My Network Stutters Badly

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I have a mismatch or a firewall or a Windows problem. If I send print from my portable to the printer attached to my desktop, nothing happens. My portable doesn’t ‘see’ the printer or the desktop and the desktop doesn’t ‘see’ the portable. Then as my wife is signing on or doing something on the desktop, it prints!

Where do I begin to look for the way to get these two computers to like one another enough to talk?

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Have you set up a network? Have you enabled file and printer sharing? What is the operating system on each machine? Here is a site that may help.

JB

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If it starts printing after she starts using it, perhaps the computer went to sleep after a long period of inactivity. Next time try just moving the mouse so it appears to be on and you can use it, then go to the portable and attempt to print.

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If the other machines in the system, you must have a Workgroup assigned to all machines on the network. If Windows 7 machines, than you need to assign a Homegroup to all machines on the network. For all machines to be seen on a Windows network you must have either a Domain Name, Workgroup or Homegroup name that is common to all machines on the network. Fail to do this and the computers on the network will not be able to see each other nor communicate with each other.

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Thanks all of you for your suggestions. I have set up a network and I have read everything I can from MS and others to isolate the problem. I also got help from the router manufacturer’s help line, my DSL provider’s help line, and my computer’s help line, all to no avail. I came here in desperation because nothing works.

HOWEVER…there is an annoying problem that may be related. My computer is dropping off its wireless connection for no apparent reason. Suddenly, the computer fails to find any wireless within range. Then, just as suddenly, it announces it is connecting and shows a list of several in-range wireless networks. This was very rare a month ago but is getting more and more frequent. I took it to the (well-known national) retailer because there is a store warranty on it (I know — a silly purchase). My diagnosis is a failing wireless card. Since it’s under their warranty I asked them to replace it. Oh, No! Their diagnosis is a ‘high end’ virus and I should let them get rid of it by paying them $199 to ‘clean it’.

Now, I am not a total idiot. Their ploy is to charge me the $199 fee, replace the card, and inform me that they located and isolated some dreadful virus and have rescued my system. Since it will now work fine, I am supposed to end up eternally grateful and sing the praises of their geeks to all my friends and make their bottom line look better. I’ll take it to a trusted repair guy, have the card replaced, and present the geeks with the bill — which they will not pay since I should have brought it to them yadda yadda yadda.

Anyone who can invent a sealed, reliable, uncorruptable system has a right to become a billionaire.

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Did you ask what “high end virus” they thought was the culprit?

Have you run anti-malware scans?

Joe

--Joe

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Sure I asked. He looked very concerned and said it ‘could be one of the new ones’ which relieves him from actually knowing anything.

I should have added above that my other computer is on-line all through this so it isn’t the modem, router, or DSL provider. Any ideas on how to force them to do the right thing and replace the network card? The warranty is up in March. I expect it will turn out to be the card on April 1st — a very appropriate day for this $@!^

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Any ideas on how to force them to do the right thing and replace the network card?

What I would do is write a letter, addressed to the CEO, CC: the store manager and send him/her a copy also, of the major retailer in question, detailing what you have stated here including the steps you used to find a virus. State your position that it’s the network card, etc. The important part of this letter is to CC: a lawyer, any lawyer in the book, well known, i.e. TV Advertisers, are especially good. You don’t have to actually send the letter to them but I bet it will light a fire under them…they don’t like to get sued because then they are liable for a whole lot more that 2 Franklins! If you don’t get a response in 2 Weeks you might then send it to the lawyer. Make sure to send the letter return receipt requested, it will cost you about $5 but then you have proof that they received the letter…more fodder for the lawyer. I just love to make these turkeys turn on their spits and baste in their own juices.

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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I have run several scans with updated virus checker (McAfee). Nada.

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Excellent tactic! I’ll get this done when I return from a week-long business trip. I’ll report on results.

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Oh-oh I’ve been there and done this! Wireless radio chip in the wireless router is going out! When that happens the network disappears completely from the cue and then comes back. I had two routers do this , one a Belkin, (which was so flaky I’ll never run another one!), and one of those flat pancake Linksys routers which had a tendency to overheat. I would replace your wireless router, the fact it disappears from wireless networks is a sure sign it’s the wireless radio in the wireless router.

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I considered the router as the cause but when it drops off my wife does not lose her wireless contact. OTOH, she has experienced a drop occassionally while I work on. I’ll give Belkin a call.

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