New Printer problem--Help please!

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My husband and I have a small network. He has a Sony Vaio desktop running XP
Professional Edition, with a connection to the internet and printer. We use a
Linksys wireless-b router. I have a Dell Inspiron with a wireless connection.
We connect to the internet through the desktop. We set up a workgroup called
Office, and all was well. We just replaced our Canon MP730 printer with a
Canon MP830 printer. The printer was set up on the desktop, as was the
previous printer, the 730.

Problem is that now on the desktop the workgroup displays both the desktop
and the laptop computer, but on the laptop the workgroup only displays the
laptop computer. Therefore, the laptop cannot print because the new Canon 830
printer cannot be added/accessed.

I have checked and the new printer is shown as shared. I have turned off the
firewall on both computers; still no luck. I can ping the desktop from the
laptop, and can pink t he laptop from the desktop. I have no clue why the
desktop shows both PCs on the workgroup but the laptop does not.

I don't care much about file sharing, but I really need to print from the
laptop. I've read through dozens of postings, done searches on the internet
and checked Dell's help/support (I just don't have the fortitude to try to
reach Dell support) but still no luck. Can anyone here help? Thanks in
advance!
 
I should add that I can still access the internet on the laptop as well as
the desktop, thank goodness!
 
Should also have added that I am running XP Professional Edition on the
laptop. Sorry.
 
JO said:
My husband and I have a small network. He has a Sony Vaio desktop running XP
Professional Edition, with a connection to the internet and printer. We use a
Linksys wireless-b router. I have a Dell Inspiron with a wireless connection.
We connect to the internet through the desktop. We set up a workgroup called
Office, and all was well. We just replaced our Canon MP730 printer with a
Canon MP830 printer. The printer was set up on the desktop, as was the
previous printer, the 730.

Problem is that now on the desktop the workgroup displays both the desktop
and the laptop computer, but on the laptop the workgroup only displays the
laptop computer. Therefore, the laptop cannot print because the new Canon 830
printer cannot be added/accessed.

I have checked and the new printer is shown as shared. I have turned off the
firewall on both computers; still no luck. I can ping the desktop from the
laptop, and can pink t he laptop from the desktop. I have no clue why the
desktop shows both PCs on the workgroup but the laptop does not.

I don't care much about file sharing, but I really need to print from the
laptop. I've read through dozens of postings, done searches on the internet
and checked Dell's help/support (I just don't have the fortitude to try to
reach Dell support) but still no luck. Can anyone here help? Thanks in
advance!
Click to expand...

Were you able to share the previous printer?

Rather than looking at the workgroup (in My Network Places), what
happens if you try to add the printer in the normal way using the "Add
Printer Wizard" from Control Panel | Printers and Faxes?

Can you browse for the printer?
If not, can you connect by entering the printer's name as
\\SONYNAME\PrinterShareName
where "SONYNAME" is the name you assigned to the Vaio and
"PrinterShareName" is the name you assigned to the new printer

If this doesn't work, do you get any error messages? If so, please post
them exactly.

[P.S.: You said that you "connect to the internet through the desktop."
Is that really correct, or do both computers connect (wired or
wireless, it doesn't matter) to the router, which then connects to the
Internet?]
 
Thanks so much for your suggestions, Lem. I'll try to answer your ideas in
the order they were presented.

1. Yes, we were able to share the previous printer.
2. When I try to use the Add Printer Wizard to add the printer on the
laptop by choosing "Browse for Printer", the workgroup shows up but only the
laptop is shown on the workgroup. Since the printer is attached to the
desktop, the printer does not appear.
3. When I try to add the printer by using the Add printer wizard, then
choosing network printer, then choose "connect to this printer" (instead of
Browse for Printer as in #2 above) using \\desktopname\printername, I get
this message: Windows cannot connect to the printer. Either the printer name
was typed incorrectly or the specified printer has lost its connection to the
server. For more information, click Help"
4. Clarification on the connection: We have a cable modem, which is
connected to a Linksys wireless router, which is then connected to both the
desktop and the laptop PC. The laptop uses a wireless connection, although it
can also use a wired connection. I have tried both the wired and wireless and
it makes no difference -- still cannot see the printer.

One other thing: I ran ipconfig /all on both the desktop and the laptop. The
laptop shows DHCP enabled= yes. The desktop shows DHCP enabled = no. Is that
a problem and if so how do I fix it? (Sorry for the basic questions; as I'm
sure you can tell, I'm not much of a techie.)

