Printing over wireless

[EagleKeeper]

Current situation has 2 systems.
USB printer connected directly to a W2K system - uses the router to get to the real world - nothing shared
NetGear router - open access - to cable modem
Vista Laptop - uses the router to get to the real world - nothing shared


Currently when the laptop needs the printer, the cable to printer must be disconnected from W2K system and connected to laptop. Inconvenient

Systems are 1000 miles away, so explanation needs to be simple to I can relay it to my daughter.

What changes are needed to allow the laptop to see/use the printer when the printer is plugged into the W2K system.

I know that the printer on the W2K will have to be classified as shared.

What, if anything needs to be done to the systems (networking setup, etc) and/or the router.
Both systems have ZoneAlarm on them.

TIA

 

[antyler]

You will have to allow each computer to see the other computer in Zone Alarm. I print wirelessly on my home laptop, to the desktop, and both have zone alarm on them, much like you say.

Zone alarm should have an explanation as to how to allow the certain ports/ip ranges necessary.

edit: both of my computers have XP, and I see you are using W2k for one or both systems, that might change something in the configurations, but im not sure.

 

[JackMDS]

First check of there is Vista Divers for the printer.

Vista would need this drivers installed.

The computers do not have to see each other. Only the Vista needs to see the w2K.

I do not have a specific link for printer ut this is the principle in configuring sharing in w2k.

http://www.windowsnetworking.c...utorials/w2kshare.html

It might be that it would easy to buy a printer server connecet it to the Router and use it as a network printer for Both Computers.

 

[EagleKeeper]

The Vista laptop can use the printer. She just has to unplug the USB from the desktop and plug into the laptop.

I will consider looking into the print server idea. Much would depend on cost.

 

[Slowlearner]

I have an identical problem, three pcs running XP can print off a shared Samsung ML2010 printer, but a laptop with Vista HP will print wired but not wirelessly. I have gone thru Jack's read mes, applied patches with no luck so far.

Instead of print server, I am thinking of buying a router with usb port(s) to get around this problem.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I was thinking about sending her a print server, but reading some documentation, indicates that some potential complicated configuration will be required to set it up.

A wireless router that can serve as a printer server also for about $100 is feasible and I can save the existing routes as an emergency backup.

 

[Slowlearner]

Asus http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023 can connect printers only - and fussy about which ones - you have to check a list at asus's web site
D-Link D-Link DI-624S - discontinued product - available thru Amazon - two usb ports can take printers and ext hard drives

Havent used either so caveat emptor

 

[JackMDS]

All 3rd party printer server are iffy depending on the printer.

When I suggested it above I meant to try one of the inexpensive one.

If you already going to spend $100 you better of buying a Network Ready Printer and plug it to the current Router.