Printer woes with Windows 7

[stevenrw]

OK guys, somebody will know how to fix this I'm sure...
I have just upgraded HID's lappy to W7 Home Premium.
I have an XP Home machine with a Canon Pixma iP4700 printer attached via USB.
All seems OK with the network which is wired. XP desktop into 2Wire router via ethernet cable, W7 lappy wired into Solwise mains plug.

I can't connect to the Canon printer. I've downloaded and installed the latest drivers from Canon but I keep getting the same error message 0x0000000. I know its something to do with the workgroup or homegroup thing on W7 but all the fixes I can find on the web don't seem to fix the problem.

Obviously the printer works fine from the XP machine to which its connected.

I'd appreciate any assistance you good folk can offer...

Thanks in advance.

[Steve]

There you are  
I addition make sure that they are both in the same workgroup i.e MSHOME or Workgroup

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/7527-networking-printer-attached-win-xp-pc-win-7-a.html

Quote
Hi there
I've posted on this before but to share Printers attached to XP computers with either X-64 or X-32 versions of Windows 7 is SIMPLE. These instructions are for the Printer attached to the XP machine (but works in reverse as well).

("Stand alone" Network printers can be done slightly similarly BTW).

assume the computers are call XPMACHINE and W7MACHINE.

1) Ensure Printer on XP machine is shared - assume it's called SHAREDPRINTER.

2) On the Network Browsing on your Windows 7 machine ensure you can "See" the Printer share.

Now on the Windows 7 machine do the following (doesn't matter if it's X-86 or x-64).

3) Control Panel==> add LOCAL (Yes LOCAL) printer. I know it's on a Network but hold your horses -- what we are actually doing is "Poodlefaking" the Windows 7 machine into thinking it's running the printer.

4) Create NEW port==>Local port

5) Portname is \\XPMACHINE\SHAREDPRINTER

6) Now Windows 7 will load a driver and you'll be able to print on the XP machine.

Simple

(For a "Network stand alone printer") at 4) chose TCPIP port
and at 5) enter the IP address.


If the printer is on the Windows 7 machine and you want to print on the XP machine then do the same instructions on the XP machine --
port name in this case will be \\W7MACHINE\SHAREDPRINTER

[Rik]

Why on earth did MS have to make it so complicated? 

[Steve]

To make you buy Windows 7

[sobranie]

This review site says it is compatible with win7
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=257&modelid=18637
Perhaps it's as simple as reloading the software or follow Steve' advice.

[kinmel]

Why on earth did MS have to make it so complicated?  

If you create a "work" network instead of using Homegroup then it is all so much easier to manage the network.

[Steve]

Homegroup all seems a bit too cosy to me.

[Rik]

If you create a "work" network instead of using Homegroup then it is all so much easier to manage the network.

Even in a mixed OS environment, Alan?

[kinmel]

Even in a mixed OS environment, Alan?

Homegroup seems to be another item where MS have decided how you will have to do something and it takes effort to do a preferred way instead. The "work" network is a vanilla network that you can tailor to your needs.

[stevenrw]

Hi everybody
Steve, the local printer routine was one of the options that I tried, but it does not seem to work. Maybe it can't find the drivers. I think I'll try putting the latest drivers on a disc and use the "have disc..." option.
I'll keep you posted, but it'll be in a day or so, I'm all drivered out at the mo.

[Rik]

Homegroup seems to be another item where MS have decided how you will have to do something and it takes effort to do a preferred way instead. The "work" network is a vanilla network that you can tailor to your needs.

Thanks.  

[Rik]

I'm all drivered out at the mo.

A feeling I know well.

[Steve]

Before the local printer routine did you manage to see the "printer share" on Windows 7 .

[stevenrw]

Hi Steve
yes, I could see the printer, I just could not connect to it.
So I tried deleting it and readding it and I now can't add the printer at all.
Frustrating innit.

[Steve]

Sorry I can't test it out my Windows 7 print via Bonjour to a Mac network which works most but not all of the time

[Rik]

It was so much easier when you just plugged your printer into LPT1.

[stevenrw]

OK Guys, problem finally sorted.
You need to follow the directions that steve had found (as I had tried) but...
The key was to disconnect the printer from the network before installing the latest W7 drivers. Then it works sweet as a nut.
Why they couldn't make it easier or more intuitive remains a mystery to me however...

Thanks to all who took the time to help. Sorry its been a while since I got back to you with the update, but to be honest I just got fed up with the whole situation and put it on the back burner for a few days

It never ceases to amaze me how you guys consistently give of your time, knowledge and experience. Much appreciated.

[Rik]

It's always our pleasure.

[JB]

I just followed Steve's instructions to install a Canon MP490 (attached to an XP machine) to a Win7 machine via the network. Had the same problems initially but got it working OK thanks to this post.

Many thanks to all.

[Rik]

Good news, JB.