Question : How to get wireless laptop to find printer on wireless infrastructure network?
I had my printer hooked up by USB to my laptop(Toshiba Satellite M105 with Windows XP). Now I’m going wireless. My laptop is now working on the wireless network using a NetGear router. I followed the instruction manual to get my printer hooked up wirelessly, and it recognizes my home network no problem, but, my laptop can’t see it. What can I do to get my laptop to find my printer?
wireless laptop

Best answer:

Answer by seven_up_the_uncola
Hello ,

The Network Keys for all devices (Computers , Printers) must match .
***This key could be called either of the following : Shared Key , WEP Key , Encryption Key , Passphrase . Be sure the Printers’ Wireless Radio feature is turned on . Be sure to disable the Antivirus and anti spyware programs . Restart the Printer Driver install procedure and go through the setup wizard . When the wizard finds the Printer , Print a “Configuration Page and use that information to manualy type in that information into the setup wizard . Do not accept the Printer found by the Wizard at this time . Manualy Select to add a different Printer and manualy enter the information including the Address , MAC address , Network Key , SSID etc. found on the Configuration Page . The button for Configuration Page is located in the Printers’ screen . Probably under “Basic Setup” . You may need to repeat entering the Printers’ information into the wizard a few times and Printers can be stuborn to make connect then try accepting “Printer Found” . You must disable all Firewalls before beginning this installation and before starting the wizard that installs the Printer Driver , including the firewalls not many users know about located in “Windows Firewall” . Here is one way to access “Windows Firewall” . This Firewall is different than the Windows Firewall commonly known of . Navigate >>> Open Network Connections/Right click on the Wireless Icon/Properties/tab Advanced/button “Settings”/This will open the “Windows Firewall” window . Click tab “Advanced”./ Uncheck boxes “1394 Connection” “Local Area Connection” Wireless Netaork Connection” . These Firewalls are not neccessary if you have your own Personal Firewall that are featured in high-end Anti-SpyWare softwares and Antivirus softwares . Be sure all other Firewalls are disabled until the connection had been established between the Router and Printer and Computer . The Routers firewall must always stay enabled . Always make changes and confirmations at the Routers setup page online . Then enter the changes inlt the Computer and Printer and other Devices if any . Best way to make changes to the Router is to connnect the Router to the Computer and enable Local Connection and disable Wireless Connection for the time being . Wireless may over ride the Local Connection and intefere with your changes . After any changes of the Router , disable Local Area Connections and Enable Wireless Connection . Before beginning the Printer Driver , go to the Router setup page online and confirm and Strong minumum (16) Digit password . Enable DHCP , Disabling SSID Broadcast is purely optional , I keep my SSID Broadcasting disabled and the Ireless Networking works great . Build and strong ***WEP Key using a WPA2 Shared Key option . This option will require a (13) Digit Key using either Lower case letters and numbers -or- Upper case letters and numbers . WPA2 Shared Key is good for protecting the Router from hackers . Select AES+TKIP . Your SSID only need be simple . Even a 3 digit SSID would work . Just be sure to replace the default SSID which usualy ….. something like admin or maybe the Routers’ manufacturers name .. get rid of it . After you connect the Printer and now wireless ,,,, be sure to enable Your Antivirus and AntiSpyWares . If ever you lose network connection of the Printer , you need only to unplug the Printer for 5 seconds (reconnect) and wait a few minutes and the Printer will finish printing . You will also need to reset the Date and Time only on the Printer , All other settings will stay .