Printer problems on lan at home

[Jerry]

My problem is I have a new computer running windows xp and
2 older comps running windows 98se. The best I can do with
a peer to peer network for printing is hook up the printer
to a 98se comp and share it then the other 98 comp can use
the printer. My xp comp can see the printer on the network
but can't comunicate with it. Whenever I try to install a
network printer on the xp comp it bombs out. If I install
the printer on the xp comp then no other computers can
access it. Is there any way around this problem ? The
printer manufacturer is useless when it comes to help or
getting advise.

 

[Richard]

Jerry,

I am unclear as to how the network set is failing but will try to assist you
as I have established a network at home with some similar characteristics.

You said that the installation as a networked printer on the XP machine it
"bombs out", this does not help to understand what goes wrong! Prior to
working on the XP machine, have you set up the printer to be shared on the
98 machine without any password that would get in the way?
The XP machine will need to have the correct drivers set up and to point to
the correct location for the printer, when I set up an Epson printer on XP
special steps had to be taken so I carefully followed the on screen advice
and all was well. (I have also installed two HP printers supported by a
printer server as this means that no other machine has to be on to allow
printing.
If you try to re-post with a step by step account of what worked and what
did not it will be easier for someone to help you to get beyond the failure
point. I assume that you were using an administrator accound to set up the
printer?
As you are not using the printer server option, then do not take the network
optionwhen working from the Add printer entry point, I trust that you did
note that you use the "local printer" option and then select the port as not
being LPT1 but the computer with the printer attached. Click the arrow at
the right hand side of the LPT1 (Recommended Printer Port) entry, you may
need to find the printer which will be something like
\\name-of-computer\name-of-printer (sorry that this now looks like a web
reference) highlight this entry and then step through the process. You will
need to make sure that you use the correct XP drivers when prompted and that
you do not use those from the \\name-of-computer computer.
The other way to achieve a result is to install the printer as a local
printer and then change the port, this does require a little "alternative"
knowledge.
Good luck.
Richard