Do I need a new printer? - Page 1

I am in wireless network updating hell. I used to have a home network that worked beautifully. My Mac, the laptop PC and the HP Photosmart all-in-one just worked. Now, nothing works. I updated the PC drivers. HP doesn't have a network diagnostic for the Mac. MY wireless setup Wizard can't find my router. I probably did a stupid thing. I told it to revert to default. And it can't find a blessed thing now! ARGFHHH!

Do I just need to buy a new printer already? It's not that old!!  The kids, the DH, everybody makes me figure this stuff out, and it just isn't working. Anyone else in HP printer upgrade HELL?

Can`t help with a Mac, sorry

But if you type into "Google" something like "mac help" or similar lots of Forums are listed, see what they come up with

Yikes!  Wish I could help, but don't know that much about computers---my son takes care of everyone's computer since that is his major.  He does say that Macs are more difficult to fix so that is why we all stick to PCs.    Good luck!

It isn't the Mac, except that I will probably need a new one soon, if I want to be able to use the new Lion operating system, because my current Mac doesn't have the Intel processor inside that is needed to run it, so I'm on the cusp of obsoletion. 
 
My problem seems to be with the HP printer, its network setup wizard can't find my router. So somehow I'll have to figure out how to manually set up the IP address, something called the Gateway address and who knows what else. I am good at following the bouncing ball type of instructions but don't necessarily actually know what I'm doing, or why.

I'm just pissed off that the HP solution center doesn't offer a diagnostic tool for the MAC, only the &*%$ PC. 

I just had to give up and walk away yesterday, because I'd been at it all day and couldn't get it to work. Which is frustrating because I've always been able to figure it out ... eventually. It's been my experience that when stuff starts to go all wonky, all the time, it is usually time to go shopping. I should never have told the damn printer to go to default, but I thought the network wizard would work if I started all fresh.

Just got back from a swim meet, so after a bit of a break, and a few aspirins, I'll try this manual crap, and if that doesn't work.... I guess it will be a trip to Staples or Office Depot for me. 

Thanks Lennard and GG, for listening, at least. That's more than my family wants to do. They just want me to fix it! ARGHHH.

I can possibly walk you through manually configuring the printer to find the router.

I need the model number of the printer, to start.

Well, as it turns out, my friend called and we ended up going to the mall, to the Apple store and I bought a new iIMac. And they had a promo on an HP wireless printer, that will end up being free $ when I send in the rebate. So I'm going to start setting things up now, and with luck, my problem will be solved.

Supposedly mobile me will be gone tomorrow, because the cloud is taking over. I couldn't bear the thought of being technologically left behind, once I got to the store. LOL

GSD, I just wanted to thank you for your offer to help, that was very nice of you. 

Bee,

Does the old printer look like this?


If so, going with a new one is probably a good idea. LOL

Ninja: Yes, that firebomb looks real familiar, LOL

My new little deskjet is networking and printing, what a good little communicator! I'm so happy. On to the new computer... let's hope that goes well!

What to do with the old stuff? I have an attic room waiting to be fixed up, maybe I'll create a museum of old Macs up there, waiting for the right time to sell. The Apple guy told me for the right buyer, my even older, Flower Power iMac is a collectors item, could be worth $$$ to someone! Oh, I remember when they called 600 mHz "blazing fast" LOL