Windows 7 & network

1. had to replace old XP desktop with Windows 7 2. downloaded appropriate drivers for HP Deskjet 4260 into desktop (Windows 7) and Vista into laptop 3. can print from desktop (USB connection to printer) 4 can not print from wifi laptop, even tho I can access the internet Everything was fine before Windows 7 Any help will be vastly appreciated.

Hi Ol' Baldy, welcome to WhatTheTech.

So the Deskjet 4260 is attached via USB to the new Win 7 desktop system and the Laptop is running Vista.

Did you share the printer on the Win 7 computer?
Do both computers have the same Workgroup name?
Is the Win 7 computer visible to the Vista computer when you browse the network or enter net view from a Command Prompt?

Is File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks checked in Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center, Local Area Connection, Properties?

Also make sure that neither computer's firewall or Antivirus programs are restricting access. Windows Defender could also block usability.

Did you share the printer on the Win 7 computer? - —— yes Do both computers have the same Workgroup name? - ————— not sure…how do I find out? Is the Win 7 computer visible to the Vista computer when you browse the network or enter net view from a Command Prompt? - ————–yes Is File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks checked in Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center, Local Area Connection, Properties? - ——- Also make sure that neither computer's firewall or Antivirus programs are restricting access. Windows Defender could also block usability.——— yes Could it be that the desktop shows the port as USB 001, and that I'm not sure which port to use from my laptop?

Hello Ol' Baldy, To check the workgroup name of your computer: Go to Start, run (or Windows key + R), in the Run dialog type: "sysdm.cpl" without quotes. This will bring up system properties with your workgroup name, i.e. mine is MSHOME. The workgroup name should be the same on all computers, if it isn't, change the name then restart the computer. Rich

See here for info on how to install a network printer with Vista: http://www.vista4beginners.com/How-to-inst…network-printer

Another easy way is to simply browse to the Windows 7 computer and double click on the shared printer. That should start a dialog to install the correct driver for the networked printer.

Done everything suggested in all your posts - but still can't print. Thanks to all —- any other ideas?

What happened when you browse to the Windows 7 computer and double click on the shared printer? Did you get the printer install dialog?

Nope - Iget an HP window offering "change settings", "Buy supplies", etc.

In the Vista computer, add the name of the Windows 7 computer that you're sharing the printer with … example –> Ol' Baldy-PC It's been a while since I've done this, so it could be \\Ol' Baldy-PC

This tutorial may also help:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/24232…tr=S&filter[2]=Networking Internet

You need to browse to the printer on the Windows 7 computer from the other computer/s. Is that what you are doing?

The praises of WhattheTech I'll sing For their attempts to solve my printer thing… But folks, I have to confess I gave up and bought a wireless :<(

(good prose!)