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April 19th, 2005 21:00
Need Help - Connecting Dimensions to a network printer
I am relatively speaking a computer novice. I have recently purchased several Dimension 2400's to use in our office with a Non-Dell computer that is attached to a Canon printer. The operating systems are compatible. The Dells have the capability of attaching to a network.
This is my first time connecting computers to a single printer in a network situation. I have researched the basic instructions from MIcrosoft and I think Dell for "sharing" a printer and connecting PCs to the printer. I'm too unfamiliar with many of the terms beyond "IP address" to often understand instructions as a result of the troubleshooting programs I'm having to use.
We are unable to complete the process of adding a printer to the Dell PCs to be connected to the host printer via network because the Dells are not locating networks or other printers. I'm not sure what to enter (
\\server\printer) or the URL under searching for printer.
I'm also unfamiliar with networking. Can anyone recommend an article or information to explain more detail (in kindergarten language) regarding the connecting to a network printer process and troubleshooting?
Many thanks
volcano11
2 Intern
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28K Posts
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April 20th, 2005 01:00
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
REAP
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April 20th, 2005 19:00
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,
Rijko
2 Intern
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615 Posts
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April 20th, 2005 21:00
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
milgo
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April 21st, 2005 20:00