sismiller1342
06-26-07, 08:42 PM
I have a Inspiron E1405 wireless laptop and Dell 966 wireless printer. Purchased a linksys print server and hooked it up as directed, but when it tried to find print server, it couldn't. I've read that linksys may not be compatible with Vista. Is that true? Are there any print servers that are compatible? Do I need a router and a print server? I can print direct from my laptop USB cord connected to printer USB, but not through print server and wirelessly.
Please help...been working on this for two days.:o Thanks, Roxann
mikerm19
06-26-07, 08:48 PM
Ok, I'm slightly confused.
You said your printer is wireless, did your laptop not see the printer? If your printer already has wireless built in, you don't need a print server (a wireless print server takes a printer that does not have wireless capability and adds to it).
Consult your printer manual for setup on your wireless network. If the printer supports Ad-Hoc mode, you will not need a router, however if your printer only works in structured mode, you will need a router.
You can pretty much return your print server, as that printer also has a network jack on it, so you could also hard-wire it into the router (if you purchase one).
I don't know the printer personally (unless you want to buy me one? :) ), so you will have to consult the manual for wireless set up, and put your laptop into ad-hoc mode if the printer supports it.
Hopefully that's the answer you were looking for!
Edit: Looking at it on Dell's site a little closer, it does seem like you will need a router for wireless functionality. This would be suggested anyway so that you have room for future expansion, all for $40 more or less. I would recommend a Linksys router first, Netgear second.