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Printer Sharing Issues
Hi all,
I just purchased an Inspiron 5100 laptop several weeks ago. I picked up a D-Link wireless router and network card to share an existing DSL connection on my desktop (Dell Dimension 4550). While I am able to share my DSL connection, I am having issues sharing my printer, which is hard-wired to my desktop. I've tried the Network Wizard and Add new printer Wizard, to no avail. I've also tried pinging the desktop from my 5100, but each time it has timed out. I am not very knowledgeable about this networking stuff, as you can probably tell. I must tell you that the printer sharing initially was working up until the day I had my office install vpn software, which allows me to connect to my office from home. I am completely frustrated, because everyone involved tells me that it is not their issue to support (i.e. Dell support, D-Link, Microsoft, my office IT dept, etc.). I know that there is an answer out there somewhere, and it is my hope that this forum will steer me in the right direction...
FYI - both systems are running Win XP home.
Thanks for any helpful information you can provide!
Dar12,
Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
Look at the suggested sites at the bottom of the Network FAQ.
- I must tell you that the printer sharing initially was working up until the day I had my office install vpn software, which allows me to connect to my office from home.
It may be that the VPN client includes a built-in firewall. Symantec's is one that does. You may be able to set up the VPN client so you regain access to other machines on your LAN. Your company's IT group may be able to help once they realize that's what's happening.
If you completely uninstall the VPN client, does the problem disappear? In one case, that was the *only* way to get sharing on a home LAN to work. The "firewall" component of the VPN client was active even if the VPN was not connected.
Jim
almer
64 Posts
115
0
Posted November 10th, 2003 16:00
Try checking if you have a firewall enabled on your laptop, desktop or both.
If it is enabled, it would cause your problem with pinging and printer availability. If you are using a standalone firewall program (Norton, etc.) add desktop IP address in the trusted zone in laptop firewall setup and do the same (but with lappy IP address) for the desktop.
Also, check to see if file/printer sharing is enabled on the desktop network configuration (it shall be if you want to share).
Also, go to the printer sharing and enable sharing for the printer you want to use.
Good luck, hope this will help.