Resolved Can't share printers on networked WinXP PCs

I have two desktop PCs. One uses the WinXP Home OS and is directly connected to the incoming cable modem; the other PC uses the WinXP Pro OS and is connected to the first via a router using CAT5 cable. Both PCs have all updates and are both SP3.

I'm trying to share an HP 932C Deskjet (inkjet), attached to the WinXP Home PC, and an HP P1006 LaserJet which is attached to the WinXP Pro PC, between the two PCs. I am running the Windows Firewall on both PCs.

I have repeatedly run the Network Setup Wizard choosing "This computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway or through another computer on my network." then "Turn on file and printer sharing / Windows Firewall will be configured to allow file and printer sharing on your network." I then see this box:

__________________________________________
Internet connection settings:

Connecting through another device or computer.
_______________________________________________________________________
Network settings:

Computer description: Frank's PC
Computer name: FRANK
Workgroup name: MSHOME

File and printer sharing is turned on. The Shared Documents folder and any files or printers you have shared are now available for others to use.
__________________________________________

After a few seconds of working the Wizard stops, with this message:

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Cannot Complete the Network Setup Wizard

An error occurred during configuration of the network on this computer.

You can configure your network manually, or you can run the wizard again with different settings.
__________________________________________

I have tried this procedure from both PCs with the same, unsuccessful results. I previously created a "Shared Documents" folder on both PCs, with unique contents in each, which are set up as shared, but neither shows up on the other computer.

My questions:

1. Why am I having trouble with printer sharing? It should be a simple thing.
2. Why does the Wizard fail, and with no explanation?
3. If I should try running the Wizard again, what different settings should I use?
4. How would I go about configuring printer sharing, or a network, manually, as it suggests?

Thanks!

Frank D

 

TonyT: The PCs and connections to modem and router were set up at the time of installation by the Time-Warner/RoadRunner technician, so I don't see how they could be set up wrong. However, I'm a total newbie as far as networking goes. I don't know a WAN from a LAN. Is there any way I can post a photo of my modem and router connections, so you can sharpshoot them? I appreciate your help.

Frank D

 

There's no visible brand name on the router, but the model number is 60740EUW. I Googled it and seems to be an Ambit brand. Plugged into it are the power line, the cable, and two CAT5 ethernet plugs, each going to one PC. The modem is an Arris TM502G and plugged into it are the power, cable and a telephone line. So it looks like my info in the first box wasn't correct.

Frank

 

Tony,

Thank you for that info. If I didn't have it I'd still be going crazy trying to find a way to get this thing working. This gives me a way to go. I'll give them a call.

Frank

 

Resolved!

Well, I finally found the answer to the problem. The whole thing was caused by my firewall (see P.S. below). Here's the fix:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1596&page=2
"If you are using Zone Labs' Zonealarm, you will need to add the systems in your network to the program's 'trusted zone,' a set of addresses that the firewall will not block data from. To get that taken care of, note down the IP address of each of the systems in your network. The IP address can be found by going to 'start\run' and typing 'cmd' to open the command prompt, then typing 'ipconfig.'

"Now open Zonealarm. Select the 'firewall' item on the left-hand menu, then choose the 'zones' tab.

"Choose 'add\IP address' then type the IP address of your first computer and give it a description you will remember. Hit Ok.

"Repeat the procedure for the rest of your systems as well. Note that by default, this will give all the computers in your network access to any shared files on the printer system. "

I can now print items on both printers from either PC, and to share files between both PCs.

I wonder why this information isn't included in Microsoft's network and printer sharing Wizards? It would have solved my problem years ago.

Frank D

P.S. I was using the Windows Firewall, but after I started this thread I acquired and have been using ZoneAlarm Pro. I assume that the procedure is the same for all firewalls.