Can't print to my Windows 98 shared printer from my XP computer

[Guest]

I can't print from the printer attached to my Windows 98 machine using my XP
computer. I can successfully browse for the printer under \\Martin\LEXMARK
when adding the printer in XP. When I select Next in Add Printer Wizard
after browsing to the correct print queue name above, an error message is
displayed as "The server for the 'Lexmark Z52 Series ColorFine' printer does
not have the correct printer driver installed etc". As a result, I then
clicked OK to continue and selected the built-in XP Lexmark Z52 driver from
the manufacturer's list. Next the Default Printer page appears in the Add
Printer Wizard requesting me to use this printer as the default printer.
After choosing YES and selecting Next to this, the final Add Printer page
appears stating: "You have successfully completed the Add Printer Wizard etc".

However, when I attempt to print a test page from my XP system over the
network, it displays the following message: "Test page failed to print. Would
you like to use the print troubleshooter for assistance? operation could not
be completed".

The status of my Lexmark on Martin network printer shows up as 'Ready' in
Add Printer wizard and has a pipe attached, indicating a network printer. If
I print locally from my Windows 98 machine, I can see the document queue and
the document being processed from my XP system by double clicking on the
printer icon. In other words I can see the test page being printed on my 98
machine from my XP computer. Also, the Documents would show 1 on my XP
printer icon. It's strange that I can see pages being printed locally over
the network and that I can't print over the network using my XP computer.
Incidently, Lexmark represents the share name of my printer and Martin
represents the name of the Windows 98 machine.

Also, I can view all shared resources on my Windows 98 machine over the
network from my XP laptop. Furthermore, I can access shared folders on the
98 machine and I can successfully ping the 98 machine from my XP laptop.
From the point of troubleshooting, I elimimated a potential VSERVER.vxd
conflict message when adding the File and Printer Service in Microsoft
Networks in Windows 98 by extracting a new copy of this file to the
C:\Windows\System Directory. This corrected that problem but did not resolve
my existing print issue. I would also like to remind you that I was able to
print over the network in the past from my XP laptop without ever having to
select the built-in XP driver for that printer. I'm using the same printer
driver for my Lexmark Z52 on my 98 machine as I did in the past when it last
worked. I still have a copy of this print test page from last December. The
driver name showed up as UNIDRV.DLL on my XP test page when it last worked.
I have done virtually everything as this stage to solve this remote printing
issue. There is no real simple solution to this problem as I have found out
over the last 3 weeks. It's only since I carried out a reinstallation on my
98 machine a couple months ago, that this problem has arisen. I find it is
very strange because I have a perfectly working network connection and I'm
using the built-in XP driver on my XP laptop when connecting to the 98
printer over the network.

This inability to print over the network from my XP laptop is a major
drawback because it also means that I can't use this network printer for
incoming faxes.

The only thing left for me to do now after correcting the VSERVER issue on
the 98 machine is to uninstall and reinstall the LAN connection components on
my XP laptop etc. TCP/IP, WLAN protocols, File & Printer sharing etc in
Network properties which could be problematic in its own way. Please note, I
can print locally from my printer and I can access shared folders on the 98
machine from my XP laptop but I just can't print over the network using the
printer attached to the 98 machine.

Could you please tell me if there is any technical online chat (SIP)
facility available in relation to this issue as this problem is ongoing for a
long time now. I don't think the manfacturer of my XP laptop will assist me
with this problem as the 98 machine is from a different manufacturer. At
this stage, I feel the problem lies on the XP side rather that from the 98
machine. This is why I have posted the problem here rather than the Windows
98 community site. Recent windows updates or patches on my XP laptop may
have lead to this problem. It's is not a Lexmark issue either as it worked
before using this printer and I have carried out the exact same procedure in
setting up the network printer as in the past. Finally it is not a printer
driver issue as well since I'm using the built-in Lexmark Z52 XP driver on my
XP system while adding the printer - even though I succeeded without this
driver in the past by just using the UNIDRV.DLL driver on the 98 side. The
printer port settings are also correct as it shows up as \\Martin\Lexmark in
XP and LPT1 in 98. I also ensured that the default data type is set to RAW
in the XP printer properties.

