[cloefke]

I've searched through the forums and haven't found this topic, so here goes...

I have the AT&T 2Wire 2701HG-B Gateway Router, connected with two laptops which can run either wireless or 10/100. I also have a Dell 3010cn Printer that is network capable currently connected to one laptop and shared. I want to put the printer directly on the network, but cannot get the 2701 to acknowledge the printer. Cables are fine as well as the ethernet card on the printer. Its a system "thing" and I'm just stuck. I'm also cheap because I'm NOT going to pay $99.00 to AT&T for some tech support on their end.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Chuck
(the newbie)

[JohnWill]

This should be simple.

Reset the printer to factory defaults, connect it directly to the router, and use the Dell installation utility to search for the printer.

If that doesn't work, please tell us exactly what the symptoms are.

[cloefke]

Thanks John. As soon as I get home from work (in about 1 hour), I'll give this a shot and see what happens. Will let you know.

Chuck

[JohnWill]

I find that sometimes in these kinds of situations, it's best to just reset and start from scratch.

[cloefke]

I agree. Okay, I removed the printer from my laptop, reset the printer to original default settings, and then set the IP to 192.168.1.104. The Subnet is set at 255.255.255.0 and the Gateway to 192.168.1.254. All the basic defaults (to the best of my knowledge). The Printer software was reinstalled and the default info put in place. After all of that, the 2701 STILL does not see the printer, even though I have it hard-wired in. Stubborn little booger, that's for sure.

So, this is where I sit. I'm running a HP Pavilion dv7 laptop using Windows 7, my wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron 1520 running Windows 7, and the printer again is a Dell 3010cn. I can say that Windows 7 has nothing to do with this issue because I tried installing with Vista (both set for XP compatibility), and still nothing. I'm wondering if I need to purchase a print server and go that route, but the 3010cn is designed for network use with the 10/100 built in.

So, that's where I sit, and I'm open to any and all suggestions at this point. Thanks for all the assistance provided!

Chuck

[srhoades]

Again I despise 2wires. Don't give your printer a static IP. Let the 2wire give it a DHCP address, this way the 2wire will recognize it as a device. After that if you want it to have a static IP give it a reserved address in the 2wire.

[cloefke]

Still isn't recognizing the printer. I've reset the 2701, and it still doesn't see the printer.

**sigh**

Hammer anyone?

[srhoades]

Is it giving it an IP address?

[cloefke]

No... nada. It just sits here on my mantle, blinking its lights like little eyes saying, "Got ya again!"

Like someone said... gotta love AT&T.

[JohnWill]

Run SuperScan and see if the printer appears on the network anywhere. An alternative method is to look at the router's LAN connection status and see if the printer is connected.

When you plug the cable into the router, do you see the port connection lights? Are they flashing?

[cloefke]

Hello John. Well, I downloaded the program and ran it but without any success. I then went back to HomePortal and the printer is still not showing.

I think what I probably need to do is not waste anyone elses time and just go purchase a wireless USB port and just install the printer that way.

Thanks all for your help...it was greatly appreciated and thanks for the great welcome to the forums.

Chuck

[JohnWill]

Actually, I think I'd call Dell Support and see if they have any insights. Normally, it's pretty easy to get a network printer working.

[cloefke]

Dell tech support is worthless. "If" you can find someone who speaks English and not outsourced to the mountains of Tora Bora, then the person can't help with printers networked to home networks not supported by Dell.

**wondering if the 2701HG-B Gateway Router would fly far enough for skeet shooting**

[JohnWill]

Well, that's not a very helpful attitude from Dell! Hard to believe you're having so many issues with what is normally an easy install.

[cloefke]

I agree John, but that's to be expected in today's world I suppose. However, I don't believe the problem is the printer, but rather the Gateway Router from 2Wire and whatever AT&T has done to screw it up. I'm getting ready tomorrow to take the final action that I know should work, and that's another little piece of hardware, and when that's done, I'll let you know.

Chuck