set up a network printer.

You problem is most likely that a software firewall is not configured to allow local network access.   Try disabling all firewalls as a troubleshooting step.  If that solves the problem, then you can try adding them back after you have read the documentation on how to configure that particular firewall to allow local network access.

 

Steve

I disabled BOTH firewalls on both computers. I then attempted to add a printer to my laptop once again. I am asked local or network. I select network. Then there is a box searching for a printer. The search does not find a printer but offers an alternative in: my printer is not listed here box. I select this box and get a pop up where I can insert the name of my existing printer attached to the dektop. I write in the exact name as listed on my desktop - caps, lower case, sequence, etc. and enter. I then get "windows cannot connect to this computer. Check the spelling". I have already gone into the network and sharing icon to select "share this printer" but it is grayed out and states "no printer installed". Should I run the installation disc that came with the printer on the laptop? There is a box in the network/sharing section that states that one must configure the firewall to match the sharing choices. How is this done? 

Are you absolutely sure that all firewalls are disabled.  Most new computers come with the Norton or McAfee security suites, both of which have a difficult to configure firewall. 

 

Steve

Since the system you are having trouble with is the Vista system. You might go out to Epson and get the Vista driver for that printer and install it on the Vista system.