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General discussion

VISTA HOME PREMIUM-Can't select Default Printer on 2nd user

by jimg49 Sep 26, 2008 11:01AM PDT

Dell Inspiron 531/VISTA/HOME/PREMIUM 500gb 3g RAM
1 printer on the system-Canon PIXMA MP500 connected via USB
I am running a wireless NW with a Linksys WRT54GS. The Dell is connected directly to the Linksys via CAT5 cable..2nd computer is a clone INTEL GLAD MotherBoard 2G Ram..running XP PRO SP3. I am running Norton 360 on both PC's..which were just upgraded to v2.0. I have a hi-speed ISP (COX)and connect to the Internet via cable modem.

There are (2) User accounts on the Dell Inspiron box..Jim and Patti, both have adminsitrator rights. I have printer/file sharing turned on because I want to share the Canon printer, some files and the Internet connection with the other (basement) PC. (so far not successful setting up printer sharing, or file sharing, but I can access the Internet and email via MS Outlook Express via POP3.)

My issue now is my wife's account (Patti) I can't select a DEFAULT printer..my account is fine...when I go to Control Panel/Printers and Faxes when logged in as "Patti" I click on the Canon MP500..right click...click on "Set as Default" and nothing happens..no green checkmark..the printer icons for both accounts show the little "people" shared icon in the left-hand corner of the printer icon. Every time she goes to print a document the printer window opens up and asks her to select a printer from the drop down box...and there is only one "active/installed" printer...the Canon MP500..this is quite annoying and time consuming..I've given up trying to share the printer...and will probably buy Pure Networks product...as I'm tired of fighting with Microsoft OS's...anyone got any thoughts?

Regards..jim

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2 Posts

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2 ideas.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 26, 2008 11:24AM PDT

1. Make sure those accounts are on ALL machines and passwords match PLUS you installed the LLTD responder on XP.

2. Read a recent success story at this link -> http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7589_102-0.html?forumID=62&threadID=309854&messageID=2866298&tag=forums06;forum-threads

"tired of fighting with Microsoft OS's"

Just checking. I see some never get the accounts right or that LLTD item. Norton 360 adds to the configuration and things you must do but I can't tell you what settings to change in 360 as I can't use their product anymore.
Bob

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Some luck..

by jimg49 Sep 28, 2008 9:04AM PDT

OK..RE: sharing the printer...I downloaded Network Magic...GREAT...huh..well not quite..I still couldn't see the other (2nd computer)..until...I found some old installs of a CISCO VPN client that I used several years ago to access my work network..I went in and removed the CISCO vpn clients...and..like magic...I can see the printer, share it and all the files!!!

Still can't get the 2nd user account Patti to print on the Host computer (Dell) running Vista Home Premium..I'm going to delete all the printers (under her account) and try re-installing the Canon from scratch..I'll post a reply if this is successful. I have a sneaking suspicion the printer issue is a result of the Norton 360 v2.0 update I downloaded...we'll see..

jim

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