Printer sharing problem

[Alfonso_Frisk]

I have a vista machine comnected to a bt router via ethernet cable.
Also conected to the vista machine is a HP printer via usb
I connect to the net from my lappy which is xp via wireless
I want to print from the lappy via the wireless connection/home network

Here lies the problem, no matter what I try it just wont happen.
Both pcs show the presence of the printer and both have the option for sharing selected.
I can print from both pcs via a cable connection so all drivers etc are ok
nothing in the router settings to suggest anything is wrong

Any ideas ??

[picsfor]

do you get a message - or any feedback?
Have you checked the print log or watched the print queue etc?

[Alfonso_Frisk]

The print queue and log just says "failed to print" as soon as I hit print test page in properties

[bones615]

I had a similar problem a while ago when the kids wanted to print from thier laptops wirelessly, I think from memory the only way was to disable my firewall (ZoneAlarm). We gave up in the end & they just save to my pc and print from there.

Simon

[spinner]

I too had similar problems a few years back networking an HP printer using WinXP as the base machine and having an older PC running Win 2000. My recollection is vague, such is old age  . But I believe it had to do with the Port the printer was assigned to. Currently my HP is ported to DOT4 for sharing. Not USB as had been. Also, did you check to make sure in the properties its set to 'everyone' for print authority?

[Zenmer]

Do you have the main Pc turned on when you try to print ?
Unless it's a wireless printer you do need the machine it's plugged into turned on

[Alfonso_Frisk]

Thanks guys. Have tried all of the above but no joy as yet

[Hinfrance]

I had a complete nightmare with networking. Then I decided to spend £20 on Network Magic. Problems solved. Seems to understand Linux Samba too, so even the Ubuntu machine networks OK.

There is a free trial download.

[SimonW]

Alfonso, my set up is identical to yours except different manufacturers, and printing by wireless works as it should. I would strongly suspect a firewall stopping traffic from the lappy to the desktop (via the router) while allowing it in the other direction. You probably have three firewalls to look at - one on each PC and one in the router itself.

(I hope you solve it soon, as I also have a printing problem I don't want to hijack your thread with. I'll post it in a day or two if it's still unsolved.)

Simon

[Alfonso_Frisk]

Carry on with your issue matey.
Im having another go at mine today then if it dont work the ideas is being binned and files will be moved for printing via usb pen.

[Alfonso_Frisk]

I had a complete nightmare with networking. Then I decided to spend £20 on Network Magic. Problems solved. Seems to understand Linux Samba too, so even the Ubuntu machine networks OK.

There is a free trial download.

Thanks for that link Howard. Ive downloaded the trial and up to now all is working fine.
Have done some test printing from the lappy and I also like the look of some of the other network options like policing the other pcs remotely.
Will give the trial a few more days to test stability/compatability before buying the full version
RR
Alf

[SimonW]

Good news Alfonso. I'll put my problem in a new post but you might find something similar with your system....

Simon