WiFi printer not recognised by Win7 laptop

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  1. Posts : 72
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #11

    Hi Deaconfrost. I hear what you are saying. Although I am computer literate and can do repairs and things to them, when it comes to doing what you say I need a lead to do it. I can install routers and periferals but when it comes down to knowing of hand where to go on the system as far as setting those things you list I need to be told where to go and then i could do it from there.
    Thanks for your input though, it does make me think that I should be getting a bit more experience in them areas as I think more and more people will be trying to do without wires in the future.
    Cheers
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #12

    Each printer is different, but as long as it has a screen, then it should offer a way to set the IP address on it. KNowing what address to set is the key, but on a home network, it should be easy to figure out. For example, a typical home router might be 192.168.1.1. Your computers may start getting addresses assigned at 192.168.1.100, 101, 102, etc. That means something like 192.168.1.2 is not assigned or in use....and can't be given out to a computer or device. My network printer at home is using 192.168.1.2.

    Once that's set on my printer, I can go back to my computer, open a command prompt, and ping 192.168.1.2, and it will return. Knowing it is online and accessible, I can then run my driver software and finish the process.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 72
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Hi, unfortunatly the printer does not have a screen. It is all set up now but if ever I change it I will definatly have one with a screen.
    Cheers
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #14

    I think what he meant by screen is a web GUI. A setup window you can view on your PC. I can log into my WIFI printer just like I do on my router though IE. The printer itself doesn't have a physical screen on it.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #15

    A webGUI is nice, but you'd already need to know the IP address to connect to it. I meant an actual, physical screen on the printer, so you can configure the network options directly on the printer. I wouldn't buy a network printer without one, to be honest.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #16

    OK, my bad, you did mean an actual screen on the printer. For me, for home use, thats a bit of overkill. Not that I wouldn't like to have one with a screen, but I just don't have the budget for it at this time. I only bought the printer I have because it was on sale and I had a gift card left over from Christmas. Correct me if I'm wrong but the screen is more for viewing, cropping, and PC less printing than setup functions. I just logged into my router to get the printers IP address.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #17

    Honestly, I see it is simplifying the process for the home user. It is much easier for someone to follow some screenshots on a setup poster to type in a number than log into their router and get this info. The address you'll see from the router is DHCP assigned, so it is subject to change. That's why I always set a static address outside of my DHCP scope.

    You also don't need to have budget concerns for this either. A few years ago, my Kodak 7250 was $75, and it's an all-in-one. The HP Photosmart Premium it replaced was only $100, and that was purchased two years prior.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #18

    I agree, depending on how computer/network savvy you are. For some, the easier it is to setup the better. My father falls into that category. Having the setup menu on the printer would likely save him from having to call me for help setting it up. Me, while I'm no IT Pro, I do know enough about Networking to set just about anything up, one way or another. Thats not to say that I wouldn't mind having that feature or that having it implies that you don't know what you're doing. In Windows 7 you don't actually have to even know what the printers IP address is. Just open the Network window, right click the printer's Icon and select "View device webpage". Works for your router too. :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 72
    windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #19

    Now that it is all set up I am wondering how people without a router or internet would get the printer to work with the laptop/desktop. As someone said there will be a way to set it up adhock but would you not think that a company like epson would try to give more info in the startup sheet so as to help people like myself really. I would just like to give a big thankyou to everyone for the advice and help in getting the printer going and my wife of my back.Cheers.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #20

    You can buy Bluetooth capable printers that will work with a single PC wirelessly. My father has one, setup was easy. Turn the laptop on, turn the printer on, laptop detects it as Bluetooth device, a few mouse clicks and its done. It works like a wireless mouse or keyboard. WIFI Printers are network devices, Bluetooth aren't. My father actually has one of each. The Bluetooth printer is a small portable battery operated ink-jet, and the WIFI printer is a monochrome Laserjet.
    The other way to do it is to not use the WIFI and plug the printer in with the USB cable. Mine will work just like any other USB printer and connect to a single PC that way. You could then share it on your network the old fashioned way. It kind of defeats the purpose of buying a WIFI capable printer but it doesn't hurt to make the printer back wards compatible in case someone doesn't have a wireless setup but plans to at some point.
      My Computer


 
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