Network Printer Woes

[imported_GeekWannabe]

Hey folks, I purchased a Lexmark Z1420 wifi printer some time ago, and after looking long and hard through the documentation and various web sources I can't find a way to print from this unit with any of our laptops (or wired desktops) without leaving the desktop computer (that I used for the printer setup) running.

I assumed that this was possible but perhaps not, if not I will suffer through with what I have now but if so, here's a little network configuration overview to help with understanding the situation.

I have 2 desktops (both wired), 2 laptops (both used wirelessly only), and a WII console that I really don't need connectivity for but have it setup because it can be.

All these are running through a D-Link DIR-655 Extreme-N router to which the Lexmark Z1420 is connected also (wirelessly).

To be clear, the printer isn't wired to anything (except to the aforementioned desktop briefly, which was required to complete setup)

As much as I love tweaking PC's, I hate networking so forgive me if this is essentially a Kindergarten question..........I just don't enjoy slogging through these types of things.
If it's not possible, is it that I'm lacking some kind of print server when the desktop is off? I'm curious to know if there is a hardware or software solution since I'd actually rather buy an additional product/program than a new printer, and I'm happy with the speed and quality of the Lexmark unit.

Thanks again!
Hugh

 

[Lemon law]

It seems to me, that either you do not have a true networkable printer or have it set up in the wrong way. Usually a networkable printer is supposed to be directly hooked to the router.

But a quick toll free call to Lexmark might help in your case.

 

[bruceb]

Please follow the steps below:

1): Go into the router configuration and be sure your WiFi was given a Name or SSID

2): You may need to enter the MAC Address of the printer in the router WiFi area.

3): You need to go into the printer WiFi configuration and Enter the router Name or SSID & Password for your WiFi network

4): All the computers that want to use the WiFi to print thru the router to the printer, must be in the same Work Group Name as the router WiFi SSID. This is done thru My Computer, Properties, Computer Name, Work Group .. or you can get to it thru Contol Panel, System, Computer Name, Work Group

5): You must also install the Printer Software on each computer.

If you do not have it, you can download your user manual for the printer here:

http://www.lexmark.com/publica...pdfs/2007/1400/en.html

Once you have done this it should be able to work fine.