Once again, I would appreciate any suggestions that may fix this problem if
at all possible.

Thanks

 

[Chuck]

I can't print from the printer attached to my Windows 98 machine using my XP
computer. I can successfully browse for the printer under \\Martin\LEXMARK
when adding the printer in XP. When I select Next in Add Printer Wizard
after browsing to the correct print queue name above, an error message is
displayed as "The server for the 'Lexmark Z52 Series ColorFine' printer does
not have the correct printer driver installed etc". As a result, I then
clicked OK to continue and selected the built-in XP Lexmark Z52 driver from
the manufacturer's list. Next the Default Printer page appears in the Add
Printer Wizard requesting me to use this printer as the default printer.
After choosing YES and selecting Next to this, the final Add Printer page
appears stating: "You have successfully completed the Add Printer Wizard etc".

However, when I attempt to print a test page from my XP system over the
network, it displays the following message: "Test page failed to print. Would
you like to use the print troubleshooter for assistance? operation could not
be completed".

The status of my Lexmark on Martin network printer shows up as 'Ready' in
Add Printer wizard and has a pipe attached, indicating a network printer. If
I print locally from my Windows 98 machine, I can see the document queue and
the document being processed from my XP system by double clicking on the
printer icon. In other words I can see the test page being printed on my 98
machine from my XP computer. Also, the Documents would show 1 on my XP
printer icon. It's strange that I can see pages being printed locally over
the network and that I can't print over the network using my XP computer.
Incidently, Lexmark represents the share name of my printer and Martin
represents the name of the Windows 98 machine.

Also, I can view all shared resources on my Windows 98 machine over the
network from my XP laptop. Furthermore, I can access shared folders on the
98 machine and I can successfully ping the 98 machine from my XP laptop.
From the point of troubleshooting, I elimimated a potential VSERVER.vxd
conflict message when adding the File and Printer Service in Microsoft
Networks in Windows 98 by extracting a new copy of this file to the
C:\Windows\System Directory. This corrected that problem but did not resolve
my existing print issue. I would also like to remind you that I was able to
print over the network in the past from my XP laptop without ever having to
select the built-in XP driver for that printer. I'm using the same printer
driver for my Lexmark Z52 on my 98 machine as I did in the past when it last
worked. I still have a copy of this print test page from last December. The
driver name showed up as UNIDRV.DLL on my XP test page when it last worked.
I have done virtually everything as this stage to solve this remote printing
issue. There is no real simple solution to this problem as I have found out
over the last 3 weeks. It's only since I carried out a reinstallation on my
98 machine a couple months ago, that this problem has arisen. I find it is
very strange because I have a perfectly working network connection and I'm
using the built-in XP driver on my XP laptop when connecting to the 98
printer over the network.

This inability to print over the network from my XP laptop is a major
drawback because it also means that I can't use this network printer for
incoming faxes.

The only thing left for me to do now after correcting the VSERVER issue on
the 98 machine is to uninstall and reinstall the LAN connection components on
my XP laptop etc. TCP/IP, WLAN protocols, File & Printer sharing etc in
Network properties which could be problematic in its own way. Please note, I
can print locally from my printer and I can access shared folders on the 98
machine from my XP laptop but I just can't print over the network using the
printer attached to the 98 machine.

