laptop on network will not print on Dell printer

Thinking this over last nite, I decided that I have not explained clearly the entire situation.  I originally installed my Dell printer (V715w) on the desktop Optiplex, as the default printer, using the CD which came with the printer.

I also have a small laptop, which can connect wirelessly to the printer on the home network.  I did not "install" the printer using the software CD on this computer.

In addition, I also have a big laptop, which I purchased to replace the Optiplex desktop.  I'd like to turn off the Optiplex and give it away.  In preparation for that, I "installed" the printer, using the software CD, on the big laptop.

As of now, the big laptop cannot print, but the small laptop can, as long as the Optiplex is turned on.

I am mystified.  Should I uninstall the printer from the Optiplex?  Then only one computer will have the printer software "installed" by the CD. Or ... should I do something else?

Thanks so much for reading this -

Sincerely,

Susan

Susan,

Make and model of the Dell printer is helpful.

The printer is connected to a host computer.

The printer is setup for printer sharing, correct?

What virus programs and firewalls are being used?

You may want to call the computers computer 1 and computer 2, when replying back.

What make and model of the computers and opertaing systems? 32-bit or 64-bit?

Rick

Susan,

Reading your second post.

A couple of questions?

Do you have a wireless router?

This printer works great on a wireless network, with the correct settings.

A desktop will be able to print to the wireless printer with no need for cables.

Rick

Good morning, Rick - thank you for your replies.  Here's more information about the printer and computers:

Make and model of the Dell printer is helpful.   Dell V715w all-in-one printer/fax/scanner

The printer is connected to a host computer.   Yes, that is correct.

The printer is setup for printer sharing, correct?   Yes, that is correct.

What virus programs and firewalls are being used?   The host computer (Dell Optiplex 780) and Laptop One (Dell Inspiron 15") both use AVG.  Laptop Two (Dell Inspiron 17") uses McAffee.

You may want to call the computers computer 1 and computer 2, when replying back.

What make and model of the computers and opertaing systems? 32-bit or 64-bit?  The host computer, the Dell Optiplex 780, is a 32-bit system.  The Laptops One and Two, both Dell Inspirons, are 64-bit systems.

Here's what I see when I open the Control Panel in the three computers:

1.  The host computer, Dell Optiplex 780 32-bit system, which has AVG antivirus and whatever firewalls come with that and Win7:  in Control Panel, in Devices and Printers, there are four icons for the Dell V715w printer:  (1) Dell V715w (network) on Laptop Two; (2) Dell V715w (network) on Laptop One; (3) Dell V715w (USB) with the green check mark next to it to indicate default printer; and (4) Dell V715w (USB) on Laptop One, this icon is grayed out.

2.  In Laptop One, Dell Inspiron 15" 64-bit system, which has AVG antivirus and whatever firewalls come with that and Win7:  in Control Panel, in Devices and Printers, there are three icons for the Dell V715w printer:  (1) Dell V715w (network) with the green check mark next to it to indicate default printer; (2) Dell V715w (Network) on Laptop Two; and (3) Dell V715w (USB), which is grayed out and has a little icon next to it showing two people - I think this icon indicates home group.

3. In Laptop Two, Dell Inspiron 17" 64-bit system, which has McAfee antivirus and whatever firewalls come with that and Win7:  in Control Panel, in Devices and Printers, there are three icons for the Dell V715w printer:  (1) Dell V715w (network) with the green check mark next to it to indicate default printer; (2) Dell V715w (Network) on Laptop One; and (3) Dell V715w (USB) on Laptop One, which is grayed out.

Whew!  I hope this is helpful.  Thank you so much for taking the time to look at this situation for me.

Sincerely,

Susan

Hi, Rick - a few more bits of information:

Do you have a wireless router?  Actually, the router (which came with Verizon FIOS) is both wired and wireless.  

In the beginning, there was just the Optiplex desktop.  I installed the printer, and it worked fine.

Then I added Laptop One, which was able to print on the home network.  No problems there.

Later, I added Laptop Two, which also was able to print on the home network.  Also no problems there.  Everything worked, and was fine.

The problem began when I decided to get rid of the Optiplex.  I thought that first I should take the printer CD and install the software on Laptop Two, so that when I disconnected the Optiplex desktop, I would still be able to print.  I also removed the Optiplex from the Home Group in the Sharing section of Control Panel.  

As you can see, my logic was wrong, and now only Laptop One prints, and only if the Optiplex is on.  (Actually, I'm not sure if the Optiplex prints - I didn't try it.  I am going to disconnect it and give it away, once this is fixed.)

Thank you again for your kindness in trying to help me. I am very grateful.   I hope I have explained clearly, and given you a good view into my three computers.

Sincerely,

Susan

Susan,

I would recommend using the wireless adapter in the Dell V715w Printer. To do so, try using these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11. I would make a ned SSID to make connecting easier.

Using Laptop One...

Run Delete Print Jobs to remove any stuck print jobs from the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Start, control panel, programs and features, Dell V715w Printer, uninstall.

Restart your computer. Make sure the pritner was removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

With the computer online, insert the printer disk to install the printer. Choose new installation, then choose network and follow the instructions. It will ask for your network, then ask for the password. It will prompt you to disconnect the usb cable and the printers WiFi light should be green.

Allow Wireless Printer Blocked by AVG 8.0 Firewall

On Desktop One...

Since the desktop is attached to a numbered port on the wireless router, it can print to the wireless printer without being attached.

Run Delete Print Jobsto remove any stuck print jobs from the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Start, control panel, programs and features, Dell V715w Printer, uninstall.

Restart your computer. Make sure the pritner was removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

With the computer online, insert the printer disk to install the printer. Choose add aditional computer, then choose network. It will find the printer from the list of wireless devices. Then follow the instructions.

Allow Wireless Printer Blocked by AVG 8.0 Firewall

On Laptop Two...

Run Delete Print Jobsto remove any stuck print jobs from the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Start, control panel, programs and features, Dell V715w Printer, uninstall.

Restart your computer. Make sure the pritner was removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

With the computer online, insert the printer disk to install the printer. Choose add aditional computer, then choose network. It will find the printer from the list of wireless devices. Then follow the instructions.

Allowing Printer past McAfee

1. Open the McAfee Security Center and then click on the ‘Internet and Network’

2. To the right of ‘Internet and Network’ you would see all the services that are present under it, just below that you would have a button ‘Configure’ please click on that.

3. Now you would have the Internet and Network Configuration, in this window you would have an option ‘Firewall Protection in Enabled’ to the right of that you would have a downward arrow, click on that.

4. Then click on the ‘Advanced’ button which would have a new screen up.

5. To the left of that window you would have ‘System Services’ click on it and to the right pane of the window you would have the ports listed.

6. Please check the option which is for ‘Windows File Sharing’ then click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘Ok’

7. Restart the computer

Any questions or problems, feel free to ask. I do have a Dell V715w Wireless Printer on my network with no problems.

Rick

Rick

Hi, Rick - you are amazing!  I will follow your instructions tonight or tomorrow, and let you know what happens.  Thanks so much for your help -

Susan,

Glad to be of help. With a printer that has a wireless adapter, I could not figure out why you wanted to use a gost computer to conect. IF you would want to print from a desktop, installing the drivers and choosing network, then desktop uses the connection with the wireless router to send the print job to the wireless printer.

I have My Dell V715w Wireless printer in another room on 24/7. The children can print their school assignments without a host computer turned on.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Take care,

Rick