How to display the IP address on an HP LaserJet 4250 printer

When an HP LaserJet 4250 printer is on and ready to print, the only thing displayed on the screen is "Ready."  However, you can set your printer to display its IP address.  Displaying the IP address isn't always necessary but can be helpful -- it prevents having to hunt through the onscreen menus to find it when you need it.

Follow the steps below to display the IP address for an HP 4250 printer.  (You can turn the IP address display off at any time by following these steps and selecting "Off.")  These instructions also apply to the other printers in this series, including the LaserJet 4200, 4300, and 4350.

From the ready screen, press the down arrow button to bring up the menu.  Scroll down through the menu options until you see Configure Device, then press Select (the green button with the check mark on it).

Scroll down through the Configure Device menu until you come to System Setup.  Press Select when System Setup is the highlighted choice.  Then scroll down to Show Address and press Select.  

Two choices will be displayed on the screen: Auto and Off.  The one with the asterisk (*) next to it, which will probably be Off, is the active choice.  To turn IP address display on, use the up or down arrow to highlight Auto, then press Select.  A message will be displayed to let you know that the new setting has been saved.

When you exit out of the menu (by using the Back button) the printer's IP address will be displayed under the word "Ready".

🛈 IT departments often use stickers to denote printer IP addresses.  By setting the printer to display its IP address on the ready screen, you can avoid having to tag each printer.  It also eliminates the headache of having to re-tag each printer if you ever need to change its IP address.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to adjust the toner density on an HP LaserJet P4010 / P4014 / P4015 / P4510 / P4515 printer

Depending on what you are printing, you may want to darken up the text or images, or make them lighter.  On an HP LaserJet P4015 series printer, you can do this either from your computer, if the application that you're printing from allows it, or from the printer itself by adjusting the toner density.  (In addition to the P4015, these instructions also apply to the HP LaserJet P4010, P4014, P4510, and P4515 models.)

• Press the Menu button on the printer's control panel (located below the up and down arrow buttons).
• Scroll down through the menu entries until you see CONFIGURE DEVICE, then press OK to select it.
• Scroll down through the configuration options until you find PRINT QUALITY.  Press OK.
• Scroll down until you see TONER DENSITY.  Press OK.
• The toner density ranges from 1 (lightest) to 5 (darkest).  Use the keypad to enter the desired value, then press OK to save the new setting.
• Press the Back button (the arrow going backwards, located to the left of the menu button) three times to exit out of the menu and return to the ready screen.

By default, the toner density is set at 3. Making the toner density too dark can result in spots on your prints, or a general dirty look to the pages as too much toner is being added.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to check the toner level on an HP LaserJet P4010 / P4014 / P4015 / P4510 / P4515 printer

On an HP LaserJet P4015 series printer, you can view the approximate amount of toner remaining in the cartridge by printing out a supplies status page.  (This status page is different from the configuration page.)  The supplies status page shows about how much toner is left, expressed as a percentage as well as in number of pages that can be printed.  It also shows how many pages have been printed since the current cartridge was installed, so you can get an idea of how many pages you're getting out of each cartridge.  The supplies status page can be printed directly from the printer by following the steps below.

• Press the Menu button on the printer's operation panel (below the up and down arrows) to bring up the printer's main menu.
• When the menu loads, scroll down twice using the down arrow button.  INFORMATION should be the highlighted choice; press OK to select it.
• Using the down arrow again, scroll down twice and you'll see PRINT SUPPLIES STATUS PAGE.  Press OK, and the status page will begin printing.  You can see the amount of toner remaining in the cartridge on the left side of the status page.

In addition to the amount of toner left, the supplies status page shows the counter for the maintenance kit and part numbers for consumables if you need to order any.

A standard P4015 toner cartridge contains enough toner for approximately 10,000 pages (depending on what exactly you're printing) and a high-yield toner cartridge will last for approximately 24,000 pages.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to display the IP address on an HP LaserJet P4010 / P4014 / P4015 / P4510 / P4515 printer

Any printer connected to a TCP/IP network has an IP address.  Knowing this IP address can be useful for a variety of reasons.  Rather than having to search through the printer's menu or look for the IP address on a spreadsheet or in another system, you can set some printers up to display their IP address right on the main screen.

