HELP!

[Ty McConnell]

I've copied and pasted my e-mail from yesterday here:

Both my host computer and routed computer are using Windows Vista Home
Premium.

I've been having many problems trying to share my printer with my new,
routed computer on a wireless network connection. I have
set up printer sharing and my default printer on both computers.

Problem 1:
Today, I find that I'm not able to print from my PC on my host computer.
When I check
"Printer Status," I'm told that the status can't be displayed with the port
currenlly being used. What should I do to correct this?

Problem 2: (Related to Printer Sharing)
I'm going through the Microsoft document, "File and Printer Sharing in
Windows Vista," again. I found a section, Common Questions with Windows Vista
File and Printer Sharing." I copied and pasted it here. This is related to
Windows Firewall:


"For network discovery of other computers running Windows Vista, you must
allow the following incoming Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User
Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic:

UDP 3702

TCP 5357

TCP 5358"

OK, is this important for my being able to share my printer? If it is, how
do I "allow" "TCP" and "UDP"? The Microsoft document doesn't tell me.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Ty McConnell]

Hi, Patrick:

The first problem: My computer that is directly connected to my multiuser
printer will no longer print from any e-file on my PC (for example, from Word
files or Internet Explorer files). Before I started trying to set up sharing
my printer with my new routed computer, there was no problem doing this. The
printer also still copies, scans, and faxes from hard copy.

Second problem: When I check on "Printer Status" before printing, I get a
message that my computer doesn't recognize the port that's connected. I think
I've reset my ports incorrectly on both computers. How do I know which port
to choose?

I've already enabled Printer Sharing (Password Protected) in the Sharing and
Discovery area. I've never been prompted to set a password for Pinter
Sharing. How do I set a password? Is it necessary to have a password. There
are only two people using these two computers. We trust each other.


So, to sum up, I'd like to be able to print from e-files on my host PC again.

Also, I want to make sure that the port settings match on both my host
computer (Windows Vista Premium, 32-bit Op/ses) and my routed computer
(Windows Vista Premium, 64-bit Op/ses) so I can also print PC e-files from my
routed computer.

Does this help clarify my situation, Patrick?

 

[Patrick C]

Ty,

I think you should uninstall the printer on both computers and start over
and get the printer to work on it's own computer again. You should find an
uninstall program in the program folder for the printer or you may have to
delete the printer in the control panel (select classic view left side of
control panel) then double click printers right select printer left click
then right click and -run as administrator- and delete.

Reinstall with Cdrom and make sure it works, Then go into control panel do
run as admin. again select sharing and enable it. then try and add it on the
wireless computer. It may need 64 bit driver, at least give it a try, you
probably will only be able to print from the wireless computer.

 

[Ty McConnell]

Thanks, Patrick. This has been very helpful.

I'll uninstall, then reinstall with my CD-ROM disc. That's not a problem. I
was thinking that's what I might have to do, anyway.

Just a note, though: I only have the printer installed on my host computer,
not both. I just have a 64-bit printer driver installed on the routed
computer (the computer with the Windows Vista Premium 64-bit Operating
System). Is it ok to keep that driver, or do I have to go to the
manufacturer's website again after I've uninstalled from my host computer and
then download the driver again into the routed computer?

 

[Ty McConnell]

"Patrick C":

SUCCESS!!

I wanted to thank you for your expert help with my problem.

I re-installed my printer on the host computer with a USB plug-in. I
re-downloaded a 64-bit Operating System printer driver on the routed,
"wireless," computer.

Then, I activated Print Sharing on both computers and followed the steps you
outlined in your last e-mail.

IT WORKED!!

I can now print from both the host and routed, "wireless," computers.