Can't connect my P1102w printer to my wireless network (using Mac OS 10.6)

Question

I have a vanilla home wireless network (D-Link to a cable modem), and a MacMini running OS 10.6.8. My Mac laptop and 4th. Gen iPad work seamlessly. But my hours-long attempt to connect my new HP P1102w to the network has been totally frustrating, despite close study of the pdf documentation, the printer's self-test/Device configuration sheet, browsing this forum, watching a slew of YouTube/HP videos, and  following all manner of directions.
The only consolation is the printer works fine on its USB connection. 
Here are some issues I've encountered that have stopped me in my tracks:   
Carefully following both the pdf instructions and HP's online how-to video, I get through Step 6 w/ no problemn. but then I go to Step 7, which says:
" Under Communication Mode , click Infrastructure , select your network SSID from the Available Network Names (SSID) list, and then click the << button."
Problem is there's nothing of the kind in that window. All I see is a status of the Wireless: enable or disabled (depending on a choice). And even if I try selecting Enabled, it switches right back to Disabled. Aside: I note the printed instructions show a copyright date of 2011. That's ancient history in the CPU world.  
Other issues: The only IP address I can find for the printer is the IPv4 address, but that's only for Direct Print Configuration. Is that the IP address I'm looking for?
The printer's hardward address, I assume, is its MAC ? Boy, I could sure use clearer use of language here. 
So, needless to add, I'm stuck. It seems it should be THAT hard, but so far nothing I've been able to find on HP support or the forums seems to help. Thanks for any advice you can provide.
PS. I'd hate to have to return this printer because I'm a two decade HP printer lover, but, alas, I may have to if I can't find a solution.
Northwest John
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Answer 1

Hi @Northwest-John, 
I see by your post that you are unable to setup the printer on the wireless network. I can help you.
Update the printer's firmware by the USB connection just to make sure that isn't causing any issues with the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) not allowing the proper changes. HP LaserJet P1102w Firmware Update Utility.
The newest version is 20130703, which you can compare by printing the configuration page.
Power cycle the router and restart the Mac.
The printer won't recognize the network name if there usually is any symbols or spaces in the network name.
Make sure Safari is set as the default browser. Sometimes the Embedded Web Server (EWS) won't open in other browsers. Open Safari, across the top select the Safari menu, select Preferences, General, set as default.
Turn the printer off, hold down the wireless button and cancel (x button) while turning the printer back on and don't release the two buttons until the printer stops making noise.
Print out a configuration report and make sure the SSID and IP address are cleared.
(hold down the x button and when the printer makes a noise let go)
Connect the USB cable from the printer to the Mac.
Go to the Apple, system preferences, print and fax.
Double click on the P1102w.
Open the utility.
Click printer setup.
Click HTML config.
This should open the Embedded Web Server for the printer.
Click the Networking tab.
Click Wireless from the list on the left.
(Click Enable if you have this option)
Under Communication Mode , click Infrastructure.
Select your network SSID from the Available Network Names (SSID) list and then click the << button so the network name moves over to other box.
From the Security Mode pop-up menu under Authentication , click WEP, WPA/WPA2 or open . Your selection depends on which Wireless Security Protocol your network uses.
Make sure you select either hexadecimal or alpha depending on your password. (very important)
Apply the settings.
In the confirmation box, (changes have been saved) click OK.
You should get a solid blue light on the printer shortly.
Then all we have to do is delete the USB driver and add the network driver.
Click on the Apple.
Click system preferences.
Click the print and fax icon.
Highlight the printer and click on the - sign to delete the printer. (USB driver)
Disconnect the USB cable.
Then click the + sign and select the printer from the list and click add. (P1102w bonjour)
Test the printer.
If you have any issues with the HTML config opening then do the following steps:
Close any applications.
On the Apple menu bar, click Go, computer, MAC harddrive, Library, Printers, HP, LaserJet, click on folder for your printer, click on EWS browser or HTML config, click the Networking tab, click wireless on the left and fill out your information. (make sure infrastructure is selected) Apply settings.
Then delete the USB driver and add the network printer.
Let me know if you are still having issues with filling out the EWS for the printer.
Have a nice day!
Thank You.
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Gemini02
I work on behalf of HP