To set up an HP P4010 series printer (P4010, P4014, P4015, P4510, or P4515) to show its IP address:

- Press the down arrow button once to enter the main menu.  (If the printer is idle or sleeping, press the down arrow button once to wake it up, and then once more to enter the menu.)

- Scroll down through the menu options until you get to Configure Device.

- Press the OK button

- Scroll down until you see System Setup.

- Press the OK button.

- Scroll down to Show Address.

- Press the OK button.

-  Use the up or down arrow to highlight Auto.

- Press the OK button.


If you change your mind and don't want the printer's IP address displayed, you can go back into the same setting and select Off instead of Auto.

(Originally published on Helium.com, August 2011)

How to print the event log from an HP Color LaserJet CP6015 printer

To print the event log (useful for checking and diagnosing error messages) from an HP Color LaserJet CP6015 printer:

- Press the Menu button
- Scroll down to Diagnostics
- Press the Select button (the button with the check mark)
- "Print Event Log" will be displayed; press the Select button again

How to temporarily clear the maintenance required message on an HP LaserJet P4010 / P4014 / P4015 / P4510 / P4515 printer

If your HP LaserJet P4010, P4014, P4015, P4510, or P4515 printer is displaying the "REPLACE MAINTENANCE KIT" message, you can temporarily clear that message until you are able to replace the maintenance kit and reset the counter.

To temporarily disable the printer's maintenance message:

- Press the Menu button

- Scroll down to CONFIGURE DEVICE

- Press the OK button

- Scroll down to RESETS

- Press the OK button

- Scroll down to CLEAR MAINTENANCE MESSAGE

- Press the OK button

This method will clear the maintenance message for about 10,000 copies, which should be plenty of time to get a new maintenance kit and install it.

How to cancel a print job to an HP LaserJet 9050 from the printer's web page

Occasionally print jobs get stuck or become corrupted, and you need to cancel them.  You can do this from the printer itself, by pressing the Stop button, but you can also do it remotely from your computer (as long as the printer is connected to the network).

On a Windows PC, you can often cancel a print job by going into the printer's queue, choosing the job and canceling it.  But sometimes this method won't work.  For example, if someone else sent the job, you may not be allowed to cancel it.  Or if you don't have rights to manage the printer, you may be prevented from canceling the job.  In either case, you can still cancel the print job through the printer's embedded web server (EWS).

To get to the EWS, you will need the printer's IP address and a web browser.  (If you don't know the printer's IP address, you can find it by printing out a configuration page -- instructions can be read here.)  Open the web browser, type in the printer's IP address and hit <ENTER>.

The printer's web page or web server should load, with the HP logo and information about the printer, including it's current status.  Once this page loads, look in the middle of the page.  If you see a red circle and the words "Cancel Current Job," click on the red circle and you will be able to stop the print job.

More than likely, you won't see that red circle.  It will need to be enabled.  Follow the steps below to enable the cancel print job option.

- Click Log In in the upper right corner of the page.  (If Log In is not there, skip this step and the next step.)

- Enter the administrator user name and password for the printer.

- Select the Settings tab.

- Select Security on the left side bar.

- Under Set Options, click the box next to Cancel Job.

- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Apply.

- Select the Information tab.

- Click on the red circle next to Cancel Current Job.

- Confirm your choice, if prompted.

How to print the event log from an HP LaserJet 4345 mfp

On an HP LaserJet 4345 mfp, the configuration page shows you the last three events, with very limited information.  By printing out the event log, you can get a longer list of recent events, with more detailed descriptions of each event.

To print the event log from an HP LaserJet 4345 mfp:

- Press the Menu button
- Scroll down to Diagnostics and select it
- Select Print Event Log

How to replace or install RAM in an HP G60-445DX laptop

On most computers, replacing RAM is a pretty straightforward process. It's also one of the most effective ways to increase a system's performance. However, the replacement procedure varies from computer to computer. This article describes how to replace the RAM in an HP G60-445DX laptop computer.

