Windows 8.1 Homegroup

azzabazza

Got a new desktop a few weeks ago and all was set up OK, Windows 8, updated to 8.1, printer working, laptop speaking to the printer and also showing as part of the network.

5 days ago Windows crashed. Spoke to Dell who said this happens only very occasionally. Suggested I reinstall from system disk which has been done by my IT savvy friend. Windows 8 updated to 8.1, printer works fine from desktop.

However, laptop has printer showing as default and ready but does not now actually print. Tried setting up a new Homegroup and not getting anywhere.

Should the printer be connected to the router via adsl? Currently it is connected to the desktop via usb.

Any advice appreciated.

bod1467

ADSL is the connection from your phone socket to your modem/router - nothing to do with connecting to a printer.

If the printer is connected via USB to one PC, and you are trying to print to it from another PC, then the printer needs to be shared to the Homegroup from the PC to which it is connected.

If the printer can be connected directly to the router (via ethernet or wifi) then this means the Homegroup becomes irrelevant.

azzabazza

To be honest I am not too bothered by a Homegroup and sharing between desktop and laptop. Only wish to access printer from both machines.

The printer and the desktop pc appear on the Homegroup (desktop pc) but not when I set up and apply the same Homegroup password to the laptop. I have checked the sharing settings on both machines.

emptybox

You haven't got a third party firewall enabled on either machine have you?

azzabazza

emptybox wrote: »

You haven't got a third party firewall enabled on either machine have you?

No, I haven't. This problem has only occurred since the reinstallation of Windows 8.1 on main desktop PC.

emptybox

It's a tricky one, because although Homegroup sharing is supposed to 'just work', in my experience it's just as flaky as Workgroup sharing in previous Windows.
One of my machines just refuses permission to share certain files, although it's all set up to do so.

Perhaps your laptop thinks it's still seeing the printer attached to the old installation on the desktop?
Does it know the difference between the printer being on and connected to the desktop, and the printer being off or disconnected?

Sometimes these issues are resolved by rebooting the various devices.
Also perhaps delete the printer from the laptop (right click menu) and see if it finds the correct one.

mwddrwg

I've got similar problems. Desktop (Vista) is now connected to the BT homehub via wifi and just refuses to share any files with the rest of the network unless I connect to it via my laptop (Windows 7). Desktop used to be connected directly to my old hub (not phoneline broadband at the time) and used to merrily share files with my wifi radio in the kitchen etc. Yet to find a solution.

OP - good idea to switch the printer off and check if the laptop still sees it as part of the network. Other than that, not sure...

azzabazza

Thanks for the tips. I have tried everything from uninstalling the printer, reinstalling the printer etc. Also made sure the desktop, printer and laptop are all switched on when trying to find the solution.