cant print to printer on network

I have a laptop connected to a desktop that the printer is connected to by usb port. when I try to print I get this message.Cannot connect to this network computer and the network printer is no longer available.I had it working in the past
My network is working for file sharing.what could be wrong?

1. RE: cant print to printer on network
DJ Net2Infinity Apr-16-02 08:38 AM
In response to message 0

1. Make Sure that your printer sharing is still enabled as well.
2. Make sure the path to the printer is correct as well.
3. Does the Desktop have any problems printing to the printer?
4. How do you have the laptop connected to the desktop?

2. RE: cant print to printer on network
Jesse Apr-16-02 09:59 PM
In response to message 1

Brian thanks for responding
I tried the best to answer you question to my printer problem.
1. Make Sure that your printer sharing is still enabled as well.It is
2. Make sure the path to the printer is correct as well.
I have in the details window of printer on the laptop where it says print to port the desktopsname/hp So I beleive the pathway is correct
3. Does the Desktop have any problems printing to the printer?
No it prints fine to hp 832c printer via usb
4. How do you have the laptop connected to the desktop?
THe laptop is connected with ethernet cable to hub from its pcmcia card.I can share files on both computers.Use internet from laptop Just cant use the printer on desktop.
Im running windows98 se on both computers
Any Ideas to figure this out?
Jesse

3. RE: cant print to printer on network
DJ Net2Infinity Apr-17-02 00:56 AM
In response to message 2

It should be \\(hostname)\hp .... try going to internet explorer and typing that in and get to the printer. Or you can go Start, Run .. then type \\Hostname\hp ............ but Brian being the name of my computer I swear it should be \\Brian\Printers\hp, or I guess seeing that thats the only printer it would be \\Brian\hp. Try it both ways and see.

5. RE: cant print to printer on network
Jesse Apr-24-02 00:35 AM
In response to message 3

Im still trying to solve this I have in the details window of printer on the laptop where it says print to port the //hostname/hp So I beleive the pathway is correct When I hit Ok It tells me You must specify a valid port to print to.Now if I select LPT1:(Printer Port)
that will load in diaglog box.So I Guess Im trying to find out if im missing something Im using the laptop on the network connected to a hub from the laptop pcmcia card.Maybe Im not mapping the pcmcia path
as a port but I dont No enough About networking to know if thats a possiblity?This is so frustrating because I Had this using the printer at one time.What this valid port thing

4. RE: cant print to printer on network
gilleyc Apr-21-02 07:32 PM
In response to message 2

Hi, I have almost the same situation as you. I have a laptop connected to my desktop both running win98se. On my setup it is like Brian said, \\(hostname)\hp_printer, where I have a hp_printer. To get this printer to work on my laptop I had to go to start->settings->printers->add printer. This will bring up a wizard that guids you through the printer setup. Make sure you have your drivers for the printer handy. in the wizard you will be able to select the path of the host computers printer. There may be an easier way, but this was what I did and it was fast and easy. If there are already printers on the laptop, make sure that the one you just setup is set as default. Hope this helps.