networking an xp and a vista

Question

I have a new dell inspiron with Vista Basic and a Compaq laptop with windows xp. The old desktop had xp. I have a HP 6210 printer attached by USB cable to the desktop and the desk top attached to a wireless router. The laptop uses the wireless router and does recognize the internet but not the desktop or the printer. What do I need to do? I can print from the Vista and also access files on the laptop.

volcano11 · Answer

Have you configured any third party firewalls (Norton, McAfee, Zone Alarm, etc.) running on the computers to allow local network access?   Steve

SallieC · Answer

I have not but it was working before. I have trend micro on the new computer and norton on the xp. How do I configure the firewalls I think I saw a message that the firewall was configured to allow sharing on the desktop (Vista) computer.

volcano11 · Answer

Sorry, I can't possibly know how to configure all possible firewalls as I don't have the documentation.   I wish I could tell you, but you might be able to figure out by reading the documentation for your particular firewall.  Are you sure the Vista machine doesn't have a Dell-supplied version of Norton or McAfee?   Steve

SallieC · Answer

I turned off the firewall (Norton) on the laptop and now I can access the desktop from the laptop but I still cannot print. I can see the printer but documents will not print. Also, my Norton firewall is now turned off. Can I turn it back on?

volcano11 · Answer

You can turn Norton back on, but you will need to configure it allow local network access.    Is the printer designated as a shared printer on the computer to which it is attached?   Steve

SallieC · Answer

Eureka - all is working, the firewall is back on and I am able to print. The problem with printing was that I was seeing two printer installations because I installed the printer to the Vista but the old installation from the xp desktop was still on the laptop. I have now deleted all incorrect printers and I can print from both computers. Technology is wonderful when it works! Thanks for your help. SallieC

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

networking an xp and a vista

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