Printer shares: Windows 64-bit client on a 32-bit server

[SunnyD]

I've had this problem numerous times, but each time give up after a few days of frustration.

I run Windows 64-bit (Currently Win7, but had the same issues with Vista)... I'm trying to connect to a printer connected to a 32-bit server (in this particular case, a NAS running Linux/SAMBA). My laptop running Vista 32-bit can connect and print just fine to the printer. The printer also works fine connected directly to my machine. When I try to connect to the printer through my 64-bit OS, I get an error when trying to open the printer. Most commonly, 0x000006be, which I've looked and the most common thing said is that you need an updated "HPBMini.dll" driver from HP. Unfortunately, for this printer (HP Photosmart C4100 series), it doesn't use that file.

I understand it's an AIO printer, it's not really meant to be shared, hence no network drivers for it. But I want to share it, and it shares fine with 32-bit OS's... why won't 64-bit connect?

Like I've said, I've dealt with this several times and have never been able to solve it. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[VirtualLarry]

It sounds like it just needs 64-bit drivers. Are they available from the mfg to install seperately on the 64-bit client?

 

[Spicedaddy]

you need the 64-bit drivers on the 32-bit server... In Windows, you'd right-click your printer, select Properties, go to the Sharing tab and choose Additional Drivers. Select X64 and point to the drivers... (they have to be uncompressed, not just in .exe form)

This way, when you install the shared printer on the x64 client, the server sends the right drivers.

I can't help you in Linux, sorry, but there must be something equivalent.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Spicedaddy
you need the 64-bit drivers on the 32-bit server... In Windows, you'd right-click your printer, select Properties, go to the Sharing tab and choose Additional Drivers. Select X64 and point to the drivers... (they have to be uncompressed, not just in .exe form)

This way, when you install the shared printer on the x64 client, the server sends the right drivers.

I can't help you in Linux, sorry, but there must be something equivalent.

You don't "need" client drivers on the server. You can point a client to a printer share and install drivers locally.

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
It sounds like it just needs 64-bit drivers. Are they available from the mfg to install seperately on the 64-bit client?

The drivers provided include both 32 and 64 bit in the same package. Like I said, I can install the printer locally on the machine without any problems at all. It's when I try to access the printer over the network (remote) from this machine that it bombs out.

 

[Spicedaddy]

You don't "need" client drivers on the server. You can point a client to a printer share and install drivers locally.

You learn something new everyday! I've always done it the other way around and never had a problem...

Anyways, it could just be an HP bug. Good luck!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Originally posted by: Spicedaddy

You don't "need" client drivers on the server. You can point a client to a printer share and install drivers locally.

You learn something new everyday! I've always done it the other way around and never had a problem...

Anyways, it could just be an HP bug. Good luck!

I went through this a month ago, after failing to get a VISTA 64 wkstation to print to a shared LaserJet 1200 on an XP Pro system. That is, I went some 4 months, occasionally trying to make it work without success, taking solace in the "experimental" nature of my VISTA 64 box.

It turned out to be something simple - just as described by others here, and yet -- I couldn't remember precisely what it was that I did last month to get it to work. I DO know that you don't select the "Network" option for printers not specifically designed to operate independently as a network device. You have to select "Local," and then define the port using the network printer name.