7) G4 AGP Sawtooth, G3 iBook, PowerPC 6100/66, Mac LC, etc.

Here are the instructions that got me through this.

Good luck.

For your issues with setting up the Deskjet 6980 printer to your network
I would recommend the following steps. These steps are based on a
process you would use if the driver installation has already been run
through on the Mac.

If you want to utilize the printers wireless functions disconnect the
ethernet cable from the printer and the air port.

Reset the printer buy holding the report (check mark) button down.
While holding the report (check mark) button down press and release the
cancel (x) button three times then release the report (check mark)
button. Once all the lights except the power are off turn the power off
(this may take a minute). Wait for one minute then turn the printer
back on. While the lights are flashing follow the steps numbered below.

1. Ensure the blue radio light come on the printer then click on the
airport icon (on the top menu bar), select hpsetup

2. Once connected to hpsetup, Print the network configuration page from
the printer again (press and release the button with the check mark).

3. Open Safari (should say cannot open page), enter the printer's IP
Address (line 7 with the periods) into the address bar, hit return. An
HP site should open (this is the embedded web server on the printer).

* NOTE * If you do not have the printers report page with the IP address
on it simply press and release the report (check mark) button and it
will print out.

4. Select the Networking tab. On the left side of the window (under
CONNECTIONS), select Wireless (802.11)

5. Click on Start Wizard.

6. Select the network name from the drop down list, click next.

7. If there is NO WEP encryption, continue to step 8. If there is WEP
encryption, enter the key (You must know this key. If you do not contact
Apple to get it reset).

8. Click Finish, the printer's wireless and network lights should blink.


9. At the top of the screen click on the word Safari and then click quit
Safari. Once Safari closes click on the airport icon and switch back to
your network name. You may be prompted for a password.

10. At the top of the screen click on GO then APPLICATIONS. Next double
click on TextEdit. type any thing in this windows and then click on
FILE then PRINT. Ensure the Deskjet 6900 series is the printer listed
and then click on PRINT.

The printer should print the TextEdit words you typed in.



Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6)

You don't need to call Apple to get the WEP key. Just open the Airport Admin Utility, select the Airport you're using, click on 'configure', select 'password' and the WEP key will appear.

Intel MacMini Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6) G4 AGP Sawtooth, G3 iBook, PowerPC 6100/66, Mac LC, etc.

mkupe,

Thanks for the instructions.

The sad news is that the deskjet 460 does not seem to have an embedded web server. I can ping the printer, but Safari fails to connect to it. I also tried to telnet the printer, unsuccessfully.

Any further ideas?

mkupe et. al.,

HP has finally acknowledged their "network setup tool" utility does not support Intel Macs (it took them 8 emails, although I very specifically asked this question in my initial email). They also confirmed this printer does not have an embedded web server one could use for configuring using a browser.

My last resort was to use a Windows PC to install & set-up the printer. It works fine now, although I ran into another bug: WPA with AES encryption did not work. I had to configure my router to use "TKIP + AES" for the wireless link to establish.

gaelp et. al.,

I guess that the best I can tell you is that the 6980 has been a good machine. Photo printing is acceptable (i.e., not fabulous), but otherwise the networkable printer keeps the household happy.

for the cost of four sets of ink tanks, you can buy one....

Could you please send me the HP 6980 mac wireless work around as described in the forum.

Thanks

The only HP 460 that will work on the Mac with Bluetooth is the 460wbt. The 460wf will not work...

You are my hero, mkupe!!! I can't believe that I (you) finally got my printer to work! Thanks for your very clear, concise instructions....If I can do this, anyone can 🙂 woo-hoo
-Caren

Here are the instructions that got me through this.

Good luck.

Macbook Mac OS X (10.4.7)