Could you please tell me if there is any technical online chat (SIP)
facility available in relation to this issue as this problem is ongoing for a
long time now. I don't think the manfacturer of my XP laptop will assist me
with this problem as the 98 machine is from a different manufacturer. At
this stage, I feel the problem lies on the XP side rather that from the 98
machine. This is why I have posted the problem here rather than the Windows
98 community site. Recent windows updates or patches on my XP laptop may
have lead to this problem. It's is not a Lexmark issue either as it worked
before using this printer and I have carried out the exact same procedure in
setting up the network printer as in the past. Finally it is not a printer
driver issue as well since I'm using the built-in Lexmark Z52 XP driver on my
XP system while adding the printer - even though I succeeded without this
driver in the past by just using the UNIDRV.DLL driver on the 98 side. The
printer port settings are also correct as it shows up as \\Martin\Lexmark in
XP and LPT1 in 98. I also ensured that the default data type is set to RAW
in the XP printer properties.

Once again, I would appreciate any suggestions that may fix this problem if
at all possible.

Thanks

Martin,

Let me summarise:
1) You can print locally to the printer, from a Windows 98 computer.
2) You cannot print remotely to the printer, from a Windows XP computer.
3) You could print remotely to the printer, from the Windows XP computer, until
you reinstalled Windows 98.
4) After reinstalling Windows 98, you observed a problem with VSERVER.vxd, when
adding the File and Printer Sharing network component.
5) You were able to make the VSERVER.vxd error go away by extracting a new copy
of the file.
6) The printer problem was not observed before the reinstallation of Windows 98.
7) File and Printer sharing is an essential component of the ability for the
Windows 98 computer to share resources, such as the ability of a remote computer
to print to a locally attached printer.

Yet you believe that this is a Windows XP problem. Why again do you feel that?

 

[Guest]

I know why, its casue your using a LEXMARK they have crappy drivers, and
even worse printers... not to mention that when you have to buy replacement
ink... its gonna run you thirty bucks. Lexmark is garbage

 

[MartynB]

Martin,

You mention the VSERVER issue, but have you re-updated W98 Dial up
Networking since you re-installed W98?

I seem to remember that having a printer name or description that is too
long may cause W98 printer networking problems.

This could also be a sharing permission issue. There are different scenarios
described here:- http://support.its.ied.edu.hk/stufaq/7.3.html.

You may be eligible for Microsoft's "Individual Chat Support" for Windows XP
issues, which is free for 2 support requests.
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=3518&gprid=185522

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your response and please find the answers below to your summary
questions.

Martin,

Let me summarise:
1) You can print locally to the printer, from a Windows 98 computer. Yes
2) You cannot print remotely to the printer, from a Windows XP computer. Yes
3) You could print remotely to the printer, from the Windows XP computer, until
you reinstalled Windows 98. Yes
4) After reinstalling Windows 98, you observed a problem with VSERVER.vxd, when
adding the File and Printer Sharing network component. Yes
5) You were able to make the VSERVER.vxd error go away by extracting a new copy
of the file. Yes
6) The printer problem was not observed before the reinstallation of Windows 98. Yes
7) File and Printer sharing is an essential component of the ability for the
Windows 98 computer to share resources, such as the ability of a remote computer
to print to a locally attached printer. Yes just like in XP.

Yet you believe that this is a Windows XP problem. Why again do you feel that?

