Ping the Printer From a Computer With a Microsoft Windows OS

A ping test is a test used to check network connectivity. The IP address of the machine is required to perform this test. If necessary, print a Configuration Report to obtain the IP address. See the Related Content section for additional information.

1. From a computer, click on [Start], and then click on [Run]. The Run window will be displayed.

2. In the Open field, type: cmd and then click on [OK]. A DOS Prompt window will be displayed.
   
   NOTE:  For Windows 98 / Me OS, type: command in the Open field.
   
   

3. From the DOS prompt, type: ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (where the x characters represent the IP address of the machine), and then press [Enter] on the keyboard. Make sure to include a space between the word "ping" and the IP address. (For example, "ping 192.1.1.100".) The computer will make four attempts to ping the machine. One of the following responses will be received:
   

   • "Request timed out"
     This response indicates the ping command was sent over the network, but no device (computer, printer, etc.) on the network received or replied to the command. Contact a network administrator to resolve the problem.

   • "Destination host unreachable"
     This response indicates that the computer sending the ping command is unable to communicate with the machine's network segment. Contact a network administrator to resolve the problem.

   • "Bad Command or Filename"
     This response indicates that either the command was mistyped or the computer is not configured to use the TCP/IP protocol. Contact a network administrator to resolve the problem.

   • "Reply from xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx: bytes=32…"
     This response indicates that the computer received replies from a network device with that assigned IP address. This typically indicates a good connection to the machine. However, if there are replies to the ping request but other network communication problems with the machine still exist (such as print jobs remain in the print queue) it is possible that a duplicate IP address exists.
     
     To test for a duplicate IP address, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the machine and ping the machine again. There should not be any replies. Instead, four responses of "Request timed out" should be received. If there is a reply, another device on the network (for example, another computer or printer) is configured with the same IP address. Contact a network administrator to resolve the TCP/IP addressing conflict.