Printer Sharing problems

[polocheck]

I have a printer connected to an XP computer and a Windows 7 laptop. I created a local port to my XP computer from my Window 7 laptop (\\XPcomputer\printer). I ran a test print and it worked. When I try to print from a webpage or Word my computer pops up a message saying that I need to select a printer or add one. I try and select the printer that I installed, even though it is already the default, but it won't let me print. The "print" and "apply" buttons as well as the the copies and page range. Please advise.

Thank You.

 

[polocheck]

bump

 

[RedBirdDad]

Welcome to Seven Forums!

It sounds like the printer is actually connected to the XP machine and you want to share it with the W7 machine. Right?

From what machine did you do the test print, W7? Is the W7 machine 32 or 64bit?

BTW: Please don't bump. It's not considered polite.

 

[polocheck]

Yes you are correct. My printer is hooked up on my xp desktop. I have other xp laptops that print fine from the shared printer. I test printed from my W7 laptop and it worked, but that is the only thing i can get to print from that computer.

 

[RedBirdDad]

You may want to take a look at the Network and Sharing Center in W7. Look at the Advanced Settings. Look at network discovery, password protected sharing, etc. Also use the older encryption as well. I have almost the same setup at home and I have no problems getting to the printer on XP from my W7 machines so I know it works. We just need to pin down the settings I think. Also take a look at the W7 firewall.

 

[polocheck]

Instead of getting an error when I try to print I am now getting the document into the print queue. Network Discovery is turned off. Password Protected Sharing - Off. Older encryption is on. What am I looking for in the firewall? Is it strange that I am able to print the test print but nothing else? What about printer spooling vs. printing directly to the printer (in the advanced tab of printer properties)? I have tried both spooling and printing directly. Thanks.

 

[polocheck]

Don't know if this will help but in the print queue screen the top border bar has my printer model but then has a use printer offline (HP Deskjet 5700 Series (HPA) - Use Printer Offline). Is it not detecting my printer?

 

[RedBirdDad]

Printer offline, hmm. I think I've seen this but can't remember when.

Your settings almost the same as mine. What about file and printer sharing? That should be on. The only reason I asked about firewall is if it thinks your on a home / private network vs a public one.

Spooling is preferable. It allows Windows to do the printing in the background.

 

[polocheck]

Well Success...Although I do not know why or how. I did turn encryption down from the recommended 128-bit, but did not do anything else. I restarted both computers but no success. I then uninstalled the printer from the W7 laptop and reinstalled/ re added the printer. It now prints. Thank You for your help. Ahhh the sweet frustration of a windows world!

 

[RedBirdDad]

Cool! Glad you got it.

 

[RedBirdDad]

If the printer is on the W7 machine, make sure file and printer sharing is enabled along with network discovery. It's located in the Network and Sharing Center under Advanced Sharing Options.