Thanks again for the help!
--
Jo


Lem said:
JO said:
My husband and I have a small network. He has a Sony Vaio desktop running XP
Professional Edition, with a connection to the internet and printer. We use a
Linksys wireless-b router. I have a Dell Inspiron with a wireless connection.
We connect to the internet through the desktop. We set up a workgroup called
Office, and all was well. We just replaced our Canon MP730 printer with a
Canon MP830 printer. The printer was set up on the desktop, as was the
previous printer, the 730.

Problem is that now on the desktop the workgroup displays both the desktop
and the laptop computer, but on the laptop the workgroup only displays the
laptop computer. Therefore, the laptop cannot print because the new Canon 830
printer cannot be added/accessed.

I have checked and the new printer is shown as shared. I have turned off the
firewall on both computers; still no luck. I can ping the desktop from the
laptop, and can pink t he laptop from the desktop. I have no clue why the
desktop shows both PCs on the workgroup but the laptop does not.

I don't care much about file sharing, but I really need to print from the
laptop. I've read through dozens of postings, done searches on the internet
and checked Dell's help/support (I just don't have the fortitude to try to
reach Dell support) but still no luck. Can anyone here help? Thanks in
advance!
Click to expand...

Were you able to share the previous printer?

Rather than looking at the workgroup (in My Network Places), what
happens if you try to add the printer in the normal way using the "Add
Printer Wizard" from Control Panel | Printers and Faxes?

Can you browse for the printer?
If not, can you connect by entering the printer's name as
\\SONYNAME\PrinterShareName
where "SONYNAME" is the name you assigned to the Vaio and
"PrinterShareName" is the name you assigned to the new printer

If this doesn't work, do you get any error messages? If so, please post
them exactly.

[P.S.: You said that you "connect to the internet through the desktop."
Is that really correct, or do both computers connect (wired or
wireless, it doesn't matter) to the router, which then connects to the
Internet?]

--
Lem MS MVP -- Networking

To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
Click to expand...
 
JO, Lem,

Sorry for butting in, can't help but read your problem, since it's similar
to mine, which is still unresolved. So I'm keeping an eye on your situation.
My thread is under "Computer does not recognize printer attached to another
computer."
- Johnnie

JO said:
Thanks so much for your suggestions, Lem. I'll try to answer your ideas in
the order they were presented.

1. Yes, we were able to share the previous printer.
2. When I try to use the Add Printer Wizard to add the printer on the
laptop by choosing "Browse for Printer", the workgroup shows up but only the
laptop is shown on the workgroup. Since the printer is attached to the
desktop, the printer does not appear.
3. When I try to add the printer by using the Add printer wizard, then
choosing network printer, then choose "connect to this printer" (instead of
Browse for Printer as in #2 above) using \\desktopname\printername, I get
this message: Windows cannot connect to the printer. Either the printer name
was typed incorrectly or the specified printer has lost its connection to the
server. For more information, click Help"
4. Clarification on the connection: We have a cable modem, which is
connected to a Linksys wireless router, which is then connected to both the
desktop and the laptop PC. The laptop uses a wireless connection, although it
can also use a wired connection. I have tried both the wired and wireless and
it makes no difference -- still cannot see the printer.

One other thing: I ran ipconfig /all on both the desktop and the laptop. The
laptop shows DHCP enabled= yes. The desktop shows DHCP enabled = no. Is that
a problem and if so how do I fix it? (Sorry for the basic questions; as I'm
sure you can tell, I'm not much of a techie.)

Thanks again for the help!
--
Jo


Lem said:
JO said:
My husband and I have a small network. He has a Sony Vaio desktop running XP
Professional Edition, with a connection to the internet and printer. We use a
Linksys wireless-b router. I have a Dell Inspiron with a wireless connection.
We connect to the internet through the desktop. We set up a workgroup called
Office, and all was well. We just replaced our Canon MP730 printer with a
Canon MP830 printer. The printer was set up on the desktop, as was the
previous printer, the 730.

Problem is that now on the desktop the workgroup displays both the desktop
and the laptop computer, but on the laptop the workgroup only displays the
laptop computer. Therefore, the laptop cannot print because the new Canon 830
printer cannot be added/accessed.

