Printer Sharing Problems

Discussion in 'Networking and Computer Security' started by Nedmundo, Jan 11, 2007.

  1. Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Geek Trainee

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    Hi Folks,
    I'm having probs getting my Epson Stylus CX6600 to print from other networked PCs. My network:

    Main PC with printer connected by USB and attached to Netgear Wireless Router by Ethernet cable

    2 other Desktops and 1 Laptop all using XP and connected to network wirelessly.

    All other aspects of the network work. I have installed/connected the remote PCs to the network printer (set for sharing).
    When I try to print from a remote PC, it send the file, which then shows on the main PC in the printer queue - but it doesn't print.

    Any ideas?

    Ed:stars:
     
  2. megamaced

    megamaced Geek Geek Geek!

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    Can you print from the main computer? Once we have established this we know the connection between the main computer and printer is OK.

    What happens when you try to print from the remote computers? What message does the file give in the print queue? Have you tried taking the printer offline, then back online again? Have you tried right-clicking the printer and choosing 'restart'?

    Have you set up the correct permissions for the printer on the main computer? Remember you need to have the same usernames and passwords installed on ALL computers. Right click the shared printer under the 'Printers and Faxes' control panel and choose 'Sharing & Security'. Click the permissions box and delete the 'Everyone' group. Now press 'Add' and type 'Users' in the text box. Press OK. Tick the 'Print' check box to allow users to print to the printer. If you would like users to be able to manage other people documents as well, tick 'Manage Documents'.

    Have you checked the printer spooling options? You should enable complete spooling to the computer before the document is sent to the printer
     
  3. Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Geek Trainee

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    Hi Megamaced, thanks for getting back.

    The printer will print direct from the Main desktop. When I try printing from the Laptop, the printer queue says 'printing' and the document owner is guest.

    I'm not sure what is meant by usernames and passwords with regards to the shared printer. If I right click on the shared printer on the main desktop, under sharing..., there isn't a permissions box, it just gives the option of share this printer or do not share this printer.

    I'm using XP home, maybe a different OS would show different options, or maybe the Epson driver is the problem? I will investigate updating the driver.

    Any further ideas would be most welcome!

    Ed.
     
  4. megamaced

    megamaced Geek Geek Geek!

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    Sorry, I forgot to mention you need to disable 'Simple File Sharing' in the Folder Options. You can find folder options in the control panel.
     
  5. Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Geek Trainee

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    Have I a got a different version of XP?
    It doesn't give me the option of sharing simple files under the files section of control panel either!

    What on earth is happening?

    Ed
     
  6. thomas234

    thomas234 Big Geek

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    To disable Simple File sharing, go to control panel, (in classic view) open Folder Options. Click the view tab at the top, and scroll to the bottom of the list. Uncheck use simple file sharing.

    Just out of interest: Why does this need to be disabled? Mine's enabled and I can print over the network.
     
  7. megamaced

    megamaced Geek Geek Geek!

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    You can't set any security options with it enabled.
     
  8. Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Geek Trainee

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    Thanks Thomas 324,
    Problem is that when I scroll down the view tab, the Share simple file bit isn't there.

    Interestingly enough, from my main desktop, I can print to one of the nippers wireless desktops with a Lexmark attached.
     
  9. Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Geek Trainee

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    Funnuily enough, the main PC has XP Home, whereas the other PCS have XP MCE or XP Pro. They have the options you describe above but not the Home edition one.

    Anyway, somehow or other (Idon't think I've changed anything!), files on the Lappy started printing (at my command) on the Epson this afternoon. So I haven't got a clue what the problem was and it may well come back, but for now, it's sorted.

    Thanks for all your time and advice..

    Ed.:chk:
     

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