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Printer Sharing on Windows 98SE

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by mkblack

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Here is the scenario. I have a small peer to peer Windows 98SE network for training. The network consists of 10 Dell Optiplex 590's, a 10BaseT Hub, and two HP deskjet printers (HP Deskjet 712 and 722). What is ahppining is that I have connected the printers to two of the workstations and shared them. I can pring fine from those two workstations, but when I add the shared printer to the other machines I get an error stating that "cannot communicate with printer" and something to the effect to make sure it is turned on, cabling, etc or your network does not support Bi-Directional traffic. I have setup numerous networks and shared many printers but have never ran into a problem like this. Is it that the printer models cannot be used ina sharing scenario or could it be the hub itself? I am at a loss. You can connect to each of the machines, copy files between machines, etc.. just not print to the shared printers.

Michael Black
Network Engineer

7 replies

by nettek

I have networked DeskJet 700 series in the past, so I know you can share them. However, I have also intermittently experienced the same problem you are having on a few select systems. I have been unsuccessful in finding a solution on HP's web site. Even though the printers were still under warranty, when I tried HP phone support I was told, "We don't support HP DeskJets in a networked environment."

I resolved the problem by reinstalling the printer with the standard "DeskJet" driver foundon the Win98 CD (as opposed to a specific DeskJet 712C driver, for example). It solved the problem, but the downside was that it would only print in black and white, and not color.

by mikel~t

I have had nothing but heartache trying to share HP printers that are connect to computers. I think the greedy buggars purposely make it difficult so that you would have to buy network printers from them.

Anyway, the problem usually arises from the toolbox software not running very well over the network. My advice...sink some money into a network ready printer, and put this one behind you.

Not much of an answer, but some good advice none the less.

Mike

by mancca74

It seems very odd not being able to share these printers. I have networked DJ710's and 20's so it should work.

When you share the printers make sure you don't restrict access to them from the network. And when you install them on the rest of the machines on the network make sure you connect them properly through the hosts. Oh and remember to go to your network settings and from there share your printers too!

Good luck, hope you get them running!

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