Network Printer Sharing

[msnell70]

I have two Vista computers, 1 desktop, 1 laptop; usb printer connected to
desktop. When I click on Network from Start menu both computers do not
appear. When I go to Sharing Center both computers do appear. I am trying
to be able to print from my laptop to the desktop's printer. Have I missed a
step?

 

[BehavioralCounselor]

There are a couple of prerequisites: your desktop printer must be set to
SHARE THIS PRINTER in the printer’s properties/share tab. The desktop and
the laptop need to be running, and the printer should be connected to your
desktop and turned on.

Using your laptop, go to Control Panel. Select Printers. Select Add a
Printer. Select Network (not local). Give it time to search and find. It
should display the printer on your Desktop. Finish the remainder of the
wizard. Your desktop must be running anytime you want to print using the
desktop’s printer.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,
http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html
As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is
allowed to be shared.
Vista File and Printer Sharing-
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx
Windows XP File Sharing -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040
Printer Sharing XP -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx
Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357
Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120
Jack (MVP-Networking).