Because I have eliminated all possible factors that may be causing the
problem from the 98 side e.g. resolution of the VSERVER conflict message
between the old and newer version of this file, the same Lexmark driver is
installed on the 98 machine when it worked in the past, no problem printing
locally on the 98 side, and the file and folder sharing feature is working.
Furthermore, I never encountered the "The server for the 'Lexmark Z52 Series
ColorFine' printer does not have the correct printer driver installed etc"
alert message while adding the printer in XP when it last worked. Now I
have to select the correct built-in digitally signed XP Lexmark Z52 driver
from my XP system in order to continue at this point. I was told by members
of the 98 Newsgroup site to use the built-in Lexmark driver when receiving
the above message. Although the built-in Lexmark 52 driver on my XP computer
allows me to successfully add the printer, it does not allow me to print
remotely. I can also ping the XP computer from the 98 machine provided the
ICMP setting on the XP firewall is configured or enabled to accept incoming
ping requests from outside. Likewise, I can ping the 98 machine from my XP
computer and browse and access all shared folders on the 98 machine over the
network. The only thing that has changed since before is that the XP
computer has now got File and Printer sharing is enabled on the firewall
whereas this was just set to simple sharing (recommended) in the past.
Besides this should not make any difference when accessing resources on the
98 side. If I was running another XP computer on my network, I could defy
then if the problem persisted from the 98 machine. Failure to print from the
additional XP system might suggest that the problem was due to the
configuration of 98 machine. It's probably unfair to say that the problem
is on the XP side but nevertheless it is hard to pinpoint any fault from
either side. All I can say at this stage is that it is not a networking
related issue (proven by successful ping requests and the fact that all
resources are visible and accessible on the 98 side over the network from my
XP laptop), is not a printer driver issue either (proven by using the correct
built-in XP printer driver on the client side and the same printer driver on
the 98 machine) or a Lexmark issue. It looks like I will have to wait for my
brother to use his XP laptop on my network to see whether he can print from
the 98 printer in order to investigate what side the problem lies.

In the intervening time since it last worked in the past, many new critical
security patches were applied on both machines - this may have given rise to
the problem.
Like I said I have no evidence to suggest that the problem rests on the XP
side but the same applies to the 98 side. It is just that members of the 98
site felt that the problem was more of a remote problem on the XP side. I
just find it strange that I can access shared folders on the 98 machine over
the network but I just can't print remotely. Please note the Lexmark printer
is visible over the network and I can add the network printer in Add Printer
Wizard. By selecting the built-in printer driver on the XP computer while
setting it up, the print appears as ready status in my XP Printers and Faxes
location - but it just doesn't print as it comes up with the previously
mentioned message: "Test page failed to print. Would
you like to use the print troubleshooter for assistance? operation could not
be completed". The print troubleshooter is of no use as it covers all
different causes that don't seem relevant.

I would appreciate if you could recommend any technical online chat site
that may cover this issue.

Thanks

 

[Chuck]

Thanks for your response and please find the answers below to your summary
questions.

Because I have eliminated all possible factors that may be causing the
problem from the 98 side e.g. resolution of the VSERVER conflict message
between the old and newer version of this file, the same Lexmark driver is
installed on the 98 machine when it worked in the past, no problem printing
locally on the 98 side, and the file and folder sharing feature is working.
Furthermore, I never encountered the "The server for the 'Lexmark Z52 Series
ColorFine' printer does not have the correct printer driver installed etc"
alert message while adding the printer in XP when it last worked. Now I
have to select the correct built-in digitally signed XP Lexmark Z52 driver
from my XP system in order to continue at this point. I was told by members
of the 98 Newsgroup site to use the built-in Lexmark driver when receiving
the above message. Although the built-in Lexmark 52 driver on my XP computer
allows me to successfully add the printer, it does not allow me to print
remotely. I can also ping the XP computer from the 98 machine provided the
ICMP setting on the XP firewall is configured or enabled to accept incoming
ping requests from outside. Likewise, I can ping the 98 machine from my XP
computer and browse and access all shared folders on the 98 machine over the
network. The only thing that has changed since before is that the XP
computer has now got File and Printer sharing is enabled on the firewall
whereas this was just set to simple sharing (recommended) in the past.
Besides this should not make any difference when accessing resources on the
98 side. If I was running another XP computer on my network, I could defy
then if the problem persisted from the 98 machine. Failure to print from the
additional XP system might suggest that the problem was due to the
configuration of 98 machine. It's probably unfair to say that the problem
is on the XP side but nevertheless it is hard to pinpoint any fault from
either side. All I can say at this stage is that it is not a networking
related issue (proven by successful ping requests and the fact that all
resources are visible and accessible on the 98 side over the network from my
XP laptop), is not a printer driver issue either (proven by using the correct
built-in XP printer driver on the client side and the same printer driver on
the 98 machine) or a Lexmark issue. It looks like I will have to wait for my
brother to use his XP laptop on my network to see whether he can print from
the 98 printer in order to investigate what side the problem lies.