I have checked and the new printer is shown as shared. I have turned off the
firewall on both computers; still no luck. I can ping the desktop from the
laptop, and can pink t he laptop from the desktop. I have no clue why the
desktop shows both PCs on the workgroup but the laptop does not.

I don't care much about file sharing, but I really need to print from the
laptop. I've read through dozens of postings, done searches on the internet
and checked Dell's help/support (I just don't have the fortitude to try to
reach Dell support) but still no luck. Can anyone here help? Thanks in
advance!
Click to expand...

Were you able to share the previous printer?

Rather than looking at the workgroup (in My Network Places), what
happens if you try to add the printer in the normal way using the "Add
Printer Wizard" from Control Panel | Printers and Faxes?

Can you browse for the printer?
If not, can you connect by entering the printer's name as
\\SONYNAME\PrinterShareName
where "SONYNAME" is the name you assigned to the Vaio and
"PrinterShareName" is the name you assigned to the new printer

If this doesn't work, do you get any error messages? If so, please post
them exactly.

[P.S.: You said that you "connect to the internet through the desktop."
Is that really correct, or do both computers connect (wired or
wireless, it doesn't matter) to the router, which then connects to the
Internet?]

--
Lem MS MVP -- Networking

To the moon and back with 64 Kbits of RAM and 512 Kbits of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
JO said:
Thanks so much for your suggestions, Lem. I'll try to answer your ideas in
the order they were presented.

1. Yes, we were able to share the previous printer.
2. When I try to use the Add Printer Wizard to add the printer on the
laptop by choosing "Browse for Printer", the workgroup shows up but only the
laptop is shown on the workgroup. Since the printer is attached to the
desktop, the printer does not appear.
3. When I try to add the printer by using the Add printer wizard, then
choosing network printer, then choose "connect to this printer" (instead of
Browse for Printer as in #2 above) using \\desktopname\printername, I get
this message: Windows cannot connect to the printer. Either the printer name
was typed incorrectly or the specified printer has lost its connection to the
server. For more information, click Help"
4. Clarification on the connection: We have a cable modem, which is
connected to a Linksys wireless router, which is then connected to both the
desktop and the laptop PC. The laptop uses a wireless connection, although it
can also use a wired connection. I have tried both the wired and wireless and
it makes no difference -- still cannot see the printer.

One other thing: I ran ipconfig /all on both the desktop and the laptop. The
laptop shows DHCP enabled= yes. The desktop shows DHCP enabled = no. Is that
a problem and if so how do I fix it? (Sorry for the basic questions; as I'm
sure you can tell, I'm not much of a techie.)

Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...

JO
The reason that I asked if you had been able to print using the old
printer is that -- unless you did something else after disconnecting the
old printer and installing the new one -- there should be no issue of
incorrect permissions and/or firewall settings (which seem to be
Johnnie's issues).

It would have been helpful if you had supplied the IP address for the
desktop and laptop. I'm guessing that because DHCP is not enabled on
the desktop, it may have an IP address that is incompatible with the
laptop, preventing sharing. Because you have a Linksys router, the
laptop's IP address probably is 192.168.1.x (where x is probably 100 or
101). If the third segment of the desktop's IP address is NOT 1 (e.g.,
if it is 192.168.0.x), the two computers are on different subnets and
can't communicate.

Assuming that's the problem, on the Desktop:

Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.

Right Click on "Local Area Network" and click "Properties."

On the "General" tab, you should see a list below "This connection uses
the following items." The list should include Client for Microsoft
Networks, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP). It may also include QoS Packet Scheduler. If the
list includes anything else, or if any of the first three items are not
in the list, please provide this information in your next post.

Right click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the "Properties" button.

Click the radio buttons to "Obtain an IP address automatically" and
"Obtain DNS server address automatically." Click the "Advanced" button.
Now click the "WINS" tab.

On the WINS tab, click the radio button to "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP."

OK your way out.

Reboot (probably not necessary, but you never know).

Can you add the printer on the laptop now?

For completeness, you should also "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" for both
the Local Area Connection and the Wireless Network Connection on the
laptop. You shouldn't have to change any of the other network
parameters on the laptop, but if the list of items for either of the
laptop's connections includes more than the 4 items identified above, or
is missing any of those items, please post that info too.
 
