Printer Sharing... Can't figure it out???

[Jeff Lam]

I just installed my network. I have a desktop wired to my linksys router and a laptop running wireless. I can't seem to get the laptop to see the printer that is on the desktop via usb.

I set the printer to share as: Epson... and the box is checked on both computers for "file and printer sharing" in each LAN properties page but I can't see the properties when that line is highlighted. I tried to add printer and set it as a network printer as \\main computer name\epson... but it says not a valid name and not found on the laptop.

I checked the "my network places" icon on the desktop and my desktop pc sees both computers but the laptop doesn't see anything not even itself.

What am I doing wrong? I just want to be able to print off my laptop via sharing method.

Thanks!

[glc]

Does the laptop see the Internet? All software firewalls off?

[Jeff Lam]

Just did a clean install yesterday. It sees the internet fine. No firewall installed, no anti-virus installed.

When I look in "my network places" it now sees itself but not the desktop pc.

[glc]

Operating system versions of both machines, please.

If XP, have you run the networking wizard, choosing "other", then "this computer is connected directly to the Internet"?

[Jeff Lam]

Sorry, forgot to mention. Windows 2000 pro on both machines.

[Jeff Lam]

How do I check to see if they are on the same workgroup. I never created one or set up one but my desktop sees the laptop in "computers near me" but I can't access it, it says "network path not found".

[glc]

Control panel, system, network identification.

With 2000, you have to add users in computer management to share files and printers.

Right click My Computer, Manage. Users and Groups, Users. You have to add the user that is logged into the OTHER machine, exact username and password.

In your TCP/IP properties on each machine, go to Advanced, WINS - and enable NetBIOS.

[Allanv]

did you share the printer? right click the printer select sharing ?

[Jeff Lam]

With 2000, you have to add users in computer management to share files and printers. Right click My Computer, Manage. Users and Groups, Users. You have to add the user that is logged into the OTHER machine, exact username and password. In your TCP/IP properties on each machine, go to Advanced, WINS - and enable NetBIOS.

This seemed to do the trick. It is very slow in sending the info from the laptop but it seems to be working OK.

Thanks GLC, you truely are the ultimate computer guru.

[glc]

The slowness could be a wireless issue - you didn't say which model router you have, but the BEFW11S4 version 4 has some documented issues, it's a lemon.

[Jeff Lam]

Linksys WKPC54G, but it came with documentation and software for the WRK54G so I assume they are pretty much the same.

However I got a Hawking Hi-Gain antenna yesterday to try and get more range and found that this routers antenna is not removabel. I will probably return it and get the original WRK54G unless you have a router you have found to be better?

GLC, what's your choice for Wireless G right now under $100?

[glc]

WRT54G.