[tnlegendracer]

Both machines (laptop and desktop) running XP Pro. Printers attached to desktop. I've picked "Shared" and given them share names. When I try to add them on the laptop, I see "MS Windows Network" and below that my work group name and below that my desktop's PC name. However, I can't get further than that. This is when I choose to browse for a printer.When I choose to type the printer name (like "workgroupprintername", I get a login screen that wants a user name and a password.What am I doing wrong or failing to do?

[Requiem]

Did you name the printer "MS Windows Network?"You are trying to print wirelessly, eh?Are you certain the printer has wifi?

[smax013]

[quote name='tnlegendracer']Both machines (laptop and desktop) running XP Pro. Printers attached to desktop. I've picked "Shared" and given them share names. When I try to add them on the laptop, I see "MS Windows Network" and below that my work group name and below that my desktop's PC name. However, I can't get further than that. This is when I choose to browse for a printer.> > > > When I choose to type the printer name (like "workgroupprintername", I get a login screen that wants a user name and a password.> > > > What am I doing wrong or failing to do?Have you tried entering an administrator login ID and password from the desktop? It is possible that XP might be wanting you to "authenticate" to be able to access. I will admit that I am not sure exactly how XP Pro would handle that situation (heck, I have not completely ever understood how XP Home deals with Windoze Networking stuff).

[tnlegendracer]

I've tried that and it didn't work. This worked before I bought a new drive for the desktop and loaded XP Pro. I think I've set the desktop name and workgroup as before.

[smax013]

[quote name='tnlegendracer']I've tried that and it didn't work. This worked before I bought a new drive for the desktop and loaded XP Pro. I think I've set the desktop name and workgroup as before.The only other thing that I can suggest is to make sure that you have both computers in the same workgroup (I have always had trouble sharing folders and printers if they are NOT in the same workgroup...and sometimes even when they ARE in the same workgroup...Windoze Networking baffles me at times) and double check that you are using the computer name that the desktop is set to.Other than that, you might have to wait until some who is a little more familiar with Windoze Network and how Windoze XP Pro deals with it comes along.

[tnlegendracer]

There's not a password anywhere on the desktop and nothing I can do avoids a login to the desktop. By the way, I'm able to see printers on other PCs in that workgroup, just not the desktop with the new XP Pro. Even worse, the desktop now says it no longer sees that workgroup!

[smax013]

[quote name='tnlegendracer']There's not a password anywhere on the desktop and nothing I can do avoids a login to the desktop. By the way, I'm able to see printers on other PCs in that workgroup, just not the desktop with the new XP Pro. Even worse, the desktop now says it no longer sees that workgroup!See why I don't like Windoze Networking?!? :DI don't know what else to suggest. Maybe someone else will have a suggestion...you might try PMing rgreen4...if I recall correctly he might be rather familiar with Windoze XP Pro stuff...but I would assume he has seen your thread.

[tnlegendracer]

And can see all the other PCs from the desktop. But, they can't see the printers (shared) attached to the desktop...

[techie4fun]

Run the network setup wizard again that will make a network disk and use it on each computer that you want to share the printer with. Make sure the Firewall is OFF. Use the disk created by the network setup wizard on all computers. See what happens after that. You are dealing with the crap I have to go through every time I try to set things up :lol: :rolleyes: Other than what you've tried, if you have thought of everything you can do, it wouldn't hurt too much to get a print server, which wouldn't cost much and would make life a whole lot easier.This is just an example of what to look at, but I deal with the same crap every time trying to make my printer sharable. http://www.netgear.c...vers/PS101.aspx

[smax013]

[quote name='techie4fun']Run the network setup wizard again that will make a network disk and use it on each computer that you want to share the printer with. Make sure the Firewall is OFF. Use the disk created by the network setup wizard on all computers. See what happens after that.> > You are dealing with the crap I have to go through every time I try to set things up :lol: :roll: Other than what you've tried, if you have thought of everything you can do, it wouldn't hurt too much to get a print server, which wouldn't cost much and would make life a whole lot easier.> > > > This is just an example of what to look at, but I deal with the same crap every time trying to make my printer sharable. > > http://www.netgear.c...rs/PS101.aspxIf you want to down that route, then you can also look at Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives. It would give you a "file server" by way of a networked drive...and many such devices include the ability to attach a USB printer that can then be seen on the network.

[techie4fun]

Give me a link!

[smax013]

[quote name='techie4fun']That's not a bad idea there. What's the average high price for one of these bang for the buck device? If it's over $150 I refuse :PDepends. There are some for around $100. Some go for more than $1000. Depends on features that you want and storage capacity.You can also buy NAS "enclosures". Basically, network hard drive enclosures that you then buy your own hard drive for. The only down side of this route is that there is more of a chance that it might not support attaching a printer.

[techie4fun]

now if you wouldn't have mentioned a NAS storage device I would have been fine with a print server, but now I want one just to play with it. Your so terrible, it's going to make me spend money! :lol: I'm rolling my eyes at you, this is dangerous.