Lem, thanks again for your help. The IP address of the desktop is
192.168.1.25. The IP address of the laptop is 192.168.1.101. Since the third
segment of both IP addresses is the same, does your suggestion still hold, or
should I try something else? On the desktop, the TCP/IP properties are
specified: IP address 192.168.1.25, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, default
gateway 192.168.1.1. DNS server addresses are also specified. On the WINS
tab, Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is already checked. Should I made changes? (I
just don't want to mess up anything on the desktop--my husband would shoot
me!)

Thanks SO MUCH!
 
Oops, forgot to post what is on the wireless General tab under properties:
Client for Microsoft Networks, File & Printer Sharing, QoS Packet Scheduler,
AEGIS Protocol ( IEEE 802.1x) v.2.3.1.7, Symnatec Enterprise VPN Client
Driver. All of these items were there prior to installing the new printer.
 
Hope that wasn't too confusing--by wireless and wired, I meant the laptop PC
(as opposed to the desktop). Sorry.
--
Jo


:

The reason that I asked if you had been able to print using the old
 
JO said:
Lem, thanks again for your help. The IP address of the desktop is
192.168.1.25. The IP address of the laptop is 192.168.1.101. Since the third
segment of both IP addresses is the same, does your suggestion still hold, or
should I try something else? On the desktop, the TCP/IP properties are
specified: IP address 192.168.1.25, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, default
gateway 192.168.1.1. DNS server addresses are also specified. On the WINS
tab, Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is already checked. Should I made changes? (I
just don't want to mess up anything on the desktop--my husband would shoot
me!)

Thanks SO MUCH!
Click to expand...

You're correct that with the desktop set to 192.168.1.25 and the laptop
to 192.168.1.101, the error I guessed at isn't the problem, and you need
not make the change to "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain
DNS server address automatically" (although it wouldn't hurt). You
should double check, however, that "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" is
checked on both the desktop and the laptop.

When you listed the items in network properties, I assume that you just
forgot to list "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)." If that wasn't there, I
don't think you would be connecting to the Internet at all from that
computer.

AEGIS Protocol ( IEEE 802.1x) v.2.3.1.7 and Symnatec Enterprise VPN
Client Driver are security-related items that probably relate to a
corporate network. Does this laptop sometimes connect to a corporate
wired or wireless network? In any case, they shouldn't be the cause of
your printer issue.

However, the presence of the Symantec VPN driver raises the possibility
that the laptop has a Symantec (Norton) firewall installed. As I said
in an earlier post, I had assumed that because you had been able to
print from this laptop to an older printer attached to the desktop that
firewall issues were not the problem. At this point, it's best to make
sure.

Temporarily turn off Windows firewall on both computers. Make SURE that
there is no other firewall running on either computer. This includes
such things as antivirus programs with "Internet worm protection"
features. Finding firewalls can sometimes be difficult. Open Task
Manager and look at the list of running processes. Google the names of
processes that you can't identify. Temporarily disable any firewalls
you find.

If there are no firewalls running, and the laptop still can't get to the
printer attached to the desktop, see the thread that Johnnie referred to
a couple of posts ago ("Computer does not recognize printer attached to
another computer"). For convenience, here are a few of the earlier
steps suggested in that thread (although they didn't solve his problem,
they might work for you).

Note that running the Network Setup Wizard does turn on the Windows
Firewall, but also enables File & Printer Sharing to pass through the
firewall. Also, the Network Setup Wizard is NOT the same as the
Wireless Network Setup Wizard. Run the former, not the latter. Do
yourself a favor: before you run the Network Setup Wizard on either
computer, create a System Restore point. That way, if things get worse
instead of better (e.g., you suddenly can't even get to the Internet),
undo the system changes by using System Restore.

In the following, "DAD" is the computer to which the printer is attached
(your desktop) and "MOM" is the computer that can't find it across the
network (your laptop):

<from MS-MVP Paul Baker>
I would proceed as follows. After each change, test it. If it fails,
reboot both machines and test it again. If it still fails, move on to
the next step. If it succeeds, take note of which step fixed it for the
benefit of others that may be in a similar situation.

