[livefortoday6491]

That could be because the printer software is loaded on the laptop too and it wants to print to that but cannot unless the wire is connected. The to icons must refer to the same printer, my mistake. What can I do now to fix this problem?

[TerryNet]

I apologize. I was confused and misspoke. In the desktop's Printers and Faxes window those printers will show with the "sharing hand" under them. But in the laptop's My Network Places they will show with the "piped in" icon.

Now right click on one of those printers and select "Connect." If that works you should then be able to go into the laptop's Printers and Faxes window - right click on the newly connected printer (which will have the "piped in" icon) - Properties - Print test page.

[livefortoday6491]

My previous message does not seemed to have appeared but thanks so much for your help. I expect I wil have problems in the future knowing Windows. My next PC will be a Mac

[TerryNet]

You're welcome. I was happy to see the "Solved:" prefix!