[Tony1966]

It seemed like such a good idea at the time but I've now spent 6 hours getting nowhere !

I have a ME desktop with ethernet and Norton Internet Security 2005 and a Vista wireless laptop with Mcafee Security Centre 07 both connected to a router. I'm trying to set up network connections between the two.

I think I have two or three problems but we'll need to take them one at a time please given my total ineptness at these things.

With the desktop firewall switched off I can see the desktop files on the laptop but it is asking for a user name and password. I've tried a few combinations but exactly what username and password is this and where will I have set up the requirement to have one in the first place and the ability to change it.

Thanks

[JohnWill]

On the Vista computer, do this:

Start, Run, regedit

Navigate to the following folder:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa

In the right, double-click "LmCompatibilityLevel"

Change the value to 1 (probably currently 3)

Restart your computer

[Tony1966]

Excellent - that's the first problem fixed -

Now - I've enabled printer sharing on the desktop but when I click to access this through the laptop I receive the following message

Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000866), I still have the firewall disabled.

Edit - I've deleted the other query I had - brain clicked into gear on that one !

Thanks

[JohnWill]

OK, give us a current status. What works, and what doesn't?

[TerryNet]

And if "what doesn't" includes printer sharing, what is the printer brand and model? Do you have a Vista driver for it? If so, where is the driver--on the Vista PC, on the ME PC, somewhere else?

[Tony1966]

Apologies - up the school tonight with the kids - give me a few mins - I'll see if a reboot of both systems + router has had any effect and post current status here.

[Tony1966]

OK current status as follows

1) On laptop (Vista) - have full access to desktop shared files as expected from the shared file permissions set up in desktop ME. This currently only works with Norton (on ME) disabled but I assume I'll be able to configure that once everything is set up correctly.

2) I've also created a shared file from laptop to desktop which I can see on the desktop but clicking brings up a File is not accessible Access is denied message on desktop with or without Mcafee (Vista) firewall disabled. I've probably lost the plot a bit here because I suspect this is just duplicating what I've achieved in 1) in reverse and is unnecessary.

3) I have the printer installed on ME with latest drivers downloaded - its a HP 2355 all in one. I have set up the permissions correctly as far as I can see (but I'm not a techie !!!!). I can see the printer on Vista but double clicking on it still brings up "Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000866)" - if it's any help at all I had previously added the printer to the laptop (when connected by cable) and printed.

[JohnWill]

Vista sometimes has an issue with networked printers on older versions of Windows. Here's something to try.

Install the printer on Vista using a local port (any one will do, say LPT1). After it's all installed, access the properties and the Ports tab. Add a new TCP/IP port with the full network path to the printer, say \\winme\printer, select that port for the printer, and save the new configuration.

This is how I had to configure to get my HP PSC-750 to work with Vista.

[Tony1966]

Hmmmmmmmm, you must love dealing with cretins like me

I already have the printer set up in Vista (and it works) if I connect with USB

I therefore assumed I could just go into Printer properties but when I go into Add port - Standard TCP/IP port it brings up an add TCP/IP Port Wizard. then asks for Printer Name or IP address - I just inserted the word printer because that's how it's named on the desktop - it then asks me for a port name- I'm stumped - if it's any help the path according to the desktop is \\cathy\printer.

Sorry for being a doofus

[JohnWill]

You need to enter the exact printer path as the port address, in this case \\cathy\printer

Of course, you do realize that this is on the computer trying to share the networked printer, NOT the computer that has the printer locally attached, right?

[TerryNet]

"it then asks me for a port name- I'm stumped"

After getting the port address correct per above, I think that the port name is arbitrary. Just don't pick one that Windows may already have, like "LPT1." You could, for example, name it "WinME2355."

[Tony1966]

HANG ON - JUST SEEN TERRY NETS COMMENT - MIGHT BE ABLE TO IGNORE MY RAMBLE BELOW



I don't blame you for doubting me but I have that bit correct

If I try to enter \\cathy\printer under port name it says port name is not valid

I've had two 2am finishes - it's now midnight and I'm shattered.

Tomorrow (depending on your responses) I think I'll go back to the desktop and look at all the configurations/permissions I've set up on there just to see if my untrained eye can spot anything odd

Aside from any comments on what I've done wrong with port name do you have any suggestions for what I should check in my ME set up ?

And so to bed !

HANG ON - JUST SEEN TERRY NETS COMMENT - MIGHT BE ABLE TO IGNORE MY RAMBLE ABOVE

[TerryNet]

Port address is \\cathy\printer.

Port name is something simple, like "myport".

[Tony1966]

I might have to email you both pictures of me so you can burn them when we're done

I'm stuck on the Port Address comment

I go into Printer Properties
Ports
Add Port
Standard TCP/IP Port
New Port - this brings up the Wizard
It only asks me for
a) Printer Name or IP Address - it certainly doesn't like \\cathy\printer here
b) Port Name - which I understand can be pretty much anything I want

Where does Port address come into it ?

[Tony1966]

Right - I'm falling asleep here after two nights of 4 hour sleeps - I'll catch up on responses and next steps later on today

Tony