help with linking laptop to main computer wireless!

[Will 44]

I have a main computer, a wireless network and a laptop and I would like to be able to work of the laptop but print off the printer connected to the main pc how can I get the laptop to see the printer on my main computer? Also is there a way that I can see the outlook express that's on my main computer on my laptop? Any help would be gratefully recieved, thanks!

[mjcairney]

Assuming you are using Windows XP, to print from your (wifi) laptop via the printer connected to your desktop:

Click on Start
Click on Printers and Faxes
Choose Add a Printer
Click on Next
Choose Network Printer or Printer Attached to Another Computer
Click on Next
Choose Connect to this Printer
Then type in the box \\Server\Printer
Where Server is the Name you've given your Desktop and Printer is the name of the Printer
Click on Next
Choose whether or not this printer should be the default printer
Then Click on Finish

Then, to use the printer, just make sure that your desktop and printer are switched on, and choose to print a document from your laptop, remembering to choose this printer if you didn't set it as default.

As to your other question re Outlook Express, sorry I can't help you here.

Cheers,

Martin.

[Will 44]

Thanks Martin, I've tried this but all I get is a window saying it can't connect to this printer, have you any ideas please?

[mjcairney]

If you followed the above instructions exactly, and both the main PC and printer are powered up and ready to run, I really can see no reason as to why it doesn't work - I've followed the procedure a few times and always managed to get it to print okay.

Have you definitely typed in e.g. \\will44'sPC\will44'sprinter, so that, when the laptop is trying to connect, it knows the names you've given your main PC and your printer? e.g. On my setup, I have typed in \\martin\canonmp750 and, as I say, it works perfectly. Also, my wife brought home a laptop from school - I followed the above procedure and it worked first time.

Best of luck - let's know how you get on.

Cheers,

MArtin.

[rcadey]

you need to make sure you have shared the printer on the main PC
start\control panel\printers and other hardware\printers and faxes\
right click on the printer
click sharing...
check the share this printer box

rob

[mjcairney]

Originally Posted by rcadey

you need to make sure you have shared the printer on the main PC
start\control panel\printers and other hardware\printers and faxes\
right click on the printer
click sharing...
check the share this printer box

rob

As a matter of interest, I have not done this, but it works fine. However, it's always another option to try.

Cheers,

Martin.