Problem with printer on Homegroup

[jappoulsen]

We have 2 Asus laptops, both running Windows 7. We created a homegroup and can access both computers with no problem. We are now trying to share a printer (HP Laserjet 1018); it is connected to computer #1 and works fine when we print from that computer. The printer shows up on computer #2, but when we try to print from #2 the printer does not respond (but it does show the document in the print queue when we check it on the control panel of computer #2.
Turning the printer off and on makes no difference. HOWEVER, after computer #1 has been turned off, the printer prints that document in the queue when computer #1 is turned on again (the computer doesn't even have to be fully booted up, it just has to start opening Windows). I'm not very computer savvy, so I hope someone has a simple answer.
PS I forgot to mention that I have downloaded the latest drivers to both machines. Also, computer #1 is wired to a modem, computer #2 is wireless on the homegroup network.

 

[WindowsStar]

Search the forums for Windows 7 and USB printing, you will find many many threads on this. Seems that Windows 7 does not share USB printers well.

My suggestion as I have given in other threads is to purchase a USB to Network device and put the printer on the network directly. Then all machines can print to it, plus you don't have to leave a machine on to print. This seems to work the best and will give you the least headaches.

 

[chev65]

Same thing happend to me when I tried to use my older relic of a USB printer, no matter what I did it would not work. Same as the OP, I had to shut the host machine down in order to print from another machine. I never found a work around for this problem.

As WindowsStar pointed out, USB printers and Windows 7 simply to not work well together. Using a print server and printing to an IP address is how Windows 7 likes to print. Most of the new printers that are made for Windows 7 are made for a printer server and IP address rather than USB and if they use USB it's only for the initial set up.

I updated my printer with a Canon MX870 which uses a wireless or wired connection, no USB required and I never looked back. But it sucks that we should have to upgrade our printers just to use a new OP system.

 

[jappoulsen]

Thanks to you folks for your help. I'll be able to get on from here. Surely appreciate your assistance.

 

[chev65]

No problem jappoulsen, I wish I could help more with the USB printing problem but like I said, it just never worked for me either and I've seen so many similar complaints I lost count. I think that USB printing is a thing of the past as it was never very reliable anyway.

Good thing is that print servers through IP works flawlessly.

 

[jappoulsen]

How do I put a printer on my network.

"My suggestion as I have given in other threads is to purchase a USB to Network device and put the printer on the network directly. Then all machines can print to it, plus you don't have to leave a machine on to print. This seems to work the best and will give you the least headaches."

I've got the printer connected to a USB to Network device, but can' figure out how to put it on the network. Can you give me some additional help, please.

 

[WindowsStar]

You need to set up your USB to Network Device to access the network (may have to use the manual for this, or search google). Most can be setup by web browser. Give it an IP Address and then add the printer to your machine as you would normally do by searching the network for printers. It should find your printer, then all you need to do is install the driver.