Synopsis:
Mac OS 9: How to reconfigure AppleTalk printer from the Unconfigured Zone

Solution:
When the AppleTalk protocol is retired across subnets in August of 2005, you will have to recreate your printer connection. To do so, use the instructions below.

If the printer you wish to print to is physically located in the same office as your computer, or near you, then you should still be able to use AppleTalk to print to your printer.

Should your printer fall into the Unconfigured Zone, you can use the Desktop Printer Utility to place the printer in the correct zone. To find the utility, go to the Applications folder -->Utilities folder -->Desktop Printer Utility.

First, print out a header page to determine which printer is yours in the Unconfigured Zone as they will all have the same name, yet be designated 1, 2, 3 or 4.... etc. Note: If you restart the printer, it will not necessarily retain the same name but be re-named in the next consecutive numeric available.

Once you have identified your printer, use the Apple Desktop Utility to rename and move the printer to a correct zone. It is required that you be on a Macintosh in that appriopriate zone using the Apple Desktop Utility. If you have any troubles with this process or in finding an AppleTalk device, call the OIT Help Desk for assistance.

To do this on an HP printer, you need to download the HP Laserjet Utility from the HP web site.