Topic: same problem printing from my laptop to my desktop

[bdemase]

I have done the wizard for network connections on my desktop that has XP. Checked sharing printer. My laptop has Vista so there is not wizard like XP but when I bring up network connections, sharing printer is checked. When I go into control panel on the desktop under printers there is a check mark next to my printer"s name.when I go into the lap top under control panel to printers, my printer is there and has a check mark next to it but it says Paused - offline. Sometimes it says error-offline. My question is: do both of these computers have to have the same name under workgroup? in order for this printer to work. I have tried everything that I can think of but can't get it to work. I have a wireless router. When I go down to the senior center (they have wireless) I can write something on my laptop and then print to their printer. My laptop works at home as far as getting on the internet through the wireless router. Hope I haven't confused everyone the way I have explained it.
                  Barbara

[dewey]

Barbara,

Both computers must be part of the same workgroup. If they are not, they cannot "See" each other.

Dewey

[bdemase]

Can this work group be named anything or does it have to have a specific name. Or can you make up a name and give the same name to both.
I see my desktop's name in window explorer on my lap top but I don't see my laptop in window's explorer on my desktop. When you say Windows explorer, do you mean internet explorer or windows explorer? because Windows explorer doesn't have an address bar to click to make the arrow go down.

[dewey]

The computer name and the workgroup name are two separate things.  The workgroup name can be anything you want, but must be the same on both computers.  The computer names must be different.

[bdemase]

I still haven't been able to get my printer to share with my laptop. While searching, I came upon this notation.:"If you build more PC's into your small network and you are using Windows XP Home, be aware that WinXP Home does not support password-protected file sharing, so any person on the network will be able to access your computer without your knowledge if the filw sharing is enabled.
   The Sharing option is not available for the Documents and Settings, Program Files, and Windows system folders. In addition, you cannot share folders in other user's profiles under WinXP." That is what I have in my computer - Windows XP Home Edition. Is that why I can't get the printer sharing to work?

[dewey]

The quote you had did not say you couldn't share printers in WinXP Home, so I am not certain that is the problem.  Did you get the Workgroup name on both computers set to the same name?  That is an absolute requirement for a home network.

Dewey

[bdemase]

Yes, I did have the same workgroup name on both computers. Would having 2 different versions of Internet Explorer make a difference in the sharing bit. I think I still have version 6 on my XP desktop. I've been trying to find out what version I have on the desktop but am still trying to find the info. Version 7 is on my laptop

[dewey]

No, Internet Explorer has nothing to do with networking.

Turn both computers on and login.  Make certain both machines are connecting to the router (if you have internet access you are connected).
On the desktop computer, open My Computer.  Look for My Network Places.
Open My Network Places.
Can you "see" the laptop in "My NetWork Places" on your desk computer?
If not do you see the WORKGROUP name that both computer share?
If not, then networking is not setup correctly on the desktop.  Run the Network Setup Wizard.

If you see the laptop then it is connecting to the network.
Open the Printers Setup
If you do not see the laptop but see the Workgroup, open the workgroup (double-click).  Do you see the laptop now?
If not, then it is not connecting to the network.  Run the Network Setup Wizard on the laptop.

Let me know where you get in this list of questions and what errors, if any.

Dewey

[bdemase]

I connected to the internet on both. When I opened My Network Places, I do not see the laptop and I do not see the work group name. The only thing I see there is "My websites on MSN" under name. When you say run the Network Setup Wizard. Which one? the wireless set up for home one or the other one that just says setup for home or office? I've tried both and don't seem to get anywhere with either. I am just about ready to give up. This is really making me feel stupid.

[dewey]

You're not stupid, just inexperienced.  As am I if I cannot set down at a machine and look through all the menus.  Bill and I talked about doing a " home networking" meeting soon, but it may be next year.  For now, don't get frustrated.  It seems you don't have networking setup at all on your computers.

I am going to "walk" myself through this to refresh my memory and then will write out the steps.  I have had problems with this before so you are NOT alone.

Hang in there and keep checking up on my progress.

Dewey