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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: tabitha on Friday 23 September 05 21:31 BST (UK)
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We have a laptop and a desktop PC with one Lexmark printer/scanner which is plugged into the desktop PC with a USB cable.
I've loaded the stuff (Little Miss Technical here ;D) onto the laptop so I can plug in the printer USB so it works from the laptop.
Two questions ....
1. Why does the desktop PC get confused when I plug the printer back in to it? It seems to want me to reinstall all the "stuff" again :-\
2. Is there an easier way to use the printer with the laptop.....in a perfect world with no wires??
Sorry if this all sounds like I have no idea what I'm on about.......it doesn't take much to confuse me ;D
Tabitha
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Hi Tabitha,
You'd still need a wire, but one way of doing it is to set up a mini-network with your two computers. Then the printer can stay plugged in to the desktop, but you can access it "over the network" from the laptop.
You could also use a mini-network to run two computers with one internet access.
I'm not sure if it's something we could explain "long distance" though, you probably need a "techie" friend or acquaintance to sort it out.
But maybe one of our Techie-Experts could explain it ! Wait a bit and see .....
Bob
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Thanks Bob ;D
The laptop & desktop share a broadband connection via a router. The laptop is wireless the desktop isn't (it sulked when I took it's wires away!) Is that a mini-network? :-\
I'll just hang around the hallways of Rootschat and see if anyone is willing to take up the challenge of explaining ways and means to me!!
Tabitha
P.S. I no longer have techie friends & acquaintances :'( They all ran away .....can't think why ;D
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They all ran away .....can't think why
Did you forgot to bat your eyelashes at them ?? That usually does the trick !!
Is that a mini-network?
Sounds like it; does it say anything in the router-manual ?
It could be that you already have the basics and only need to "flip a few (software) switches"
We'll see what anybody else has to say, before I take this any further.
And anyway, it's past my bedtime,
See you tomorrow,
Bob
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Did you forgot to bat your eyelashes at them ?? That usually does the trick !!
If I was the type I'd have a real huff about that and sulk for weeks ;D
Router manual ...... um ....... now where did I put it ::) Perfect bedtime reading material!!
Nighty night Bob
Tabitha
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The simplest answer, seeing as you have a wireless network connection is to connect the printer to a wireless print server.
One make that springs to mind is Belkin, but they are not cheap.
You mention being connected via a router, can both computers see each other or can they only see the broadband access, if they can see each other then simply add the printer to the laptop as a network printer attached to the desktop.
If they can't see each other you will have to set up the network protocol.
Cheers
Guy
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Hi Guy,
Thanks for your reply :)
I don't think the computers can "see" each other .... but how would I know? From the laptop I can't access any files stored on the desktop, when I was setting up the laptop I had to copy files onto a disk to transfer stuff from one to the other.
Tabitha
P.S. the router is Belkin!
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Depends what operating system you use in XP look in the "My Network Places" in Windows 9x use the "start - search - search for other computers" option.
To share files you have to enable file sharing (right click on a file or folder in "My Computer" - click "file sharing" or "sharing & security" depending on operating system. click share files option.
If running XP you can setup a network using the Network Setup Wizard in the Control Panal.
Cheers
Guy
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I dont wish to put a damper on things but ..........
we run a Belkin wireless network and try as we might the printer will not stay on line, we just connect direct whenever we want to print something.
The rest of the network I use is so unreliable I have given up. We followed all the intructions to the letter, setting up a wireless network with all the computers (thats 7) working and on line, the next time we turned it on my three had all disappeared!!!!
Having tried this several times I dont bother an more. Although my sons business computers all stay on line, other than the printer.
I shall watch this string with interest as you may solve my problems for me too.
Please somebody help us before we go nuts.
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Little Miss Non-Technical here ;D is also watching. I have a Netgear hub which 4 things can plug into but the printer is a bit old and doesn't have USB stuff so it can't. Don't "think" I can print from laptop through PC to it, since although laptop can see a 3rd puter on the mini network, it can't see the main PC and yep, I've given up giving out sharing rights because they don't make a happorth of difference. (and running XP on all machines)
Mary
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The easy answer first.
As your printer does not have a usb output the easiest way to connect is to connect your printer to your desktop computer.
When this is connected and the printer is able to print from the desktop open "My Computer - Control Panel - Printers & Faxes" on the desktop computer.
Right click on the printer icon you wish to share click "sharing" and enable printer sharing.
Leave the desktop computer & the printer on.
Turning to the laptop or remote computer open "My Computer - Control Panel - Printers & Faxes" and double click on the add printer icon, when asked for printer to add click Network Printer or printer on another computer. Windows will find the printer and add the drivers.
Print to your hearts content.
Cheers
Guy
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I dont wish to put a damper on things but ..........
we run a Belkin wireless network and try as we might the printer will not stay on line, we just connect direct whenever we want to print something.
The rest of the network I use is so unreliable I have given up. We followed all the intructions to the letter, setting up a wireless network with all the computers (thats 7) working and on line, the next time we turned it on my three had all disappeared!!!!
Having tried this several times I dont bother an more. Although my sons business computers all stay on line, other than the printer.
I shall watch this string with interest as you may solve my problems for me too.
Please somebody help us before we go nuts.
The most common reasons for network computers dissapearing are-
Firewalls are blocking access.
Computers are not all using the same network name. I.E. some computers are on a network named one and others are on a network named two. All the computers on one will see each other and all the computers on two will see each other but no computer on one will see any computer on two. If all computers have diffrent network names none will see each other.
Computers are not all using the same protocol check in "network Connections"
Cheers
Guy
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Thanks for your reply Guy. We seem to be connected as long as we dont turn anything off, then the link disappears. All Pc's are in the right workgroup and will transfer files etc, and even print just the once. The its all gone!
I can only think that the radio link is too weak to hold in as my PC's are on the front of the house, while the transmitter and main net are in my sons office at the back.
All Pc's run XP, we have used the connection wizard, and set up manually with the same result.
Thank you for taking time to read this.
Mike
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I could be you require a wap (wireless access point) to extend your range.
Cheers
Guy
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Thanks Guy, will give that a go.
Mary
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Just to let you all know..... I've now got it working ;D
Because we use a Belkin router I've splashed out £49 and bought the Belkin Wireless Printer Server (I think Guy suggested that option!) and it took me about 15 minutes to get it all up and running!!
Now I just press print from either computer and Bob's yer uncle ;D
Thanks very much for all of the advice and help, sorry I've dithered for so long
trying to decide what to do but I thought the least I could do is let you all know the outcome of my dithering ;D ;D ;D
Tabitha