Thinkpads Forum

I am having trouble setting up a printer for network use. I thought I understood it to be very simple, share printer on a host computer and browse for printers on the local computers. But no, not that simple.

Here is what I have:
Cable modem to Wireless B/G Router
R40/XP Pro with printer via USB on port replicator II
R30/XP Pro
T21/W2K

I can print a test page on the R40. When I try to add the printer on the R30, I can't find the usb port to locate the attached printer. I use this option as it was a hint on the bottom of the add printer wizard. When I use the network printer and browse, I can't find the computer which the printer is attached. On the T21 I try the same option a can't see the usb port when using the local printer option. Same for when I browse for a network printer. No host computer listed.

My questions are:
Do I have to create a workgroup? Should I see the other computers when I click "computers near me"(W2K) or "My network Places" (XP)?

Do you have file and printer sharing enabled on the R40?
Do you run any firewall (on any of the computers) that blocks traffic to the R40?

For your set up to work, you should see all your computers under (XP):
My Network Places -> Entire Network -> Microsoft Windows Network -> Workgroup (assuming "Workgroup" is the name you gave your workgroup (I don't think you need to create a workgroup as it is the only alternative to a domain, which you probably do not have))

I do have file sharing enabled. Which I believe you are referring to network connections > wireless connection > Properties, file and printer sharing for microsoft networks ticked. Correct? Funny that you asked about the firewall. When I go into Control Panel > Windows Security > Windows Firewall under advanced tab it states "The network connection settings have become corrupted. To fix this, click Restore Defaults. This will delete all of your settings for Windows Firewall, and it might cause some programs to stop working." I did click on the Restore Defaults button, but nothing happens. I do see the other computers from my R40 but neither from the R30 or T21. Any other suggestions?? Thanks basketb.

Edit: What I see from R40 is R30 and T21. R30 I see T21. T21 I see R30.

Have you tried putting the R30 on the port replicator and see whether that one can share the printer (since the other two machine apparently can see the R30)?

Also, in the past, whenever I had network problems and changed any network settings, restarting the machine helped (as without restarting the new setting would not become effective for whatever reasons).

Disabling the firewall may also help (though do this at your own risk, disconnect from the internet first, if you try this).

Go to each machine and right click "My Computer", select "Properties" and click "Computer Name". That will show your computer and workgroup name. Click the "Change" button to change the workgroup name. Make sure all the computer have the exact same name in the workgroup. Once that is done reboot any computers that you changed the name on.
If you changed the R40 you will have to share the printer again.
Go to the R30 and open "My Network Places". You should see the R40 in there, if not click "View workgroup computers". Once you find the R40 double click it and it will open up to show you what is shared. Double click on the printer you shared and it will connect it for you. It will show you an empty printer queue when it is finished. Print a test page.

Go do the same with the T21. You may have to supply some drivers for Win2k.

It is really not as hard as it sounds. I just mentioned every detail I could think of.

An update, I have been partially successful. I use McAfee Internet Suite as my AV because it is free for comcast users. I invited both computers to the network in the manage network section of McAfee. I still could not find the printer on the R40. So as suggested, I installed the R30 on the dock and installed the drivers. Yes it worked great!! I could find and test print from both the R40 and T21. The problem with this setup is that my R40 battery holds a 30-45 minute charge and I prefer it on the dock. My wife's files are on the R30, battery life is much better, is lighter than the R40, the usb ports are in-operable, and she would rather use it on the couch rather than on the desk (farthest spot from the TV). Is there any other suggestions for my miseries??

vanaya wrote:Is there any other suggestions for my miseries??

Find either a local surplus outfit or an eBay seller who ships pretty reasonably. Search out and buy a very basic HP Print Server such as the 300x, 150x, etc. (if your printer has a parallel port) and just plug the whole assembly into the router/switch. Have the Print Server spit out a configuration page and create a TCP/IP port on all your computers to that print driver with the IP address that you have from the config page.

This is a very stable method that doesn't require that the printer be hooked up to a computer and it's generally very cheap. Those old print servers can often be had for $10-15. I've set up my home as well as my brother-in-law's using this method and it works great.

Let me know if need me to go into greater detail. Sorry about the quick post; I have to go mow the lawn

Yes, the HP print servers are nice. I use a HP 170x and a 175x all the time. Set 'em and forget 'em.