The first thing to do is to figure out what kind of RAM you're replacing the existing RAM with. Typically, the G60-445DX comes with 3 GB of RAM -- a 2 GB memory stick and a 1 GB stick. If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, that's pretty close to the maximum amount of RAM the system can make use of, but if you're running a 64-bit operating system (and you have a chipset that can support it) you may be able to take advantage of a memory increase. To find out more about the kind and amount of RAM your system needs, visit Crucial.com and run the free memory scanner.

Once you have the new memory sticks and you're ready to install them, power down the computer (using the Shut Down option from the Start menu), unplug it from any power source, and remove the battery. To remove the battery, flip the computer over (after you've closed the computer, of course) and push the tab located just below and to the side of the battery (the long skinny rectangle) all the way to the side away from the battery. When the tab is pushed over, the battery should pop up a little bit. Remove it and store it somewhere safe.

Next, remove the memory compartment cover. This cover is squarish in appearance and is located pretty much in the center of the bottom of the laptop. With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the cover.  Once the cover is off, you'll see the memory sticks.

Before touching the memory, you should discharge any potential static electricity you might have built up. If you're using an ESD wrist strap or anti-static mat, you should be okay, but most people don't have either of those. Touch something metal, such as a grounding pipe in your basement or a doorknob, before touching your computer's electrical components.

The G60-445DX comes standard with two sticks of memory. To remove each one, release the retaining clips (one on each side) holding the memory in by pushing them away from the RAM to either side. Once they are both released, the memory stick should pop up a little bit. Pull it up to a 45-degree angle and gently remove it from its slot. Repeat the procedure for the second stick.

Be careful when handling both the old and new memory. Avoid touching any part of the stick if possible other than the upper edges -- do not touch the contacts (the gold stripes on the bottom) or the memory itself (the raised black rectangles), and store the old memory in anti-static bags. (The new memory should have come in them -- they are plastic and generally clear blue.)

To install the new memory, insert the sticks just like you removed the old ones -- at a 45-degree angle. Slowly push each one in until you see it slide into place.  (For the interior slot, you may still see the top of the electrical contacts showing when the stick is fully inserted.) Then push it down so it is flat and make sure the retaining clips snap closed. When both sticks are installed, reattach and screw down the cover, then put the battery back in and boot up the computer.

If the computer doesn't turn on, or doesn't start up normally, one or both of the sticks is probably not seated correctly. Turn the computer off, remove the battery, and try it again. (Having to seat the RAM more than once is not uncommon.)

Once you've gotten Windows to load, open the system properties screen. (In Vista, right click on Computer and select Properties.) Verify that the amount of RAM showing is the correct amount. (In 32-bit operating systems, if you have 4 GB installed, all 4 GB will probably not show up.) If the amount of RAM listed is correct, your job is done.

If you've increased the amount of RAM, you'll hopefully notice a boost in system performance. Sometimes you might get a bad RAM stick, so keep the old memory just in case. If you begin to experience system instability problems or memory address errors, there's a good chance one of the new memory sticks is bad.

(Originally published on Helium.com, May 2010)

How to restore an HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601 / M602 / M603 back to factory default settings

If you need to restore your HP LaserJet M601, M602, or M603 printer back to its factory default state, follow the instructions below.  NOTE:  By performing this operation, your printer will lose saved settings and data.

- Press OK to bring up the main menu
- Scroll down to Administration
- Press OK
- Scroll down to General Settings
- Press OK
- Scroll down to Restore Factory Settings
- Press OK

Here you will be presented with the different options for erasing all or some of the printer's memory and settings.  You can choose from All, Calibration, Digital Send, General, Print, or Security.  To choose one of the options, scroll down so it is highlighted and press OK.  A check mark will appear next to that item.

