See below for more information. TRENDnet also has a Printer Server for Multi-Function printers that allows one to take the USB connection and put the printer the network.
We are using the latest firmware (loaded into the printer) and drivers for Windows 7.
The one computer that was working on the network stopped as soon as the USB Connection between it and the computer was unplugged.
TRENDnet also has a Multi-Function Printer Server for going from USB to the network.
You would have to run a CDROM on each computer to "share" the printer through the TRENDnet printer server.
The cost is only about $40 to $60 [depending on vendor].
We still have 3 printer cartridges for that printer, so we might as well use them.
It will give us two printers and another scanner in this lab if we go that route.
Ok. I’ll bite:
As I still don’t see enough information to help, I only have the following suggestion:
1. Go to Printers/Devices & Add a Printer.
2. Select ‘Add a local printer’
3. If the IP address of your printer is in the ‘existing port list’, select it. Otherwise create a ‘new port’ with the IP of that assigned to your printer.
4. At the ‘Install the printer driver’ screen select ‘Have Disk...” and browse to the folder where you extracted the files downloaded from Dell.
(Note: #4 presumes you are adept at downloading/extracting/browsing to files and that you have the correct driver for your OS, without respect to any connectivity issues resolved & pingable to the printer. I always create a folder on the desktop for this purpose)
5. Dial down to a .inf file. If there is more than one, just pick one.
6. Finish the installation. If it doesn’t print, ping it. If it pings, do a configuration test page off the printer and confirm the IP/network settings (which must include IP, Gateway & Subnet).
I looked at the Dell files and it appears there is a .inf file for simple driver installation (without their BS application software). It ‘should’ work. This is simple stuff from my end.
I guess my reading comprehension goes down a few notches on the weekend.
I missed that you suggest the printer is USB. The model you provided is for an ‘N’, or network model, which was the basis for my network support.
Again, without more info help is impossible. Why you’re using a print server when the printer has network is beyond me, unless it is for wireless. If that is the case, you should resolve ‘wired’ connectivity/function before wireless troubleshooting. Presuming the model is correct, using a ‘crossover cable’ to connect the printer directly to your laptop/PC is one method. Be aware, however, that it is possible to install the printer USB WITHOUT the software application...only if you are adept at doing so.
One more thing: My experience with print servers is that you need to turn off DHCP at the printer when using a USB/print server combination on the network. Beyond that, without a whole lotta indirect & inefficient messaging, I suggest you dump the print server and connect directly to a wired network if possible. Wireless sucks (IMHO).