1. Make sure that sharing is on, on DAD. The easiest way to do this is
to use the Network Connection Wizard in All Programs > Accessories >
Communication.
2. Make sure that sharing is on, on MOM.
3. You may need to enable the Guest account on DAD, if there are
accounts with no password protection. You can do this using Start >
Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts. Was it already enabled or
disabled?
4. You may need to enable the Guest account on MOM. Was it already
enabled or disabled?
</from MS-MVP Paul Baker>
 
You're right, Lem, I did forget to list Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -- of
course, that does appear on both the desktop and laptop.

I was able to successfully turn off all firewalls on the laptop, and I
believe I also was successful with turning off all firewalls, virus
protection, etc on the desktop. Still no luck.

I have verified that sharing is on, both on the desktop and the laptop. I
have enabled guest accounts on both.

I have re-set up the network using the home network wizard. Following the
suggestion I found elsewhere (maybe this will help someone else), I set up
the network "wrong" (chose incorrect connection method), then set it up again
"right" (using correct connection method). According to another source, when
you set up a network the second time it may or may not actually re-set
anything if you don't change the connection method. That didn't work either.

At this point, when I go to My Network Places on the desktop, both the
desktop and the laptop appear. When I go to My Network Places on the laptop,
only the laptop appears. So, of course, I still can't see the printer and
can't print to the printer that is attached to the desktop.

Based on everything I have read, I'd almost bet it's some sort of firewall
or other security issue. I wish there was a quick and easy way to turn off
all protection, and/or to verify that all is off!

I'm completely stumped. Since I only want to share the printer and no files,
it'd be great if I could just connect the printer to the wireless router. The
router is already connected to both the desktop and the laptop. Then I think
I could print. Unfortunately, my printer does not have an ethernet connection
and therefore no way to connect to my Linksys router.

Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks for all the help already provided!
 
JO said:
You're right, Lem, I did forget to list Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -- of
course, that does appear on both the desktop and laptop.

I was able to successfully turn off all firewalls on the laptop, and I
believe I also was successful with turning off all firewalls, virus
protection, etc on the desktop. Still no luck.

I have verified that sharing is on, both on the desktop and the laptop. I
have enabled guest accounts on both.

I have re-set up the network using the home network wizard. Following the
suggestion I found elsewhere (maybe this will help someone else), I set up
the network "wrong" (chose incorrect connection method), then set it up again
"right" (using correct connection method). According to another source, when
you set up a network the second time it may or may not actually re-set
anything if you don't change the connection method. That didn't work either.

At this point, when I go to My Network Places on the desktop, both the
desktop and the laptop appear. When I go to My Network Places on the laptop,
only the laptop appears. So, of course, I still can't see the printer and
can't print to the printer that is attached to the desktop.

Based on everything I have read, I'd almost bet it's some sort of firewall
or other security issue. I wish there was a quick and easy way to turn off
all protection, and/or to verify that all is off!

I'm completely stumped. Since I only want to share the printer and no files,
it'd be great if I could just connect the printer to the wireless router. The
router is already connected to both the desktop and the laptop. Then I think
I could print. Unfortunately, my printer does not have an ethernet connection
and therefore no way to connect to my Linksys router.

Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks for all the help already provided!
Click to expand...
JO,
I'm sorry, I'm about out of ideas. The only thing left that I can think
of is to ask if either computer has nVidia network adapters. nVidia
network adapters often have a hard-find hardware implemented firewall
running.

If this isn't the answer (and it's probably not), and if you haven't
completely given up, you might want to start a new thread in the
microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web newsgroup. There are folks
there, notably MVPs Steve Winograd and Chuck, who are very knowledgeable
about networks and might be able to figure it out. Use a more
network-descriptive subject, such as "can't see shared printer across
network." If you do post there, try to include as much info as
possible, including the results of ipcong /all on both computers, and
itemize the various things you've done.

Writing the above reminded me: see if the network trouble shooter by
MS-MVP Hans Georg Michna at http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm is any help.

Good luck.
 
JO said:
Hope that wasn't too confusing--by wireless and wired, I meant the laptop PC
(as opposed to the desktop). Sorry.
--
Jo


:

The reason that I asked if you had been able to print using the old
Click to expand...
 
JO said:
Hope that wasn't too confusing--by wireless and wired, I meant the laptop PC
(as opposed to the desktop). Sorry.
--
Jo


:

The reason that I asked if you had been able to print using the old
Click to expand...
 
JO, I had to disable the DHCP to get my printer in my network. Good luck in
finding out how to do that. Got my won problems, everyting seems set but
new printer won't print.
 
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