Windows 7 - Can't see workgroup computers

manic111 · 13 Jul 2009 at 12:59

I'm trying to share a printer with a couple of other computers. The printer is connected to an XP computer, which in turn is connected to the router via ethernet. Two other XP computers are also connected to the router wirelessly. These three computers can all see each other via the workgroups fine, and share files, printers etc.

I'm running Windows 7 (networked wirelessly), and can't see the workgroup or anything within the workgroup, despite being able to ping each of these other computers using their IP address in the command prompt.

Does anyone have any ideas? Cheers!

bledd · 13 Jul 2009 at 13:01

just use

start, run

\\computername

i never use the network 'browser' when not in a domain, it's not reliable enough

manic111 · 13 Jul 2009 at 13:04

I've tried that as well, still doesn't see the other computer

The run window closes, but nothing else happens.

EDIT: Actually, that's a lie; it hid a window behind my browser. I get an error message saying "Windows cannot access \\xxx. Check the spelling of the name".

I know that the name is correct.

Google search implies that this problem isn't uncommon, but there don't seem to be any resolutions around. Has anyone else got it working?

Kriist · 13 Jul 2009 at 13:13

try \\ip.address.xx.xx\ instead e.g. \\192.168.0.5\

manic111 · 13 Jul 2009 at 13:19

Kriist said:
try \\ip.address.xx.xx\ instead e.g. \\192.168.0.5\

Great idea, works fine!!! Is there any way to map these into the network browser so I don't have to key them in each time?

EDIT: Still can't use printers through this...I get told that I don't have sufficient rights.

Macky · 13 Jul 2009 at 18:05

I'd say that the printer issues is something to do with 7 and XP compatability. I couldn't access my Dad's printer hooked up to his laptop (XP) when I was on Vista. Different problem though, I needed to install the printer drivers on my PC.

manic111 · 13 Jul 2009 at 18:06

Macky said:
I'd say that the printer issues is something to do with 7 and XP compatability. I couldn't access my Dad's printer hooked up to his laptop (XP) when I was on Vista. Different problem though, I needed to install the printer drivers on my PC.

Yep, I'm struggling somewhat to find the drivers, although I still can't even access the printer for Windows to try to install them...

m4cc45 · 13 Jul 2009 at 18:08

Check that the printer is shared?

M.

manic111 · 13 Jul 2009 at 22:58

m4cc45 said:
Check that the printer is shared?

M.

Definately is, can access it from all the other computers in the house!

cokecan · 14 Jul 2009 at 09:15

manic111 said:
Great idea, works fine!!! Is there any way to map these into the network browser so I don't have to key them in each time?

EDIT: Still can't use printers through this...I get told that I don't have sufficient rights.

you could just map a network drive in My Computer and set it to auto re-connect using the same address that you just used in run (\\xx.xx.xx.xx\etc)

Kriist · 14 Jul 2009 at 10:02

cokecan72 said:
you could just map a network drive in My Computer and set it to auto re-connect using the same address that you just used in run (\\xx.xx.xx.xx\etc)