In the intervening time since it last worked in the past, many new critical
security patches were applied on both machines - this may have given rise to
the problem.
Like I said I have no evidence to suggest that the problem rests on the XP
side but the same applies to the 98 side. It is just that members of the 98
site felt that the problem was more of a remote problem on the XP side. I
just find it strange that I can access shared folders on the 98 machine over
the network but I just can't print remotely. Please note the Lexmark printer
is visible over the network and I can add the network printer in Add Printer
Wizard. By selecting the built-in printer driver on the XP computer while
setting it up, the print appears as ready status in my XP Printers and Faxes
location - but it just doesn't print as it comes up with the previously
mentioned message: "Test page failed to print. Would
you like to use the print troubleshooter for assistance? operation could not
be completed". The print troubleshooter is of no use as it covers all
different causes that don't seem relevant.

I would appreciate if you could recommend any technical online chat site
that may cover this issue.

Martin,

Good job of analysis, though additional effort organising the arguments might be
useful in the long run.

Whenever you have two different operating systems, the experts for each will
always point fingers at the others. Usually, both are justified at least in
part.

I feel one statement of yours is particularly relevant. You said:
It's only since I carried out a reinstallation on my 98 machine a couple months
ago, that this problem has arisen.

How do you reconcile that statement with the possibility (which I won't entirely
dismiss) that there is a Windows XP problem involved?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I agree that the printer name has to be 12
characters or less or else the printer won't be visible to the Win 98
machine. This applies to the reverse case where the 98 machine is connecting
to a shared printer over the network. But this is not my problem here as I'm
connecting from a XP computer and besides I can see the remote printer.

Anyway, thanks for posting the useful URLs.

 

[Guest]

Chuck,

Thanks for the quick response. The recent reinstallation of 98 may imply
that the problem is solely with my 98 machine and not XP but you must
remember that many microsoft security patches have been applied to my XP in
the meantime as well. The installation of 98 was carried out in the same
routine manner as before. The only complication was the VSERVER conflict and
this has been resolved since. Despite this conflict, it still installed the
File and Printer service and it allowed me to use the folder sharing feature
and access the printer - although not print remotely. Another thing, I
should not have to use the built-in XP driver when setting up the printer
because it was not a prerequisite or necessity in the past as the Add Printer
Wizard allowed me to use the existing print driver on the 98 machine. I
still have the XP test page to prove it when it worked last. The printer
driver name shows up as UNIDRV.DLL on this test page. Nobody, seems to be
able to explain why this worked before without ever having to select the
built-in printer driver. Even by selecting the built-in printer driver, it
still doesn't allow me to print - and nobody can't seem to explain why this
is happening either. Normally, the selection of the correct built-in print
driver should results in successful printing but not in my case. The network
printer appears all the time in Printer & Faxes and the status is displayed
as ready and the printer is displayed as \\Martin\LEXMARK. Like I said
before I can also see the document print queue from my XP system. It is
strange that the folder sharing is working over the LAN and my printer
sharing is not working despite have a perfectly working network connection.

I'm just wondering is there any collaboration between members of the XP
Printer/Networking site and the 98 networking community site in relation to
printer sharing and interoperability in a mixed XP/98 environment as ongoing
changes may occur.

It seems that I will have to contact the nearest Microsoft technical support
office by phone in order to sort this problem as it may require a talk
through. I feel I could have the same problem if I replace my Lexmark
printer by purchasing another printer. As it stands at the moment, I won't
be able to use the XP Fax feature with my network printer either.

Anyway, thanks for your attempt to fix this problem.