- Scroll back up to Reset
- Press OK
- To confirm your choice, scroll down to Reset
- Press OK

How to view the IP address for an HP LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475dn

You can easily view the IP address for your HP LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475dn printer without having to print out a configuration page or network page.  To see the IP address, simply press the Ethernet (network) button on the main screen (at the top).  The IP address will be displayed, along with the printer's host name and hardware (MAC) address.

How to manually set the IP address for an HP LaserJet 600 M601 / M602 / M603

To set up a static IP address for a LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601, M602, or M603 printer, or to change the current static IP address, follow these steps:

- With the printer on and ready, press the OK button to bring up the menu
- Scroll down to Administration
- Press OK
- Scroll down to Network Settings
- Press OK
- Scroll down to JETDIRECT MENU
- Press OK
- Scroll down to TCP/IP
- Pres OK
- Scroll down to IPV4 SETTINGS
- Press OK
-  CONFIG METHOD will be displayed; press OK to select it
- Scroll down to MANUAL
- Press OK
- Scroll down to MANUAL SETTINGS
- Press OK
- IP ADDRESS will be displayed; press OK to select it
- Using the number keys, input each portion (octet) of the IP address, then press OK to go to the next octet
- Scroll down to SUBNET MASK
- Using the number keys, input each portion (octet) of the subnet mask, then press OK to go to the next octet
- Scroll down to DEFAULT GATEWAY
- Using the number keys, input each portion (octet) of the gateway IP address, then press OK to go to the next octet
- Press the Home button to exit out of the menu

You can also set a static IP address from the printer's embedded web server, using your computer and a web browser.  In order to change the IP address that way, the printer must already have an IP address assigned (either manually or through DHCP).

Computer review: HP Pavilion a450n desktop computer

I bought my HP Pavilion a450n desktop computer in the spring of 2004, soon after it first came out. I overpaid heavily for it, because I didn't know any better at the time, but it came well-stocked with Microsoft Office, an HP all-in-one printer, and a decent monitor. It's been a great computer, and I still use it today, over 10 years later.

The a450n might be a little slow by today's standards, but it still runs fast and handles multi-tasking easily. It came pre-installed with Windows XP, a bunch of HP monitoring and diagnostic tools, and HP's Recovery Software Suite. That recovery software (pre-loaded so you only have to hit a button on startup to run it) has saved my computer twice now from being ravaged by viruses. The software seamlessly (and quickly) restores the computer's settings to what they were at the date of setup, including drivers and installed programs. It works rather like Windows' System Restore, but more reliably. Unfortunately this means you must reinstall any third-party programs (like Microsoft Office), updated drivers, and Windows service packs, but this is a small price to pay to have your computer back.

I have had no issues with hardware since buying this computer. It features a Pentium 4 3.0 GHz CPU, 150 GB hard drive (with 5.5 GB partitioned off for the recovery software), 512 MB RAM, a CD writer/DVD writer drive as well as a CD reader drive, and a generic-looking but highly functional keyboard.

Other than the two virus infections and a problem with a McAfee security program, my a450n has had no problems at all until recently.  It started having some hard drive issues over the past few months, which I think is understandable, considering that the hard drive is a decade old, and the two CD-ROM drives don't always work.  (They worked fine for the first seven or eight years, which is longer than most people would probably own the computer.)

Over the years, I upgraded the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and RAM (from the 512 MB it came with to 1 GB) but the computer itself is still chugging along robustly. I use the HP keyboard for my second computer now, and -- other than a few stains -- it looks and acts the same as it did when it was brand new.

The computer is designed in a tower layout. The rear of the computer contains more ports than I've needed so far, and the front contains additional ports which have come in handy because of their easier accessibility - multiple USB ports, three different audio jacks, an SD port, a FireWire port (which I've never used) and even a 3.5" floppy drive.

The HP Customer Care website is very user-friendly -- you can find product information, updated drivers, instructions on upgrading components, and information on ordering extra recovery CDs. HP is a highly customer-oriented company, and they even offer computer users free online classes on a variety of subjects.

HP is a well-respected name in computer technology, and with the Pavilion a450n, they proved they deserve it.

(Originally published on Helium.com, July 2009)