Big problems in printing wirelessly from my laptop

HC_2

Hi puppet1984

Yes, the laptop is running Zone Alarm Pro, as is desktop B (the one with the printer that I'm trying to connect to).

However, even with ZA shut down I cannot ping desktop B.

HC_2

I've just noticed something. I have no idea if this is relevant, but the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties are different on Local Area Connection 2 (Network Cable Unplugged) and Wireless Network Connection.

The Wireless Network Connection properties obtains IP and DNS addresses automatically, while on the Local Area Connection they are specified.

primeramikey

Morning HC...

ok try this see if it works.

go to add printer on laptop.. choose network printer.. dont choose browse!!!!!!!!

choose addd shared printer by name and type as below..

\\192.168.0.3\Printer2 and click next..
(make sure above is the ip of desktop B and the exact name of the printer...
this is case sensitive..

also i am presuming that you are using static IP on desktop B...if not make sure they are specified.....else if you manage to get to printer by IP then it will change next time it is rebooted

has file and print sharing been enabled on the desktop B????

if you want to make it static ip address then use as follows..

ip = 192.168.0.3 or something in same range, just change the last digit..
subnet mask = 255.255.255.0
gateway - ip of your router here

dns servers = top one use ip of your router again and leave bottom blank


reboot once ip has been changed

HC_2

Hi primeramikey

I did that, but it couldn't find it.

On desktop B, Use Simple File Sharing is checked in My Computer. And the printer is checked for Sharing.

I think I do have static IP addresses:
192.168.0.1/2/3 for the three computers.

It just seems that this laptop can't see that desktop - even if I turn off the firewall.

primeramikey

you state above that wireless network conection is set to auto.... not static..

i would change this to static as stated in my previous post as it may cause problems if you do manage to see the printer by ip..

change it as stated above and try looking for printer again by ip addy and printer name

HC_2

I'm loath to change these settings. I've spent so much time on the phone to Netgear trying to get my wireless connection to work - and it's been fine for a while now. I just know that if I fiddle around with them, my connection will fall over again!

Is it essential to do what you say, do you think?

The computers do all stay with their addresses - this laptop is always 192.168.0.2 and desktop B is always 192.168.0.3, with the subnet masks at 255.255.255.0

So I don't understand how it can say that it obtains an IP address automatically and yet these settings always stay the same

primeramikey

its probably the router that is allowing the pcs to keep there ip address.. if they are ALWAYS the same then ok leave it...

can you do somethng for me..

inside my documents.. create a new folder, leave it named as new folder..

right click it and choose share. and go thru all the boxes it says about sharing.. dont use network wizard when it says you can just tell it to share it....


OK out of all the boxes
a rebbot may be needed

then try looking for your new folder on the network.. or try adding the printer to the laptop again....


guide to file sharing below if needed..
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm

HC_2

I did this, but no luck.

Could it be anything to do with Norton? Could that be preventing the laptop seeing the other computer?

primeramikey

Aha.. now we know you have norton.......

is this firewall and antivirus, what version of norton do you have....

personally i would ditch norton as it slows ya systme down no end...

i would use zone alarm as a firewall( not always needed if you use a router)

and i have been trialing comodo antivirus, its fairly good and free.. some people recommend AVG FREE for anti virus

to start with i would disable norton from starting up, and see if you can then see other pc and set up a printer.....

spud17

Are you saying you have Norton (with firewall) running alongside ZA firewall?

Yes, the laptop is running Zone Alarm Pro, as is desktop B (the one with the printer that I'm trying to connect to).

Could it be anything to do with Norton? Could that be preventing the laptop seeing the other computer?

If so, I'd say this was causing conflicts, not recommended.