 

[Chuck]

Chuck,

Thanks for the quick response. The recent reinstallation of 98 may imply
that the problem is solely with my 98 machine and not XP but you must
remember that many microsoft security patches have been applied to my XP in
the meantime as well. The installation of 98 was carried out in the same
routine manner as before. The only complication was the VSERVER conflict and
this has been resolved since. Despite this conflict, it still installed the
File and Printer service and it allowed me to use the folder sharing feature
and access the printer - although not print remotely. Another thing, I
should not have to use the built-in XP driver when setting up the printer
because it was not a prerequisite or necessity in the past as the Add Printer
Wizard allowed me to use the existing print driver on the 98 machine. I
still have the XP test page to prove it when it worked last. The printer
driver name shows up as UNIDRV.DLL on this test page. Nobody, seems to be
able to explain why this worked before without ever having to select the
built-in printer driver. Even by selecting the built-in printer driver, it
still doesn't allow me to print - and nobody can't seem to explain why this
is happening either. Normally, the selection of the correct built-in print
driver should results in successful printing but not in my case. The network
printer appears all the time in Printer & Faxes and the status is displayed
as ready and the printer is displayed as \\Martin\LEXMARK. Like I said
before I can also see the document print queue from my XP system. It is
strange that the folder sharing is working over the LAN and my printer
sharing is not working despite have a perfectly working network connection.

I'm just wondering is there any collaboration between members of the XP
Printer/Networking site and the 98 networking community site in relation to
printer sharing and interoperability in a mixed XP/98 environment as ongoing
changes may occur.

It seems that I will have to contact the nearest Microsoft technical support
office by phone in order to sort this problem as it may require a talk
through. I feel I could have the same problem if I replace my Lexmark
printer by purchasing another printer. As it stands at the moment, I won't
be able to use the XP Fax feature with my network printer either.

Anyway, thanks for your attempt to fix this problem.

Martin,

Well, you can contact Tech Support groups, if you wish. You can start with
Microsoft even. But I'll bet that most will suggest additional work to isolate
the problem, or simply point their finger at another vendor.

You have 2 computers, each with a different operating system, and a printer.
So, that's 3 hardware vendors, and one software vendor. Most, if not all, first
level support, when confronted with a multi-vendor problem (and 3 other possible
vendors, at that) will point you to one of the other 3.

Is that model printer specifically certified for XP SP2? A lot of vendors were
playing catchup for a while when SP2 came out - a lot of code, which used system
features that are being exploited by the bad guys, was blocked by SP2, and legit
software providers, like printer manufacturers, were caught by surprise. So
start with Lexmark.

Is that printer specifically certified for network use? Not all printers are.
My previous HP DeskJet wasn't, so I ended up buying a new model (that was 3 or 4
years ago, but the possibility is still there).

And please do involve your brother in your testing. Try another computer as a
server, and as a client. My personal advice - start with Lexmark (IBM). It's
their driver where the problem originates.

If you can isolate the problem a bit, and it still indicates possible
involvement with Windows XP (or even if not), please post back here (and
preferably into this thread). Many here might learn from this experience, and
that's the purpose of these forums.

 

[Guest]

Chuck,

Point taken on incompatibility issues relating to my Lexmark Printer. My
laptop came preinstalled with XP professional SP2 installed. The driver that
came with my Lexmark printer supports all Operating systems - Windows
2000/NT, Windows 9x and Linux except for XP. The printer is 5 yrs old.
Although the printer did not come shipped with the XP driver because XP was
not launched or available at that time, I did manage to print from the 98SE
shared printer over the network in the past using my XP pro SP2 computer.
Anyway, I have used the built-in XP Z52 Lexmark driver and it still didn't
work. Besides, Lexmark even provide a XP upgrade driver on the manufacturing
online site now for the Z52 printer. I even tried this instead of the
built-in XP driver but with no success. I can honestly say that I was able
to print over the network from my shared Lexmark printer in the past without
ever having to select the built-in printer driver. Applying printer sharing
on the XP computer instead of the 98 machine would not be great as the XP
system is a laptop and more suitable for remote printing because of obvious
mobility reasons. But I would accept your point that I could test it to see
if it works from the opposite direction by directly connecting the printer to
the XP laptop instead and for the XP system to act as the print server.
Anyway, the problem evolves around where the 98 machine acts as a print
server and the XP computer acts as the client.

