Thinkpads Forum

I didn't know where to post this, but since it involves a T60, I figured I would try here; hope it is OK?

My setup is as follows:

1) Main Desktop Computer hard wired to a Netgear Wireless Router hard wired to a Moto Modem attached to Comcast Broadband cable internet. Printer attached via USB cable.
2) Second Desktop Computer attached to the internet using a Netgear Wireless adaptor in USB port. Printer attached via USB Cable.
3) New T60 laptop which has built-in Intel wireless card. It hooks to the internet via the wireless router on the Main Computer.

My question/problem/in need of a solution: Can I work on my laptop and send a document to print on the SECOND Desktop Printer? If I have to print to the MAIN Desktop Printer that would be OK, but I would rather use the Second. Obviously, the choice of either would be best;

I was told this can be done, I was told to turn on sharing of printers in Firewall (which was already done) and in My Computer, which I did. I ran the Network wizard to set them up and made sure they were all named the same, but it still doesn't work. I thought I would be able to tell my laptop to print, under printer selection I would see the printers attached to BOTH desktops, but nothing.

1) Can someone assure me this can be done?

2) Can someone give me step-by-step instructions as to what to do?

Thank you so much for all input...Cory

On the main computer, in the Printers Folder (not the Firewall), you need to share the Printer. Right click on the Printer, then select Sharing, then give it a share name.

Next, make sure you can connect to the main computer. That *is* a firewall issue (or at the least, can be).

On the Laptop, create a new Printer (as a Network Printer) and use the share name \\Main Computer Name\Main Printer name. You may have to authenticate with the Main Computer userid and password.
... JD Hurst

jdhurst wrote:On the main computer, in the Printers Folder (not the Firewall), you need to share the Printer. Right click on the Printer, then select Sharing, then give it a share name.

Next, make sure you can connect to the main computer. That *is* a firewall issue (or at the least, can be).

On the Laptop, create a new Printer (as a Network Printer) and use the share name \\Main Computer Name\Main Printer name. You may have to authenticate with the Main Computer userid and password.
... JD Hurst

Thanks JD...I tried that but it just doesn't seem to work. When I try and "Create a New Printer", It wants to give me an error message that either the printer name is incorrect or it has lost its connectivty with the network??

corymcnutt wrote:<snip>
Thanks JD...I tried that but it just doesn't seem to work. When I try and "Create a New Printer", It wants to give me an error message that either the printer name is incorrect or it has lost its connectivty with the network??

Before trying to create the printer, make sure you can ping the main computer, and if so, see if you can map a drive. You also may need to disable simple file sharing or work around it.
... JD Hurst

Like what jdhurst mentioned, this "can" be a firewall issue.

1. First make sure that you can actually ping the computer from your T60, if not check your desktop pc's firewall settings first.
2. Once you are able to do this, make sure the printer is shared on the network, this can be done by opening the printers and faxes folder on the desktop pc and giving it a share name.
3. Go back to the T60 and check if your account has access to the desktop pc by doing the following:

Start > Run > \\Desktop PC Hostname

If you can access the desktop pc's shared directories, you should be able to see the shared printer , otherwise make sure your access permissions are not restricted (one quick way to test this is to use the same username and password for both the desktop pc and the laptop)

4. open the printers and faxes folder, select the following:

Add a printer > A network printer or a printer attached to another computer > Browse for a printer

5. Under the Shared printers box, double click Microsoft Windows Network, then double click WORKGROUP, then double click the desktop pc's hostname. The printer should be under this path, double click the printer to install the drivers. You should notice harddisk and network activity on your desktop pc.

Mike

Another way to do this is:
After the printer you want to print from is shared on the network, open "My Network Places", click the computer which has the printer you want to use, then click on the shared printer and it will install for you.
If you can't get the printer share working let me know.
What firewall are you using?