Hp 5850 printer not detected at all,no way,no how

I have an HP 5850 deskjet printer connected via ethernet cable to AMD 64 X2 system.
It prints under windoze, worked under kubuntu 7.04, but I did not like kubuntu. Back to Mepis and I have had no luck getting it detected on the network.
KPrinter config has not worked,HPLIPS has not worked.
I reset the LAN address to 192.168.1.200 static under windows, but this address is not pingable from Mepis.Printer confirms that this is the address.
Scanning for it, manually entering Ip address does not work.
Strangely, under Kprinter, system thinks that subnet is 127.0.1.* instead of 192.168.1.*

I really need to print with Mepis, but I am at my wits end with this one. The printer is a supported HP printer as well.

Hopefully someone is a network wiz and can help. Printer not listed with lsusb command either.

I love this distro, but I gotta print somehow.

many thanks,

G