Sharing Printer Problems

Ithryndil · 01-12-2009, 02:21 PM

I have set up a home network and am now trying to set it up so that the second computer can print off of the printer attached to my computer. I have gone into Printers and Faxes and chosen to share the printer and gave it a share name. However, when I try going on the second computer to add it using the share name I get the following message:

"Windows cannot connect to the printer. Either the printer name was typed incorrectly, or the specified printer has lost its connection to the server. For more information click Help."

I know the share name was typed in correctly, and my computer has a solid connection to the internet, so I am not sure why it won't let me add it. Thanks for the help.

Hefemeister · 01-12-2009, 02:23 PM

What operating systems are the two computers running? Are they in the same workgroup?

Ithryndil · 01-12-2009, 02:24 PM

They are both running Windows XP MCE. And...as far as I can tell they are in the same workgroup.

I don't know if this is the problem, but when I try to access my computer from the other computer in the workgroup, it prompts me for a username and password. Yet, when I tried putting in my username and my password, nothing happened. That prompt remained. I removed my password and same thing.

Hefemeister · 01-12-2009, 02:34 PM

On the second computer are you choosing to add a printer. Then add a network printer? Then browse network to find printer and install from there? and on the main computer is there a hand symbol over your printer showing that it is shared?

Ithryndil · 01-12-2009, 02:36 PM

Yes I am on the second computer. And on the main computer there is a hand symbol under the printer, holding the printer.

Ok, well I believe I figured out that I was making a stupid mistake. I am using the shared name "Printer" but when I went to add a network printer > browse I was only entering in Printer. I needed to essentially enter in \\Computer Name\Printer. However, when I did that it is prompting me for a username and password to access the main computer. I have tried using my username and previous password, no luck. I have tried not using a password. Each time I get the following error message.

Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation could not be completed.

Hefemeister · 01-12-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ithryndil

They are both running Windows XP MCE. And...as far as I can tell they are in the same workgroup.

I don't know if this is the problem, but when I try to access my computer from the other computer in the workgroup, it prompts me for a username and password. Yet, when I tried putting in my username and my password, nothing happened. That prompt remained. I removed my password and same thing.

When the other computer is asking for a password it wants a username / password that is valid for that computer not the one you are using.

Ithryndil · 01-12-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hefemeister

When the other computer is asking for a password it wants a username / password that is valid for that computer not the one you are using.

On the secondary computer when I asks for the username and password, I am putting the username and password for the main computer.

Hefemeister · 01-12-2009, 03:14 PM

give user name administrator a shot.

Ithryndil · 01-12-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hefemeister

give user name administrator a shot.

I have. I have tried it both with and without a password. I suppose I can create a new password and try that and see what happens.

Hefemeister · 01-12-2009, 03:19 PM

That is strange. You can always set up an new account on the main computer. I hate passwords on home networks. But sometimes you got to have them.

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