[smax013]

[quote name='techie4fun']now if you wouldn't have mentioned a NAS storage device I would have been fine with a print server, but now I want one just to play with it. Your so terrible, it's going to make me spend money! :lol: I'm rolling my eyes at you, this is dangerous.I am VERY good a finding ways to spend other people's money!!! Especially if I get to play with the new toys too!!! :wink: :twisted:

[rgreen4]

Tnlegendracer - Ok, first you have changed the default network workgroup name. The default workgroup name for Win2k was "workgroup", the default for XP is "MS Home", the default for Vista is "workgroup".Have you changed the name of the computer when you installed XP Pro?When you set up sharing on the printer did you go into add printer on the other machine and tell it that you were setting up a shared printer on another computer?Sharing a printer on a computer across a network can be a challenge. That is why I have moved from printer sharing to connecting my printers to the router via etherlink cables. It is so much easier.I would uninstall the printers from the laptop first. Then I would verify the name of the desktop in the network. Then I would go through the process of setting up a home network on the Desktop again. I am going to assume that you are using a wireless router and that the desktop is attached to the router via etherlink, not wireless. It's best always to have a "console" computer attached via etherlink as a base to work from.I would then go through setting up the wirless network on the laptop again, and make sure you can see the other computer from both computers. Make sure the laptop can connect to the internet. Then attempt to install the printer on the laptop.Techie4fun - Look at the Infrant NAS enclosures. I got one from Newegg without discs and installed two 500GB Seagates. The enclosure will hold 4 discs and uses a propritary Raidx configuration that is a basic modification of Raid1 (mirror). I then copied all my data files from the three computers up to it. I made three shares - M: for music (more on that later) and O: operating files. I have had no problem with the operating volume. The music volume worked fine except that I get a slight 1 second dropout about 5-6 seconds into each song. So I moved them back to the PMD drive in my Media Center, which is the machine I play them on anyway. (It has the good speakers). About two months later I walked into my office in the house and the drive light from drive 1 (of 2) was blinking (bad sign). I turned off the NAS, removed drive 1 and it was cool to the touch, removed drive 2 and it was warm. I had just lost a drive and did not have a spare 500GB drive. I went into town and bought a 500GB drive at retail at Best Buy, installed it, it took about 4 hours to sync up, but I had the use of the NAS immediately, in fact I had the use of it with only one drive (just no redundant drive). I did an immediate backup although I had one that was about 2 weeks old. Never lost any data. Can access my data files from any machine any time with redundant drives. It is great, but they are pricey, $600 for the enclosure and $220 for two 500GB drives. I have since purchased two 500GB Samsung drives, which are still in their original wrappers. Seagate replaced the 500GB with a 750! They thought they did me a favor, but if I put it in the NAS, it will only be configured for 500 (all drives have to have the same capacity). In additon there is a list of approved drives, and they are mostly Seagate and Samsung. Make sure you match model numbers on the drives. I would not go back to sharing folders on computers.

[smax013]

[quote name='rgreen4']Techie4fun - > > Look at the Infrant NAS enclosures. I got one from Newegg without discs and installed two 500GB Seagates. The enclosure will hold 4 discs and uses a propritary Raidx configuration that is a basic modification of Raid1 (mirror). I then copied all my data files from the three computers up to it. I made three shares - M: for music (more on that later) and O: operating files. I have had no problem with the operating volume. The music volume worked fine except that I get a slight 1 second dropout about 5-6 seconds into each song. So I moved them back to the PMD drive in my Media Center, which is the machine I play them on anyway. (It has the good speakers). > > > > About two months later I walked into my office in the house and the drive light from drive 1 (of 2) was blinking (bad sign). I turned off the NAS, removed drive 1 and it was cool to the touch, removed drive 2 and it was warm. I had just lost a drive and did not have a spare 500GB drive. I went into town and bought a 500GB drive at retail at Best Buy, installed it, it took about 4 hours to sync up, but I had the use of the NAS immediately, in fact I had the use of it with only one drive (just no redundant drive). I did an immediate backup although I had one that was about 2 weeks old. > > > > Never lost any data. Can access my data files from any machine any time with redundant drives. It is great, but they are pricey, $600 for the enclosure and $220 for two 500GB drives. I have since purchased two 500GB Samsung drives, which are still in their original wrappers. Seagate replaced the 500GB with a 750! They thought they did me a favor, but if I put it in the NAS, it will only be configured for 500 (all drives have to have the same capacity). In additon there is a list of approved drives, and they are mostly Seagate and Samsung. Make sure you match model numbers on the drives. I would not go back to sharing folders on computers.rgreen -I have to admit that your discussions (here and in other posts) of the Infrant NAS have intrigued me. The idea of running a RAID 1 NAS is appealing. Just was not sure that I wanted to spend $600 to get an empty enclosure.Since I first heard you discuss the Infrant NAS, I have "found" this Linksys NAS enclosure and have to admit that it some what appealling. I am not sure if I would go with it or not...I need research it some more, but it looks like a way to get a RAID 1 NAS for a more reasonable price.Just thought you might be interested.