I have a wireless network with a linksys wireless router.  I am having
trouble setting up a wireless laptop to recognize a printer connected
to my main computer to allow for wireless printing.  I have a total of
2 wireless laptops, and I have been able to set up one to work but the
other does not recognize the printer.  All 3 computers (desktop,
laptop with WORKING wireless printer capability, and laptop WITHOUT
working wirless printer capability) can access the internet with no
problems.

All three computers use windows XP.

QUESTION:  Can you please walk me through the process to access the
wireless printer on my network?  A complete answer will be able to
diagnose and correct why my Dell laptop CANNOT currently recognize the
printer even though it can access the internet wirelessly and print on
the printer directly using cables.

Please let me know what other information is needed to successfully
accomplish this.  Thanks...

make sure the laptop is on the same domain or workgroup as the other
computers. if you set up the others using the linksys standard, the
domain is probably "MSHOME". you can change the domain of computers
using xp by right-clicking "my computer" and going to properties (or
just go into system settings" through control panel). among the tabs
there should be something along the lines of "Network name", you'll
know it when you see it. in this tab you should be able to give the
computer a name, description, and put it in a domain or workgroup,

First of all check that your laptop can see and access your desktop
computer in your workgroup (start Network Neighborhood and click the
"show workgroup computers" link on the left). If you cannot then your
network setup is wrong - run the network setup wizard on all computers
again.

If you can see your desktop computer in your workgroup, try adding a
network printer on your laptop again.

What you need to know, is the Network Name of your Desktop (the
computer your printer is physically connected to - see comment below
on how to check it) and the Share Name of your Printer (right-click on
the printer's icon ni the Printers & Faxes window select Properties,
click on the Sharing tab, make sure the "Share this printer" is
checked and note the name in the textbox below it).
Then do the following:
Go to Control Panel - Printers & Faxes.
Click the "Add a Printer" link on the left or go to menu File-Add Printer.
In the window that pops up, click "Next" button.
In the next window, select the "A network printer, or a printer
attached to another computer" button. Click Next.
In the next window select the second option from top ("Connect to this
printer...).  In the textbox below it type the following:
\\YourDesktopNetworkName\YourPrinterShareName (you will enter your
actual desktop and printer names instead of 'Your...' text).
Click "Next". The computer will think for a while and then will
display a warning about installing printer drivers. Click "Yes".
In the next window, select "Yes" to use the printer as default
printer. Click "Next".
In the final window click "Finish".

This should add your printer.
The only thing I am not 100% sure about is if the printer drivers can
be installed over a wireless connection...

Good luck.

sirwraith-ga:

Thank you for your comment.  When I click on My Computer, properties,
I only have two tabs, "General" and "Shortcut"...there is no tab
saying anything about network or network name.  Any other thoughts?

azawaza-ga:  When I checked the workgroup on the laptop, the printer
was there!  It's the first time I have seen it...I have no idea why it
is now there but i was just able to print a test document.  Thanks for
sending me in the right direction.