Can't print over my strange network

Jooru · 04-16-2005, 07:19 AM

Okay, so I just got a new computer with Windows XP. Now I've networked it with the other 2 computers in my home/business here, one of which uses Windows 98, and the other, unfortunately, Windows 95. Thus the "strange" network which I'm starting to realize has certain compatibility problems. My biggest problem right now is that I can't use the printer, which is attached to the Win95 computer. Through various attempts, I've realized that I need to download a driver. The printer is an HP Laserjet 4L and quite old, and apparently these need new drivers for Windows XP. And this is where my computer illiteracy comes into play, because I'm not going to do ANYTHING till I'm sure it's safe. And my biggest concern is that if I download and install the driver that's necessary for my computer to print, that the other 2 computers will then be unable to print. Is this just an unresovable incompatibility? Is the driver I need something that would only be "in" my computer and therefore not affect the other 2? If anyone out there can help me with this, you will be making this ignorant computer fool very very happy!

kobaj · 04-16-2005, 03:52 PM

First off I just have to say that the biggest problem is that your running 95.
Hehe, well (now im not geinus) if you download a driver it will only affect the windows xp computer. But if they are networked the xp should be able to use the 95s driver to print. If that deosnt work you could do it in a different order. Download the driver and connect the printer to the xp computer and get it working. Then network the other computers to use the xps driver to print. But downloading drivers wont hurt your computer in enyway realy unless they have a trojen/spyware/adaware/virus attached , and if you get it from the printers own website database then you shouldnt worry.Just a question over your network did you have to download drivers(install the software) for the 98 to print. Cause if not my thereie on not neading a driver to print with the xp should be correct and that it may just be a network problem.

Jooru · 04-17-2005, 02:32 PM

Well, thank you kobaj, that's useful advice and I'll give it a try. And all joking aside, using 95 is indeed my biggest problem, but since I don't have enough cash to buy more than one new computer, I'll have to live with it and suffer for a while!

04-16-2005, 07:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jooru New Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2	Can't print over my strange network Okay, so I just got a new computer with Windows XP. Now I've networked it with the other 2 computers in my home/business here, one of which uses Windows 98, and the other, unfortunately, Windows 95. Thus the "strange" network which I'm starting to realize has certain compatibility problems. My biggest problem right now is that I can't use the printer, which is attached to the Win95 computer. Through various attempts, I've realized that I need to download a driver. The printer is an HP Laserjet 4L and quite old, and apparently these need new drivers for Windows XP. And this is where my computer illiteracy comes into play, because I'm not going to do ANYTHING till I'm sure it's safe. And my biggest concern is that if I download and install the driver that's necessary for my computer to print, that the other 2 computers will then be unable to print. Is this just an unresovable incompatibility? Is the driver I need something that would only be "in" my computer and therefore not affect the other 2? If anyone out there can help me with this, you will be making this ignorant computer fool very very happy!

04-16-2005, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
kobaj Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,236	First off I just have to say that the biggest problem is that your running 95. Hehe, well (now im not geinus) if you download a driver it will only affect the windows xp computer. But if they are networked the xp should be able to use the 95s driver to print. If that deosnt work you could do it in a different order. Download the driver and connect the printer to the xp computer and get it working. Then network the other computers to use the xps driver to print. But downloading drivers wont hurt your computer in enyway realy unless they have a trojen/spyware/adaware/virus attached , and if you get it from the printers own website database then you shouldnt worry.Just a question over your network did you have to download drivers(install the software) for the 98 to print. Cause if not my thereie on not neading a driver to print with the xp should be correct and that it may just be a network problem. __________________ My site My sigThanks Kornowski for ava and sig. Winner of photo competition: Bokeh.

04-17-2005, 02:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jooru New Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2	Thanks! Well, thank you kobaj, that's useful advice and I'll give it a try. And all joking aside, using 95 is indeed my biggest problem, but since I don't have enough cash to buy more than one new computer, I'll have to live with it and suffer for a while!

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