Can't Enable Printer & File Sharing

I have a Windows 7 Pro PC with Local Printer Installed & a Vista Ultimate PC that is networked to the Windows 7 local printer.

All has been working fine until today when the Vista PC would not print.

I deleted the networked printer in Vista & tried to re-add it but it cannot find the networked printer.

I noted that the Print & File Sharing was not Enable on my Win 7 PC but when I enable it it will not remain set when I return to check the setting.

I tried enabling it in Safe Mode w/Networking but it will not remain enabled.

Firewall setting are all normal (no changes in settings)

I don't have any infections of virus (online scan) & I use Windows Security Essentials for my AV prog.

I've not installed any new apps

Thanks for any assistance with this issue

How was the vista machine networked to the 7 printer? Can you ping the 7 machine?
can you access the \\<windows 7 pro machine>\

While on the Vista PC, when I try to add the networked printer i get a Network Error Msg stating that Windows cannot access the Win 7 PC. When I click on the Diagnostics link it gives a msg "Window Confirms Win 7 PC is online but is not responding to connection attempts. Usually means a firewall is running somewhere between the two PCs & is blocking"

I've made not changes to my D-Link DIR-655 Router.

Ok... I've completed this list but still can't "Enable" Print/File Sharing on Win7 PC nor can I add networked printer to Vista PC. Can't access Win 7 PC from Vista PC.

WDAexodus said:

Give this a shot on your Vista machine and see if it works.

1) Share Permissions
1. On explorer, go to C:\windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS
2. Right click, Properties
3. Sharing tab
4. Advanced Sharing
5. Check "Share this folder"
6. Permissions
7. Grant everyone Full Control

2) NTFS Permissions
1. On explorer, go to C:\windows\system32\spool\printers
2. Right click, Properties
3. Security tab
4. Edit
5. Add
6. Advanced
7. Find Now
8. Choose "NETWORK"
9. OK
10. Grant NETWORK Full Control

Sorry for the delay... had a quick fire to put out. I'm doing the check now. Thanks very much for you help & patience. :)

Humm. no luck. I've performed a clean/install with this Win7 several times & it's never failed to work properly with the Vista PC. It's alway set the network up automatically & I only need to turn on file/print sharing & install the network printer on the Vista PC.

I think I'll just do a clean/install & see if it functions properly.

Thanks very much for the helpful suggestions & comments. I'll post back my results.

Thank you :)