Owners of office laser MFPs of the series HP LaserJet Pro M1217nfw Often, users need to convert their device to a wireless connection, especially after reinstalling the operating system or replacing the router. Although the model was released several years ago, it remains a workhorse in many small offices thanks to its reliability and support for modern printing protocols. However, the control interface and setup algorithms may have changed over the years, and drivers for newer versions of Windows require special attention.
The main difficulty is that HP 1217 It doesn't have a full-fledged color touchscreen, relying instead on a small monochrome display and button navigation. This makes entering passwords and selecting networks unclear to the untrained user. Unlike more modern touchscreen models, every step requires careful attention. Following the correct sequence of steps will avoid resetting settings and lengthy diagnostics.
In this article we will look at all the current connection methods: from automatic installation through WPS To manually configure the IP address via the built-in web menu. We'll also cover the software, as without the correct driver, even a perfectly configured network won't allow the computer to "see" the printer. Follow the step-by-step instructions to ensure stable operation of your device on your local network.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your network equipment supports the standards required for operation. HP LaserJet 1217nfwThis printer operates in the 2.4 GHz band and does not support modern 5 GHz networks in "only" mode, which is a common cause of errors where the device simply cannot see the list of available access points. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that it is active.
It's also worth checking the physical condition of the MFP itself. If the device was previously used on a different network, its memory may contain old configurations that will conflict with new connection attempts. Reset network settings Before starting the procedure, it's best to start with a clean slate. To do this, on the control panel, press the wireless button (antenna) and the "Cancel" button (cross) simultaneously and hold them for about 5-10 seconds until the lights flash.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using a corporate network with a strict security policy, make sure the printer's MAC address is whitelisted on the server. Without this step, the router will block the connection even if the password is entered correctly.
To complete setup, you'll need a computer or laptop connected to the same network as the printer. It's best to have basic drivers installed on this computer or have internet access to download them. Using a mobile phone for initial setup is possible, but less reliable due to the limited functionality of mobile apps. HP Smart for this model.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), connection process HP 1217 It takes less than a minute. This method is ideal for those who don't want to manually enter a complex password using the buttons on the printer's panel. Most modern routers have a physical WPS button or a software button in the web interface.
To begin, press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel (the antenna icon) for 2-3 seconds until the wireless indicator starts blinking. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. If your router doesn't have a physical button, access its settings through a browser and enable WPS software.
- 📶 The wireless indicator on the printer should be solid, indicating a successful connection.
- 🔒 If the indicator flashes blue and orange alternately, the connection is not established - repeat the procedure.
- 🔄 Make sure you are in a strong signal range from the router during pairing.
After a successful connection, the printer will automatically obtain an IP address from the router's DHCP server. Now you can proceed to installing the software. However, if the WPS method doesn't work the first time, don't try it again. It's better to use manual setup through the device menu, as some routers have a timeout for pairing mode.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the control panel
When automatic methods don't work, you have to resort to the classic method - manual entry of network parameters. On the model M1217nfw This is done using the navigation buttons and the small screen. First, press the wireless button to open the wireless networks menu. If the menu doesn't open immediately, the wireless module may be disabled by software.
Using the arrow keys, navigate to "Settings" (depending on your interface language) and select "Wireless Network." From the list that appears, select "Wireless Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks. Find your network name (SSID) in the list and click "OK."
Entering a password is done using the arrow buttons to select a character and the "OK" or "#" button to confirm each character. This is the most time-consuming step, requiring patience.
- 🔡 Use the right arrow key to switch between numbers, letters, and special characters.
- 🔙 The Cancel button (cross) works like Backspace, deleting the last character entered.
- ✅ After entering the last character of the password, select "Done" to complete.
If the password is entered correctly, the printer will attempt to connect. A successful connection is confirmed by the blue wireless indicator. If the indicator turns orange, the password is incorrect or the encryption type is not supported. In this case, check that you are not using special characters in the password that the printer might interpret incorrectly.
Installing drivers and software
After HP 1217 If your device is connected to the network, the computer must be able to see it. For full functionality (printing, scanning, faxing), you must install the full driver package. Don't rely on Windows' automatic driver installation, as it often only installs the basic print driver, ignoring network scanning features.
Visit the official HP support website and enter your device model. Download the "Full Software and Drivers" package. During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "Network" connection type. The installer will automatically find the printer on the network using its IP address.
☑️ Checklist before installing drivers
If the automatic search fails, select the "Printer not found" option in the installer. The system will prompt you to enter the IP address manually. You can find the printer's IP address by printing a network configuration report: press the wireless button and the information (i) button simultaneously, or find the "Report" item in the network menu.
It is important to note that for stable operation in the office, it is recommended to assign the printer static IP addressIf the address changes every time the router reboots, the computer may lose connection with the device, and you will have to re-add the printing port.
Setting up a static IP and web interface
The most convenient way to assign an IP address is to use the printer's built-in web server. EWS (Embedded Web Server)Open a browser on a computer connected to the same network and enter the printer's current IP address in the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.45). The device management page will open.
Go to the "Networking" tab and select "Wireless." In the IPv4 section, select "Manual" or "Use the following IP addresses." Here, you need to enter an address that is outside your router's DHCP range to avoid conflicts.
| Parameter | Example of meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.200 | A unique address within your subnet |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | Standard mask for home networks |
| Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | Your router's address |
| DNS server | 8.8.8.8 | Google server address (optional) |
After making the changes, click "Apply." The printer will reboot the network module, and you'll need to re-login to the web interface using the new, static address. This ensures that the path to the scanner and printer on users' computers doesn't change.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware are subject to update. The location of the "Network" or "IPv4" menu items may differ slightly from that described. Always consult the manufacturer's current documentation if you cannot find the item you need.
Diagnostics and solution
Even with proper settings, printing may not work. One common issue is the printer's sleep mode. HP LaserJet 1217nfw aggressively saves energy and can disable the Wi-Fi module to conserve resources. In the web interface, under "System" -> "Power Settings," we recommend disabling deep sleep or setting a schedule to prevent the device from hibernating during working hours.
Another issue: Windows Firewall or antivirus software may be blocking printer detection. If your computer can't see the device on the network, try temporarily disabling the firewall. It's also worth checking whether the Print Spooler service is enabled in Windows.
What to do if the printer is visible but does not print?
Try removing the device from "Devices and Printers," then remove all drivers in the print server properties. Restart your PC and reinstall the driver by selecting "Add a TCP/IP printer."
If all else fails, perform a full network reset. Press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons for 10-15 seconds. The printer will reset to factory network settings, and you'll have to start the connection process over again. This often helps if there are logical errors in the configuration.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect HP 1217 to a hidden network (SSID hidden)?
Yes, this is possible, but only by manually entering the network name (SSID) in the wireless setup wizard. The printer won't be able to find the hidden network automatically; you'll have to enter the name manually, taking care to ensure proper case-sensitive operation.
Why is the wireless light orange?
An orange light usually means the wireless module is enabled, but a connection to the router hasn't been established. Check the password, distance to the router, and security standard compatibility (WPA2).
Does M1217nfw support Ethernet cable connection?
Yes, the "n" in the model name indicates the presence of an Ethernet network port. You can connect the printer to your router via a LAN cable, and it will be accessible to all network users, just like via Wi-Fi.
How to find a printer's IP address without a computer?
Press the Wireless button and the Information (i) button simultaneously on the control panel. The printer will print a network configuration report, which will list the current IP address in the IPv4 section.