Printer Sharing - Home Network

[DukeDiablo]

Dear Forum-

I know this question has been asked/answered (I've already searched the forum for my answer); however, I still cannot resolve my current problem:

I have set up a two computer home network. Two Win98SE Machines, both have NIC's, both are connected to a Belkin 5 Port Network Switch, which is then connected to my cable modem. I know that this setup isn't safe for file sharing; however, I only want to share the Canon S400 USB printer I have connected to one system. Therefore, I have disabled file sharing, and enabled printer sharing only.

I know the network, works, because if I enable file sharing, I can see the two machines on either system, but I cannot see the printer.

Now that I have disabled file sharing, I can only "see" the computer I am using (when in the network neighborhood); and not the other computer on the network. I assume this is the case because there are no files to share, but I still would expect the printer to show up on the other system.

I've tried adding the "network" printer using the Add Printer Wizard and I've also tried to fine the printer through the "Network Neighborhood." Still no luck.

If anyone has an idea what might be going on, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Also, I haven't installed the appropriate printer drivers on the non-printer system, but I figured I should be able to "see" the networked printer first, before I install any drivers for it.

Thanks again and have a great weekend.

[Confused]

You have to install the printer on each system that will use it. Sometimes with some OS's that will also require that you physically move it to each printer to get it installed.

Try installing without moving first. If it doesn't install, then physically move and install. Then you have to give printer a name and set up sharing.
Chas

[ktkendall]

On the machine where the printer is local, after you have done as you said, in network properties and enabled printer sharing then you still have to go to ControlPanel>Printers, right click on the printer you want to share and you get your little drop down menu which is where you will see sharing as an option. Click there and enable that printer to be shared. Just like you have to enable sharing on the folders you want, you also have to actually enable this printer to be a shared printer!

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks for the replies Confused and KTKendall-

I can't "hook up" the Canon to the older networked computer, because it doesn't have a USB port. I suppose I can go dig around and find an old 25 pin to use.

I have "shared" the printer on the printer-system, as you instructed, and now that printer does show up as shared, but only on the printer-system.

I still can't see either computer on the network. They only show themselves. Under my workgroup title, nothing appears when I explore it.

One more note, I don't use the "Client for MS Networks" logon. I just use the Windows Family Logon, as I have never had problems with it before.

Should I be using the "Client for MS Networks" logon for this operation?

Thanks again.

[ktkendall]

I remember on my win98 laptop, I did have to go with client for microsoft login to print over to the printer attached via usb on my main PC. You Ofcourse will have to install the drivers for the printer on that other PC too, but you are right in that you want it to start showing up forst under network on that remote PC. Sometimes it's just hit and miss, keep trying things till you find what works!
Win98 does not require you to locally install the printer to each PC first, you may have to install software as local printer first on that remote one, then change location have it search and find it as a networked printer, then your all set!
Yes you do need to set up a sharing name for that printer though, keep it under 8 chars.

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks Kendall-

I'll give the other logon option a try. Have a great weekend.

[DukeDiablo]

Well, still no luck; however, sharing printers on this home network isn't really all that important. It's just something that I thought would be nice.

I may give it a try again sometime, but for now, I'll just be happy that I still have uses for that old 233 system.

Thanks for all the help again, I can't say enough for all of the fantastic people who frequent this forum.

Have a great day.

[ktkendall]

Don't give up so easily, it is possible to do what you are wanting to do, and it isn't very hard to do either. After you enabled that printer to be shared, reboot both machines, and go thru network neighborhood>EntireNetwork>MicrosoftNetwork. I know you can get that printer to show on that remote PC. I think you mentioned that you have the same workgroup on both PC's????
Different names. Are you using Netbeui or TCP\IP???

[DukeDiablo]

Kendall-

I don't have NetBeui installed, only TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NDISWAN.

I can install NetBeui and give that a shot. I've read that file and printer sharing can use that protocol.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for sticking this one out with me!

[ktkendall]

Sure, netbeui is great for that on Win98!

[DukeDiablo]

That was it Kendall!

Thanks so much. I installed the NetBeui protocol and everything works fine. I didn't even have to put in the Canon driver disk on the networked system, it just downloaded the drivers from my printer-system.

Thanks again.

[ktkendall]

Glad to hear it worked, I'm just one of those types that will not give up, if I know it is possible then I generally persist untill I'm successful.

[glc]

The reason IPX didn't work is you have to enable Netbios over it in order to resolve machine names. Netbios is built into Netbeui.

[DukeDiablo]

Good call GLC-

I remember seeing that checkbox now in the options.

Thanks.