Hp laserjet 4000/4050/4100 series - deleting duplexer function and going back to normal paper handling

I've acquired a good used HP 4100dtn mono laserjet that has a problem with the duplexer jamming when it tries to print a job.

Everything else about the printer checks out and it's basically in excellent condition apart from the duplexer issue.

To *delete* the duplexer and restore the printer to *normal* paper handling what do I need to get to replace the duplexer? If I can find another used printer esp another 4050 or 4100 without the duplexer I can grab the parts from it.

Anyone with deep knowledge of these high quality printers know where to get the suitable parts to remove the duplexer function?

Thanks.

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zonavar68 · 56-60, M

No solution yet to the 'how to delete duplexer function' of my HP 4100 dtn unit. Removing the duplexer unit is simple, but I wonder if the printer will auto-recognise not having a duplexer and operate as a normal laser printer. I'll try and find out.

I've not yet been able to identify the correct HP part number(s) for the standard rear cover that goes in place of the duplexer unit. I also don't know if the HP 4050 printers and 4100 printers use the same external enclosure parts.

SW-User

Yes—if you want to remove the duplexer on the HP LaserJet 4000/4050/4100 series and return to standard (non-duplex) printing, you’ll need the rear output bin or duplexer cover, which replaces the duplex unit on the back. This is a simple plastic part that snaps into place and allows the paper to exit normally.

Look for a “rear output bin” or “duplex cover” from a base model like the 4100n or 4050n (models without a “d” in the name). These are often available used on eBay or printer parts sellers. Once installed, the printer will detect the duplexer is gone and stop trying to use it. At least should.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

I don't know where I'd find the part number or reference to look up to see if I can find what I need. I used to have access to

https://www.laserexpressinc.com/manuals/HP/hp-lj-4100-service-manual.pdf

but now that's blocking me for some reason. Could be a geo-block.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

Came across a product that can be used with legacy devices as an ethernet to wifi bridge:

https://www.iogear.com/product/GWU637

Anyone used something like this?

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SW-User

@zonavar68 Ok. I don’t mess with Windows much if I don’t have to. 😊
I ran into the same thing with my 4100. It’s connected via Ethernet and shows up fine on the network, same subnet and everything, but Windows 10 doesn’t find it automatically—even when I search by IP. The trick for me was to manually add it as a local printer using a TCP/IP port. I picked “Add a printer,” then “The printer I want isn’t listed,” then used the IP address to create a new port. As for drivers, HP doesn’t offer a specific PCL driver for the 4100 anymore, but the universal PCL 6 driver worked fine for basic printing. Didn’t have an issue after that but also don’t have the machine anymore.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@SW-User I've managed to find a HP PCL6 driver that I was able to install and get working. I had to select 'generic PCL6 device' since the specific printer model isn't supported. It printed the test page out of Windows.

The printer is hardwire connected to my internet router. Happy it's working.

SW-User

@zonavar68 Heck yeah man!!!

Northwest · M

Don't focus on the hardware issue. Just change your software settings, not to use the duplexing function.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@Northwest I'm also trying to get it talking to my PC. Printer only supports hardwired connection so I'm think hardwired ethernet to my router, and configure PCL driver on my Toughbook once I find one (maybe HP genuine?) to talk to it via wi-fi. I tried connecting printer direct to PC's ethernet port but PC thought it was a router I'd connected and dropped the wi-fi.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

Righto I took a leap of faith - I removed the duplexer unit leaving the back of tray 2 uncovered, checked the PCL-6 driver installed in Windows 10 had double-sided printing disabled, and printed something.

Worked great. So the printer is now far less bulky and not as heavy if I need to move it.

I can track down a tray 2 rear cover on Ebay probably and get one to close in where the duplexer used to be pushed inside like a preverbial flat phalus. 8-)

The issue with the generic PCL-6 driver not always properly communicating with the printer via the hardwired ethernet ports on my wifi router is still there, but that might not be resolvable as HP no longer offers direct drivers for it's older mono enterprise laser printer families.

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