network printer sharing

[=112=]

I'm trying to share a printer on the home network through ms netword wizard. All the computers that are connected to the router via cable can print, but none of the wireless laptops are able to connect through the network setup wizard. The printer is connected to one of the computers (not the laptops) through an lpt1 port (yes i know, very old). does this not work for wireless computers or am i doing something wrong. thanks in advance.

[DarkFury]

Have you properly run the "network sharing" wizard on the laptops?

Can the laptops see any "shared files" on the wired PCs? If not, then you probably don't have the network connectivity properly configured.

Also, make sure that your wired PCs are set to be in the same home network as the wired ones. By default it is MSHOME (I think), but I always change mine to make sure I'm seeing the correct network.

[eSDee]

Have you properly run the "network sharing" wizard on the laptops?

Can the laptops see any "shared files" on the wired PCs? If not, then you probably don't have the network connectivity properly configured.

Also, make sure that your wired PCs are set to be in the same home network as the wired ones. By default it is MSHOME (I think), but I always change mine to make sure I'm seeing the correct network.

:stupid:

If that doesn't work, try pinging the computer that is sharing the printer from the laptop. In case you don't know how to do that, go to Start->Run and type in cmd. In the command window type ping 192.168.1.123 or whatever the ip address is of the desktop machine. If you can ping it, and you can't seem to find the problem with your network setup, then you can force the laptop to network with it by going go Start->Run and then typing \\192.168.1.123 in the Run box. Again, replace the IP with whatever IP is on your desktop machine.

[Markel]

On my home network, I've got my printers on USB printer network adapters (I picked up Netgear ones when there were good rebates). I really like not having any computer having to "host" the printers - anyone can print, even if all the other compuers are turned off.

[DarkFury]

On my home network, I've got my printers on USB printer network adapters (I picked up Netgear ones when there were good rebates). I really like not having any computer having to "host" the printers - anyone can print, even if all the other compuers are turned off.
:agree:

However I just assumed that he didn't want to spend the money on additional equipment per his original post.

But yeah... a networked print server does the trick and you don't have to leave any of your PCs "on" as a host. :thumb:

[=112=]

yes, i know that a print server would be better, but as of now, i dont really feel like purchasing a new printer and other hardware, so i was wondering about the ms network approach. i think i did everything right. i ran network wizard on all the computers and have the correct settings but the laptops still cant access folders/files/printers. do you think it has to do with any router settings? im using a linksys wireless g router. not sure of the model number but i know its the more "popular" ones that are selling at all the major retailers.

[eSDee]

ahem. Can you ping it?

[=112=]

haha sorry. i'm at work right now, so i'll try it once i get home. thanks again.

[DarkFury]

Stupid question...

Did you enable print and file sharing on the host computer? This is outside the normal network connection wizard items.

[=112=]

yea, i enabled file and printer sharing. i couldnt get the laptop to ping the main computer so i forced it, as recommended before. it works that way, but i'm still curious as to why it wont automatically detect printer and folders when i run network setup wizard. thanks again for everyone's help.

[DarkFury]

question... do you have a software firewall running?

It is possible that those can conflict with your network...

[=112=]

i have the windows firewall running on all computers, but i'm assuming that that's not the factor considering how some computers are working and some are not. all other firewall programs have been turned off previous to all my attempts in getting this thing to work. i guess if i cant figure it out, ill just have to go with what i have.

btw, i never knew print servers were so expensive. well they don't cost that much but i was assuming they would be in the same price range as the cheap routers.

[eSDee]

My guess is that the wireless subnet is separate from the wired subnet. It's possible that you might have your subnet mask too tight (255.255.255.0 for instance). Mapping by IP disregards this so that might be why it is now working. If you are really interested in getting it to work via Windows, post the IP of your wireless computer and your wired computer sharing the printer. You could also try just opening up your subnet mask a bit (255.0.0.0).

[DarkFury]

btw, i never knew print servers were so expensive. well they don't cost that much but i was assuming they would be in the same price range as the cheap routers.
I'd recommend hitting eBay to get one....

Here's one for $30 free ship
http://cgi.ebay.com/NetGear-PS101-Network-Print-Server-for-Parallel-Printer_W0QQitemZ9711392199QQcategoryZ64058QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

BTW... do a search for print servers on eBay and you'll get a ton of them. Find one that fits your budget. :D