Is it possible to 'see' printer connected to a Windows PC?

montee · 06-19-2011, 09:19 AM

Main PC runs Win7 with Epson printer connected (not wireless)...I'm running Win7/Ubuntu 11.04 on my laptop getting internet wirelessly. When in Win7 on my laptop I can 'see' the printer that's connected to my main pc and print to it but when I switch to ubuntu I 'see' the main pc on my network but not the printer...is there a fix for this please?

ssrameez · 06-19-2011, 09:56 AM

Go to
System -> Administation -> Printing.

There is an option to add printer.
It has option to add network printer also.

tailinlinux · 06-19-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montee

Main PC runs Win7 with Epson printer connected (not wireless)...I'm running Win7/Ubuntu 11.04 on my laptop getting internet wirelessly. When in Win7 on my laptop I can 'see' the printer that's connected to my main pc and print to it but when I switch to ubuntu I 'see' the main pc on my network but not the printer...is there a fix for this please?

Did you already install printing packages in your distro.
If not you need a full and live internet connection.
as "ssrameez" said go to System> Administration> Printing.
or go to Linux Control Panel.
then click the hardware tab.
look for printer or manage printing/ printer.

then after installation the printer should be detected by your computer.

TB0ne · 06-19-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montee

Main PC runs Win7 with Epson printer connected (not wireless)...I'm running Win7/Ubuntu 11.04 on my laptop getting internet wirelessly. When in Win7 on my laptop I can 'see' the printer that's connected to my main pc and print to it but when I switch to ubuntu I 'see' the main pc on my network but not the printer...is there a fix for this please?

First thing to check would be your printer sharing settings in Windows. The printer(s) on your Win7 machine may not be 'shared' to the network, or your Ubuntu installation may not be in the same Windows workgroup.

You've obviously got the printing installed, since (by default) it comes with Ubuntu. A possible solution from a Windows-savvy friend of mine:

Code:

On the Windows machine:Open Control Panel/Add Remove Programs
Click on Add Windows Components
Select and Add "Other Network Print Services"
On the Linux machineSystem/Administration/Printing
Add new printer
Choose Network Printer
Choose Unix LPD Printer
The host name is the ip address of the Windows XP machine
the Queue name is the shared printer name (entered on the Window machine)

frankbell · 06-19-2011, 08:54 PM

Running smbclient on the Linux machine can tell you how the Linux machine is seeing the Windows printer and it's share name.

This thread might help:

http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-59552.html