I will keep you posted if I find a resolution to this problem elsewhere and
explain what actions were taken to rectify it.

Thanks,

Martin

 

[Bob Smith]

Hi Martin,

I'm having the same problem with a client using a mix of OS's and one
printer.

He has an Epson C60 connected via usb to a winME machine with all the
updates. he has purchased a Toshiba notebook with XP pro with SP2 and
in trying to share the printer connected to the ME machine I'm gettig
the same error message, "Test page failed to print"

The printer name is less than 12 letters, it functions correctly on
the ME machine, is seen by the XP machine and installs as a network
printer with the XP 'Add a printer" dialog.

When XP asked for the drivers I pointed it to a file with the current
XP drivers from the epson site and it installed those drivers.

However, it will not print and you get the above error message.

I'd also be interested in getting a solution to this.

Bob Smith
Robert Smith Consulting

 

[Guest]

Hi Bob,

I rang Lexmark technical support a few days ago to see if they could sort
out this problem. I wasn't too happy with their assistance as they just send
me on a email with a checklist of the basic steps in setting up File and
Printer sharing in Windows. I expected a quick talk through resolution over
the phone.

It didn't help me as I carried out all the necessary steps in this mail. I
replied to them again but they haven't responded since. Anyway, I have
posted this email at the end of this mail because it includes WinMe which
might prove helpful for you. But I'm sure you have carried out these steps
correctly as well.

It is going to be very difficult to solve this problem as they are 3
variables: XP pro, Win 98 (or WinMe in your case) and the printer
manufacturer as the problem can hinge around any of these. I feel the
problem is due possibly to a printer driver issue as my Lexmark printer was
manufactured before XP came out and may not support remote printing using
this OS. Nevertheless, I managed to print remotely over the LAN from my XP
laptop last December despite the fact that my Lexmark printer was
manufactured before XP was released. As mentioned in my previous posts, I
still have a old test page to prove it. This may imply that the recent
security patches or updates applied to XP and Win9x/WinMe could have affected
the interoperability of printer sharing for certain old printers that didn't
come shipped with XP support. It seems that it may be affecting Epsom
printers as well as Lexmark now.

At this stage I'm still getting the same error message that you related to
when trying to print a test page over the network. It comes up with a
slightly different error message when trying to print a text document from my
xp system over the network. Despite the fact the network printer was set up
correctly via Add/Printer Wizard and displays the proper network queue name
in Printer & Faxes, it still doesn't printer. The status also appears as
ready. Anyway, I have included below the basic printer sharing procedure
which I received from my Lexmark printer manuacturer. This may be of some
assistance to you but I doubt it somehow.

Martin

See steps below:

1. First make sure the network is working properly. (Double-click on the
Network Neighborhood icon on the Windows desktop and ensure that all PCs on
the network are visible, particularly the one you want to use.)
2. Install the printer as normal on the PC that the printer is connected to
(the host PC).
3. Go to Start, Settings, Printers. (Windows XP: Go to Start, Printers and
Faxes.)
4. Right click on the printer icon and select Share.
5. Click on Shared As, enter a name for the printer (for example: z52), and
click on OK. You should see a hand holding the printer.
6. Insert the Lexmark CD into the PC you want to install the network printer
on (the client PC).
7. Close the installation screen.
8. Follow the instructions applicable to your operating system below.

Windows 98/Me:

1. Open the Printers folder.
2. Click on Add printer and then click Next.
3. Select Network Printer and then click Next.
4. Click on Browse, select the printer you want to install, and then press
OK.
5. Click Next.
6. If prompted for the drivers, indicate the INF file located on the CD.
7. Select the name of the printer and whether you want to set it as the
default, and then click Finish.

