If all the new Dell computers are running Windows XP, then they should pick up the Cannon Printer automatically.  Which version of Windows is running on the computer to which the printer is attached?  Is file and printer sharing enabled on that computer?  Have you designated the printer as shared printer on that computer?  If you are running any firewalls on that computer, make sure that the firewall are configured to allow local network access.

Steve

Steve,

thanks for the hints, very much appreciated. All the Dells do have Windows XP. I'll have to wait until I can get to the "host" computer to verify Windows version, but I'm 99% sure its XP. To my knowledge, the firewalls are allowing networking. I checked other McAfee firewall to allow the IP (?) of the host computer in.

I went to "network mapping" to see if I could learn anything there. Although it appears that our "workgroup" (?) name was showing up like a network, no additional info could be opened or shown (such as a printer folder) to add in somehow.

If I can get time on the host computer/printer and a Dell PC at the same time, I'll probably call Dell tech support. I hardly understand what I just wrote you here, so I'm in need of a "I.T. for Dummies"

Many thanks,

 

Hi,

you may try the Canon printer menu. Most have an option to print a self-test or diagnostic test: print that. It should show you the ip address and subnet mask the printer uses : and that address should be like those the pc's use.

So if your pc uses an ip address like 192.168.1.1 the printer should use an address that is different in the last digit preferrably, so 192.168.1.254 should enable your pc to connect to the printer.

A pc with address 192.168.1.1 will have problems talking to a printer with address 10.10.10.1 since those differ too much.

The subnet mask should be identical on printer and all pc's. Usually those look like 255.255.255.0.

So now you've got the IP addresses working, try to see if the printer will communicate.

On 1 of the pc's, click start-run and type CMD. That will open a command window.

In that window, ( say, your printer has ip address 192.168.1.254 ) type PING 192.168.1.254 and see if you get 4 times a reply. If it does not work, turn off the windows firewall and others if installed. Try to ping again and see if you get a reply.

If you do get a reply, follow these instructions to setup the printer on each pc.

Hope this helps.

 

 

Message Edited by Rijko on 04-20-2005 05:25 PM

Please check this. On the PC that has the printer physically attached (cabled) Go to start/settings/printers and faxes, in here you will see an icon for the printer. Right click the icon and select "sharing" from the drop down menu. Make sure that "share this printer" is selected. Then go to the other pc's and again go to start/settings/printers and faxes and from the "printer tasks" menu to the left of the window select add printer. You should now just be able to follow the add printer wizard. Let us know how you get on.