New Win7 connect 2 WinXP computer's printer.

severedsolo · 17 Jan 2011

Hi Torgwen. Ok lets go back to basics.

1) Check you have the workgroup set up correctly: File Sharing - Between XP and W7 (and vice versa) there are 2 tutorials, one which goes into more depth about XP and one about W7
2. From the XP machine open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig /all" (no quotes) make a note of the IP address. (usually it looks like 192.168.<something>.<something>)
3. From the Windows 7 Machine open "Devices and Printers" and delete all previous failed attempts to install.
4) Install Printer Drivers for Windows 7 (this is necessary even though the printer will be handled by the XP machine)
6. From the Windows 7 machine check that your PC can see the printer on the XP machine (ie, your network is set up correctly) If you can see the XP machine but not the printer then:
6a. From the XP machine, right click the printer under "Printers and Devices" (or whatever its called on XP) and click properties. Then click Sharing, and "Share this Printer" (or equivalent)
7. From the Windows 7 machine go to "Devices and Printers" and click "Add New Printer"
8. When it asks you what sort of port to use click "Local Port"
9. When it asks you for the port name type (without quotes or <>'s) "\\<Ip address of XP Machine>\<Printer Name on XP Machine (ie what ever Windows see's it as)>
10. Finish the Wizard, making sure to select "Use pre installed drivers" (or something similar, I can't remember the exact wording)
11. Done.

Hopefully this will help

Torgwen · 18 Jan 2011

Thanks for you help.

I've just spent ages again and can't get it to work.

As far as Network is concerned both computers recognise each other exists.

The Workgroup on XP computer is blank, but other than set up the Network (Network Wizard) and allowing sharing I can't see what else to do to make it appear in Workgroup.

On Win7 it shows the network as both computers.

It says I haven't got permission (from Win7) to view XP computer but can't find how to alter that.

Should I try to remove all network stuff and start again.

Thanks again for your help.

Torgwen · 18 Jan 2011

Whoops, only just seen severedsolo post as I was on page 1. I will try all that when I get back as I have to go out. Thanks.

myzr7 · 18 Jan 2011

Torgwen. Welcome to SevenForums
This is a link to MS site for home networking. I would start with making sure you have changed your workgroup names on both your xp or 7 so they are the same. This link will give you the exact info for this. Also not mentioned before is something about firewall on your xp? Good luck to you this problem can be fixed. Stick to it.

Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

Kari · 18 Jan 2011

Thanks Severed and Myzr for joining. Myzr, that's a link worth bookmarking!

Torgwen · 19 Jan 2011

Hi,

Thanks for all your help.

I've read all the stuff suggested but I still haven't been able to sort this out. The computers are recognising each other, there is one printer on each, I've installed the drivers, made sure it's sharing, gone over and over the settings but when I press "print" on Win 7 it flashes up a message as though it's going to but then doesn't (and doesn't explain itself!).

myzr7 · 20 Jan 2011

Sorry you still have a problem with this. I can only think of a solution called poodle faking. look at this discussion from Jimbo, might be worth a try.
Connecting Win7 to HP printer LaserJet 2100 on Win NT

Torgwen · 20 Jan 2011

Thanks, I have tried the poodlefaking but it's still not working. It brings up a box as though going to print then flashes up for a second another box to do with ink etc. I've just noticed it says "Use Epson Ink" (which I'm not). Could this be the problem? If so is there a way round it? It always printed on the XP without telling me which ink.

severedsolo · 20 Jan 2011

I'm sure you've already done this, but you did delete all the failed printer installs from Devices and Printers right? It could be it's trying to print to a printer that isn't there.

Torgwen · 20 Jan 2011

Yes, there is only one printer listed and as default.