Troubleshooting Print Servers

These instructions apply to all NETGEAR print server products. They are not relevant if:

• There are abnormal LEDs. Consult the manuals for descriptions of LED status.
• You are using any function on a multi-function printer, except basic printing.
• You use a Canon printer with Advanced Printer Technology (CAPT), e.g., LBP-800, LBP 810, LBP-1120, LBP-1210. These will not work with most print servers, including NETGEAR's.
• You use a GDI printer. Some Lexmark, Brother HL, Oki Okipage, and Samsung ML printers will not work with NETGEAR print servers.

NETGEAR print servers do not have bidirectional printer support. Print monitoring software from HP, Epson, Canon, etc. will not report traffic going through the server, error messages, or give other feedback.

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• To run a print server, your network must have one computer with the Administration software. In addition, every computer that uses the print server must use the Print Server Setup Wizard to set up each one.
• Install the software, if you haven't already, using the instructions in the manual. If you do not have the software or the manuals, download them by selecting your product on the center drop down on this page.
• While on that page for your print server, see if a firmware upgrade is available. Install the upgrade, then test whether the print server works.
• "Test pages" may not work with printers that use graphics. In this case, print from any application to test.
• If using Windows XP, and your printer is not being found by a Wizard, check Step 8c, first.

To Troubleshoot a Print Server

1) If the printer is printing "garbage" characters, go to step 7b).

2) If there is a Windows error message when printing then, consult Windows help.

3) Try printing from another computer. If this is successful, then there is a problem with your computer configuration, not the print server. Consult the computer and operating system documentation.

4) Turn off the print server, then turn it on. Test whether print server works.

5) Run the print server Setup Wizard. (Start > Programs > NETGEAR Print Server > NETGEAR Print Server Setup Wizard.)

6) For PC users, In the "Network Protocols on this PC" one of the three protocols must read "installed".

7) Click Next in the Wizard. If the print server is on the list found then:

(Retest your printer if you make changes to any of the following.)

7a) Check the print server's IP address. If it is 0.0.0.0, then the printer is not recognized. Unless you have a router, the print server's IP must be on the same segment. To set the IP, click Next until you see the TCP/IP screen. If you have a DHCP server on your network, select Obtain IP Address Automatically. Otherwise, click Fixed IP Address, and Suggest New Values. Click Next and Finish to exit the Wizard.

7b) If the printer does not match the printer driver in the operating system then run the Add Printer Wizard. (As described in the product manuals.)

7c) If the printer driver is PSName_Px, then run the Add Printer Wizard, or change it to the print server port.

7d) Disable the printer's bidirectional feature, if it's turned on.

8) Else, if the print server is not found:

8a) Click Refresh.

8b) Make sure you can access other places from your computer. If you can't, then troubleshoot computer or Internet connectivity.

8c) If you are running a software firewall, disable it, and use the NETGEAR firewall, instead. (It's almost certain to be faster.) This includes the Windows XP firewall — which may have been turned on during Windows upgrade or installation without you being aware of it. See Firewalls that Conflict with NETGEAR Such as Windows XP — unless you know for certain this feature isn't on.

Doc N101269.asp March 26, 2004