Homegroup Printer Question


  1. Posts : 386
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Homegroup Printer Question


    Hey guys. Trying to setup our home printer across a network. It worked fine in Windows 7 and it did work fine post upgrade but, following a clean install of Windows 10 it won't connect and brings up an error about how Unable to connect to Printer.

    It's a HP Photosmart C4780. I think I've setup the Homegroup correctly. Set both PCs to share devices and I can see it via Settings when I try to add the device but I'm unsure what I am doing wrong. I'm fairly certain on windows 7 I didn't need to install the HP printer drivers and software. Do I have to allow it through my router or something? I've turned my firewall off but that don't help.

    Any tips would be appreciated :)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 265
    Windows 10 Enterprise
       #2

    How is the printer connected to the network? Is it connected by wire or wireless? IS it connected to one PC and then shared or is it connected directly to the network?

    From Windows Explorer, type the following into the address bar: \\pcnamethatprinterisattached too and then hit enter. If the printer shows up after you hit enter, then the printer is shared correctly. Then all you will need to do is to double click the printer icon and it will install the printer for you. If it prompts you for a driver...then you will need to supply one or let it search automatically for one.

    Hope this helps...
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 386
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you for the reply. Do I need to ensure that network discovery is on? I am trying to share it via Homegroup. I'm getting a bit confused as to what settings need to be enabled etc
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 265
    Windows 10 Enterprise
       #4

    It would help you if Network discovery is on. Just don't allow network discovery for "PUBLIC", only allow for private and home networks.
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  5. Posts : 386
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Many thanks. Pleased to report everything is fixed and can connect fine to Printer now. Thank you for your help!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 265
    Windows 10 Enterprise
       #6

    You're Welcome.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 386
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    One slight issue I've just noticed. As it is networked printer, it won't print while my Dads PC is off (where it is connected wired but can be switched on via the panel).

    How do I set it so my Dads PC does not need to be on for me to print from it? Do I need to install the software/drivers etc on my PC too?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 265
    Windows 10 Enterprise
       #8

    IF the printer is connected to a pc i.e. Dads pc, then Dads pc must be on at all times for everyone else to print. To make it able to print all the time whenever Dads pc is off, you will need to connect the "PRINTER" to the network either with a wire or wireless connection. This is a better solution because then anyone will be able to print and it won't matter if anyone else's pc is on or off.

    Does your printer have the built in wireless? If so, just connect it to your wireless internet. If not, they do make USB print servers that can connect your printer to the network. Like this one:

    Amazon.com: Monoprice Networking USB 2.0 Print Server (105342): Computers Accessories

    Hope this helps.
      My Computer


 

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