Server 2003 cannot access XP machine on domain

[CatchTwentyTwo]

I have a Windows Server 2003 machine (not setup as a domain controller) that I need to install a shared printer on. The shared printer is an HP LaserJet 4350, and is attached to an XP SP2 machine within the same domain.

When I tried to add the printer to the Server 2003 machine, the printer was not found in the directory (even though it is set to be on the XP machine). I tried adding it using \\computername\sharename, but get the error message "Windows cannot connect to the printer. Either the printername was entered incorrectly, or the specified printer has lost its connection to the server".

I opened Network Places on the Server 2003 machine, and double-clicked this xp computer in the list of domain computers. I get the message: "\\xp_computer is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. Network path not found".

I am logged into the Server 2003 machine as the network admin, which does have permissions to the xp computer. Also, I have no problem accessing this xp machine using a different xp machine within this same domain.

Even though the printer is set to be listed in the directory, it is not seen in the directory, whether I do a search from an xp machine or the server 2003 machine.

No firewall is currently active on the server, and the firewall on the xp machine has file and print sharing allowed as an exception.

The printer is using the latest drivers and firmware.

Also, I can connect to many other xp machines on this domain from the Server 2003 machine, so I think the problem lies within the xp computer that has the shared printer.

Any tips on this will be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Davetoo]

Client for Microsoft Networks running on the XP?

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[lhuegele]

Have you tried using the FQDN instead of just the computer name?

Instead of trying \\xp_computer use the full name
\\xp_computer.mydomain.com

 

[CatchTwentyTwo]

Thank you for your responses!

I was able to correct the problem by doing the following:

In the Properties of the XP machine's local area connection (LAN), I deselected File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, clicked OK, and closed out. I then went back in to the properties, selected File and Printer Sharing again, clicked OK, and closed out. After doing that, I was then able to connect to the XP machine from both the Windows 2003 Server and our other networked XP machines. I was also able to add the XP-shared printer to the 2003 machine.

 

[lhuegele]

Glad you figured it out.