Problems with HP Jet Direct Card and 16 Mbps Token Ring Net

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you print to a Hewlett-Packard (HP) printer connected to a 16 Mbps token ring network using an HP Jet Direct card, all print jobs may not print. Some print jobs may print okay, and others may not print at all. It is possible that no error message is displayed, but the printer fails to print. Other intermittent printing problems may also occur.

CAUSE

According to HP Technical Support, intermittent printing problems can occur when using certain HP Jet Direct cards on a 16 Mbps token ring network because only the newer cards (for example, the Jet Direct cards designed for the HP LaserJet IV printers) are supported at that data rate. Older Jet Direct cards (cards for the HP LaserJet IIIs), are not supported by HP at 16 Mbps. This problem is not specific to Windows NT.

RESOLUTION

If you are using an older HP Jet Direct card and are experiencing intermittent problems, lower the token ring speed to 4 Mbps. If you are using one of the newer cards that is supported at 16 Mbps, make sure that you are using either Type 1 cabling or a Type 3 media filter. These media requirements must be met in order for the card to be supported at the higher token ring data rate. For additional information, call HP Technical Support at (208) 323-2551.

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