Lost Network Printer

I run a small 3 PC network through a Smartlink 5 port hub in my home with one machine connected to a laser printer set to share. I also share my cable modem through the hub. Recently, I have been unable to connect to the printer at times. If I reboot the entire network, I can see the printer and use it, but after a while the printer is no longer visible on the network and I get an "unable to connect" message when right clicking the printer on my desktop as well as a "Printer properties cannot be displayed. The print spooler service is not running." when I right click the printer to examine the properties.

Can anyone suggest what the problem might be? It's driving me nuts.

Thanks, David A. Hamments

 

What printer?
What OS is running on the "print server "?
What other OSs are running?
Any protocols besides TCP/IP in use?
Unable to connect from anywhere - including the PC that hosts the printer?

 

Windows XP Pro running on all 3 network PCs, Brother HL1030 Laser, TCP/IP and Windows file and print sharing are the only protocols running. The PC that hosts the printer is fine, the other two PC's on the network lose the printer intermittently. I checked the power settings on all three and they are set to always on - only the monitor powers down after 20 minutes. Hope this helps Newt, thanks for responding.

David A. Hamments