Can't access web interface to Jetdirect anymore

[KevWCFE]

Hi,

 

We have a couple of HP Jetdirect 170x boxes around the school connected to a HP 4200 and a HP Plotter. I was just trying to log in to one to reconfigure its IP address when I moved the printer's location and I can't get in.

 

The four panels you normally see when connecting to the web interface begin to load. I see the Java logo and the spinning circle and then I get four error messages (all the same) for each panel.

 

The error states:

Application Blocked by Security Settings

Name: linkTabs

Location: http://ipaddress of box

Your Security Settings have blocked an untrusted application from running

 

I have to click ok four times and the page loads with "Error - Click here for details" in each of the panels. When I click that I get the same error message and a details button. When I click the details button I get a Java Console load up with the following text:

Java Plug-in 10.51.2.13

Using JRE version 1.7.0_51-b13 Java HotSpot™ Client VM

User home directory = C:\Users\Kevin

 

This is what I get when trying it from my laptop which is Windows 7 and not on the domain in the school. I tried using Firefox 26, Chrome and IE 11.

 

I thought it was something to do with Windows 7 or the fact I'm not on the domain (don't remember this being an issue before) so I tried it on a Windows XP machine that I had just formatted and re set up. It was fully up to date but I get the same error again even though I'm logged in as an admin. And again I tried the usual three browsers.

 

Does anyone know if this is a browser thing, a Windows thing or something else configured on the network or the server?

 

Thanks for any ideas

 

Kevin

[Norphy]

Ah, Java. Such a pain in the arse. The latest version has blocked unsigned applications.

 

Open the Java control panel applet. Go to the Security tab. Press Edit Site List and type http://ipaddress into the box. You'll need to do that for each JD server you have.

[timbo343]

Yup Java Update 51 is a PITA. You will have to add ALL addresses which run java now and wildcards dont work either.

[KevWCFE]

Thanks Norphy. This has been driving me nuts....and here I was updating Java to see if that would help...ha!

 

I did as you suggested and it now allows the web interface to load...not without the warning of danger Will Robinson of course! I just clicked run and I can configure to my hearts content.

 

Thanks again and to Timbo too.

[RobertHuggins]

The web interface to the HP Jetdirect 170x boxes includes a "Scan" button. It is one of the three buttons on the left. The initial java program that runs handles the "Home" and "Administration" buttons. When you press the "Scan" button, another java program is called to handle the scan. Apparently it is also unsigned and thus cannot run. Adding the IP address of the print server in the java control panel applet will allow the initial program to run after the prompt; but apparently it will not allow that program to call another unsigned java program. There is no security prompt for the "Scan" program. It is lost to the world by the java security implementation.

 

In other words, the HP Jetdirect 170x print server is no longer functional to facilitate the "Scan" of a document with the current operating systems, browsers, and java.

 

I still have one old Windows XP computer with IE8 that I can use with this print server to scan documents; but I hate to boot that machine anymore.

 

Does anyone know a workaround with modern operating systems and browsers?

 

I wish it were as simple as http:\\ipaddress\scan but I do not know how to start the scan java program directly.

[MatthewL]

Login using Telnet, far easier and saves the hassle of Java.

[RobertHuggins]

Yes, I am glad that there are multiple ways to admin the JetDirect 170x print server. Yes, I could use Telnet to admin the print server. But my OfficeJet G95 was an awesome Ethernet attached scanner that was available to several users in the office back when their web browsers allowed access to the G95 through the web interface. Now that the users have newer browsers with newer java levels, they can no longer use the OfficeJet G95 attached through the JetDirect 170x to scan documents. It was convenient while it lasted. When I update the java level in my operating system, I have to visit java.com and see the banner that says something about 3 billion devices running java. In this case, the JetDirect 170x is probably still included in that count; but since it contains unsigned java applications that can no longer be accessed by modern web browsers running the current version of java, the usefulness of the java running in this device is questionable.

 

I'm still looking for a way to scan documents using the HP OfficeJet G95 attached to the HP DeskJet 170x from a Windows 7 operating system.

[netghost69]

Strangely, I just used IE (not edge) on Win10 and got in only after starting an InPrivate session.

[KeyWestDan]

The problem is Java has eliminated the moderate security option. It is concerned about internet security. It also has no setting to ignore security for private or internal networks which I think is really stupid. You can put in the IP address of the Jet Direct, but it still does not work because Java no longer supports the java used in the jetdirect interface. If there is not a simple workaround, then the value of all Jetdirect devices (I have 3) are in the toilet. Better sell mine on eBay before this becomes general knowledge. Luckily my most important one was for a HP4600, which died. Replaced it and the new one has a Jetdirect card inside it which can be configured from the printer control panel.

[free780]

HP do something call HP jet direct web admin that lets you configure printers using SNMP. No web interface or telnet needed.

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/solutions/business-solutions/printingsolutions/wja.html

 

It's free. You do need to register. You also need a fresh server. It does use a fair bit of memory. It can also email alerts about supplies.

Edited August 30, 2015 by free780