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HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color Multifunction Printer Troubleshooting

Installing the Printer Software in Windows 7 for a Wired (Ethernet) Network Connection

  • PrintPrint

Introduction

This document explains how to install the print drivers and other software for your HP product to use it in a wired (Ethernet) network. This document also explains how to change your product from a USB install to a network install. Read this if you plan to install the product software on a networked computer with a Windows 7 operating system.
NOTE:If you have more than one computer on the network, install the product software on each computer that you plan to share with the HP product.
Figure 1: Diagram of a wired (Ethernet) network
Wired network

Before you begin: Check requirements

Make sure you have the following items:
  • One of the following types of wired access points or routers: Ethernet router, switch, hub, or wireless router with Ethernet ports
  • A computer that connects to the wired access point or router
  • A Category 5 Ethernet cable to use for the HP product. (Do not use a standard telephone cable.)
    Figure 2: Cable comparison
    Ethernet cable and telephone cable
    1 - Ethernet cable
    2 - Telephone cable (do not use)
    Although an Ethernet cable looks similar to standard telephone cable, each has a different plug and a different number of wires. The plug on an Ethernet cable (also called an RJ-45 connector) is wide, thick, and always has eight wires. The plug on a telephone cable is narrower and has between two and six wires.

Are you changing from USB connection to Ethernet connection?

If you previously installed the software for a USB connection and now want to change to an Ethernet connection, follow these instructions to remove the USB installation before continuing.
  1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Windows icon ( ), and then click Devices and Printers
  2. Find the icon for your HP product ( ), and then right-click it.
  3. Click Remove Device to remove the product.
  4. Disconnect the USB cable from the product and the computer.

Step one: Connect the HP Printer to the network

  1. Remove any plug or protective cover from the Ethernet port on the back of the product.
    Figure 3: Remove plug
  2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the product, and then connect the other end of the cable to an available port on the wired access point or router.
    Figure 4: Connect the Ethernet cable
  3. Connect the power cord to the product, and then plug it into an electrical outlet.
  4. Turn the product on.

Step two: Decide whether to install with the product CD or download the software

Don’t worry if you don’t have the product CD! You can download the most current software available for your product from the HP Web site at no cost. The following information might help you decide which installation method to use:
CDDownload
For a new product:CD installation is a quick and easy method.If you do not have a CD, you can download the software you need.
For an older product:CD installation might not work if you are installing the product on a computer running a newer operating system that released AFTER the HP product released.Downloading the software provides the best results for your older product. Even though it takes more time than using the CD, downloading the latest software can help you avoid installation issues.

Downloading is the recommended method if your computer operating system released after the HP product released.
About the software:The software on the CD is current to the date of the product release.The software that you can download from the HP Web site is the most current software available for your product. HP often updates software and drivers AFTER the product and CD release to the market.

Step three: Install the software

When you are ready to begin, follow the instructions for the installation method that you want to use (CD or download). During the installation, choose the option for the network type of connection, not the USB option.
IMPORTANT: If you get any firewall messages during installation, click unblock , accept , continue , yes , allow , or permit , or the installation fails.

Method one: Download and install the software from the HP Web site

Follow these steps to download the software, and then install it.

Step one: Download the software

Many products have more than one driver option on the downloads page. Choices might include a Basic type, and Full Feature type. If both options are available, the following information might help you decide which driver to download.
Basic typeFull Feature type

(Strongly Recommended)
HP does not recommend installing the basic driver unless you have one of the following reasons:

  • You plan to use the All-in-One for printing only.
  • You plan to scan with Microsoft WIA drivers, Twain drivers, or third party scanning software.


The basic driver is smaller and downloads more quickly. However, it does not provide the software needed by most users to copy and fax from the computer, and to use all the scanning features of the product.
For full use of all your product features: This driver provides complete product functionality for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.

HP also includes valuable software to help you get the most out of your product. The software varies by product , but here are some examples:

  • HP Solution Center : This important tool allows you to control settings for printing, copying, and scanning. It also helps you with product maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and links to buy supplies.
  • Searchable help files tailored to your product
  • Image-editing software


NOTE: During the Full Feature installation process, you can choose a custom installation, where you select the specific software items that you want to install.
Follow these steps to download the software and driver for your product.
  1. Disconnect the USB cable from both the product and the computer (if you already connected it).
  2. Turn the product on.
  3. Browse to the Get Software and Drivers page: Get Software and Drivers
  4. Check the instructions on the page, and then click the Plus sign (+) next to the correct heading for additional instructions:
  5. Click the Plus sign ( ) next to Driver , and then click the driver that you want to download. If you need help deciding, see the information in the previous table.
  6. Read through the minimum system requirements and additional instructions. You can also click View directions ( ) for complete download instructions.
  7. Click Download . This option allows you to install the software at any time after the download completes.
  8. Click Save , and then browse to the location on your computer where you want to save the file.
  9. Click Save . The software downloads to your computer.
    Hint: Make a note of the place that you saved the file, in case you want to install it at a later time.

Step two: Install the software

Follow these steps to install the downloaded software.
  1. When the download is complete and you are ready to install the files, click Open Folder , and then click the downloaded file. The file name ends in .exe .
    NOTE:If you closed the Download Complete screen, browse to the folder where you saved the .exe file, and then click it.
  2. You can accept the default place to save the files. Click Next , and then wait while the installer extracts the files to prepare for installation.
  3. When the Install Wizard starts, follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
    NOTE:If you have previously installed the software and are changing the connection type from USB to Ethernet, click Add a device when the Uninstall the software or Add a device window opens.
    For a Full Feature installation, you choose what type of installation you want. The following information might help you decide which installation type to use.
    RecommendedCustom
    For full use of all your product features : HP includes valuable software to help you get the most out of your product.

    HP designed this installation type to work for most users.
    A custom type of installation might be available for your product. This installation allows you to install the minimum software required or the preferred software. Use this type of installation only if you have one of the following reasons:

    • The computer is low on hard disk space.
    • You attempted a recommended type of installation and received errors. (If errors occur during the recommended installation, fix them before trying a custom installation.)
    The Recommended type of installation allows you to get the most out of your product.

Method two: Install the software with the product CD

During the installation, you choose what type of installation you want. The installation type names vary depending on your product. The following information might help you decide which installation type to use.
Recommended typeCustom type
Recommended , Full , or EasyCustom , Express , or Advanced
For full use of all your product features : HP includes valuable software to help you get the most out of your product.

HP designed this type of installation to work for most users.
A custom type of installation might be available for your product. This installation allows you to install the minimum software required or the preferred software. Use this type of installation only if you have one of the following reasons:

  • The computer is low on hard disk space.
  • You attempted a recommended type of installation and received errors. (If errors occur during the recommended installation, fix them before trying a custom installation.)
The Recommended type of installation allows you full support for your product.
Follow these steps to install the software with the product CD.
  1. Turn the product on.
  2. Insert the product CD into the CD drive of the computer, and then wait a few seconds for the software installer to begin.
    If the installer does not begin automatically, click the Windows icon ( ), click Computer , and then double-click the CD drive.
    NOTE:If the User Account Control screen opens, click Allow to continue.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
    NOTE:If you have previously installed the software and are changing the connection type from USB to Ethernet, click Add a device when the Uninstall the software or Add a device window opens.
    IMPORTANT: The installer might ask if you want to check online for the latest installation updates for your product. For the best installation results, HP recommends that you click “Yes” to let the installer check for updates and download them for you.