Windows 2000/XP:

1. Open the Printers folder.
2. Click on Add printer and then click Next.
3. Select Add a Network Printer and then click Next.
4. You can complete this step in two different ways:
Select Connect to a printer on the Internet and type in the network path and
the name of the printer. For example, where \\level2-w2k2 is the name of the
PC, you would type \\level2-w2k2\z55.
OR
Select the Type the printer name or click Next to browse for a printer
option, leave the field blank, and click Next. Browse the network to select
your printer.
5. Click OK.
6. If required, set the printer as your default and click Next.
7. Click on Finish.

 

[Bob Smith]

HI Martin,

I'm getting the same 'smoke and mirrors' from epson. It sure looks
like a windows problem to me.

As an update on the system i'm working on I've got the printer
utilities working from the XPpro machine over the wireless network.
Now I can use the utilites for the C-60 printer that is connected to
the ME machine, but not print,, go figure? Why can you use the
printer Utilities and not PRINT.?

I know what I can do
1. print files from the ME machine to the ME machine locally
2. print files on the XPpro machine with the ME machine over the
wireless network
3. Use Printer utilities on both machines to the C-60


I'm going to the client today and I'm going to install "X-netstat".
This is a program that will let me see what ports the XP pro machine
is trying to use for printing. It runs in the background and will let
you see everything going on with a LOG. It's like the windows
'netstat' but the logging is great to use. I've disabled the XPpro
firewall already but maybe somehow the correct port is being blocked
by XP with the new security updates.


I'll let you know what happens this afternoon, if hope

Bob Smith
Robert Smith Consutling

 

[Bob Smith]

My clients out of town until Sunday, I'll try the tricks on Monday
and post the results.

Bob Smith
Robert Smith Consulting

 

[Guest]

Hi Bob,

Please browse to the following Microsoft web article as it explains exactly
the printing problem that you and I may be experiencing:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307162.

The article explains how the problem is a Microsoft related issue when
working in a mixed SOHO network where the portable XP pro system is the
client and the Windows 98/Me machines are acting as a print server.

If you have found some work-around solution to this problem since, I would
be obliged if you could post me a possible solution. Somehow, I think it
will be difficult as it clearly a Microsoft issue. Next week a supervisor
from my printer manufacturer is going to contact me w.r.t. this issue. They
might be able to provide some workaround. I also contacted my XP (OEM) PC
manufacturer and they said that it was not a networking issue as I was able
to access all resources on the LAN network and they suggested it was probably
a printer manufacturer issue. However, having read the article above, I
would be inclined to say that it's a Microsoft issue. Furthermore, I was
able to print from my network Lexmark inkjet printer six months ago - which
implies that all roads lead to a Microsoft interoperability problem that
occurs from time to time.

Anyway, keep me posted if you have any further comments.

Martin

 

[Bob Smith]

Hi Martin,

This is a good read. However, Since posting the last time I had a
little problem. The New toshiba 'went burp" and lost the processor..
Yea, a new one back to toshiba for repair or replacement. We should
see the new one by wed - thursday (sept. 1,2) and I'll be able to
start up troubleshooting this problem.

The knowledge base article sure sounds like the exact problem i'm
having. I'm with you, I've networked me, 98X and XPpro machines
together before and shared printers between them had no problems up to
this time.

It almost says that to do this the XP machine has to have all the
printers physically connected to it to shrare the resources between
the other machines.

But, the funny thing is that to prove it could be done. I installed
an Epson C62 printer physically on a 98SE machine and shared the
printer and then connected 3 Xp boxes in my network to it and have no
problems printing to the 98SE-C62 printer . So I go to a clients
office and can't do this only because it's an ME machine with an Epson
C62 connected to it, go figure.. I guess that's microstuffs way..


I'll be sure to post anything I find out about this problem...

my email address is good so if you find anything and want to get me
directly, you can use it,


Thanks for the followup, I'll let you know about what I find,

Bob Smith
Robert Smith Consulting
Fort Bragg, California

(e-mail address removed)