Problem printing from a network printer

I just got a new Dell Studio XPS 435 MT (Vista 64-bit) and connected my old printer (HP LaserJet 1200 Series PCl 5). The computer found the printer drivers and installed the printer. I had no trouble printing. However, when my son tried to connect to the printer wirelessly (Linksys router), (his is a Toshiba with Windows XP Home on it) we could find my computer on the network and even access the folders in it. We tried to add the printer by finding it, the error message said it couldn't find the install (?) .inf driver.

I tried two methods to solve the problem but wasn't successful either way: 1) try to install the printer not as a network printer but as a local printer by trying to create a new port by giving the path name (\\server\printer). But that didn't work.

2) I tried to install the X82 drivers on the x64 machine. The driver pack unzipped on to the C: drive, but there was no setup file or anything to install the driver.

I tried to download HP network diagnostic: it could connect to the other computers but not my son's (I could access it on the network, but couldn't get into it) It may be behind some firewall. But that shouldn't be necessary to access my computer from his computer.

I am wondering someone knows a solution to this problem.

I would appreciate your help.

 

Hi
To be more specific, did you say that your son could access files on your PC and you could not do so ?
And can you connect to the printer wirelessly with another system ?
If yes, then the problem may be with your son's computer.

 

Problem printing from network printer

Yes, my son can access folders on my computer. I cannot on his because he has some firewall software installed on it which stops me from doing so. My printer is connected to my x64 computer. It's not on the wireless network independently.

 

If I'm reading this correctly you installed your printer drivers on your 64bit machine and connected to your printer via network. No other cables connect to the printer but a Ethernet cable correct?

Connect your sons computer the same way. Go to add printer, select local printer, un tic the find printers automatically, add port, tcp/ip port, create port with IP address of the network printer, then point to the xp printer driver when asked.

It sounded like you were trying to share the printer on the 64bit machine and then connect the XP machine to your share. That probably wont work.

 

Problem printing from network printer

Thank you Scott, for your reply.

Unfortunately I cannot implement your advice as my son has left town with his computer and even when he returns next Thursday, he has been reluctant to try any more. But just for your information, the printer is connected to my new computer with a USB connection and not with an ethernet cable. Otherwise, I did what you suggested and I wasn't able to connect to the printer.

In the absence of my son, I think the issue should be considered closed.