What network component is the printer hard wired to?(USB or LPT)

 

What is it wired to? print server? computer? router?

I have a similar set-up.

 

Vista desktop on wireless network and usb printer attached a XP desktop.

 

First make sure the Vista desktop can 'see' the XP desktop. Ensure printer is shared. Make sure Workgroup is same on both PC's

 

Go to Printers and click on Add Printer..  Not to sure of the sequence the following screens will appear as writing this from memory but hope you get the idea.

 

Go through the steps till it asks you .. local printer or network printer.

 

Click on local printer.... Yes ..I know it is not a local printer but for some reason Vista does not see a network printer.

 

When it asks you for Port ?  Click on new port.. name the port with the exact path of the printer  i.e..  \\computer name\shared printer name

 

Select the newly created port as active port for printer.

 

Continue with installation of printer and make sure it is your default printer. At some point it will ask you for drivers. If Vista already has the drivers it should install it or choose from the drop down list that appears.

 

This worked for me.. hope it works for you

 

:)