Can only get one printer to work on Network

Have a simple peer to peer network on two computers using Windows 98SE. I have two printers connected, one to each PC using parallel port connections. I'm using NETBUI as the networking protocol since I'm not planning to get on the Internet. The problem is I can get only one printer to work. When I attempt to get the second computer to see the printer on the first computer, it keeps asking me for 'more files'. I THOUGHT I had an idea of how it works but apparently not. I can get one of the printers to print from both PC's but not the other.
Is there something about the NETBUI protocol or Windows 98SE that doesn't allow the two computers to share their printers?

I'll try anything (well, almost.....)

Dusterpilot

 

From what I remember of 98 networking

The problem seems to be that in trying to connect to printer A on PC A, PC B expects PC A to provide it with the correct drivers (as this is MS Networking and thats how it works on a "proper" NT network so it assumes that you are doing the same on your peer to peer)

To cirumvent this :

On PC B install a printer via control panel onto LPT1 of whatever type Printer A is.

Obviously a test page wont work as its not there

Now select properties of the printer and via Connection (I think, havnt had 98 for a while) change the port from LPT1 to \\PCA\PRINTERA (substituting n whatever you have the PC called and the printer shared as)

Hope this helps , if I've got the wrong end of the stick then please post back and we'll delve deeper

 

AndyO - the behavior of a PC using drivers from the PC that "owns" the printer is purely an NT thing. 98 doesn't know how to play that way and will need the printer drivers loaded locally.

 

Indeed, that was what I was trying to achieve in the process I outlined.

 

Thanks, I'll give this a try and get back to you....

Dusterpilot

 

Partial success. At least each computer can see each printer. However, there apparently is a path problem tho. Although it 'sees' the other printer, when it tries to print, it tries to print to it's OWN printer. One note, I have to set each one up on it's own 'lpt1' output and then 'point' it to the network and for some reason, it only sees the lpt1 output.

Dusterpilot

I guess the same reason they dab alcohol on the guys arm before giving him his lethal injection.......