Mac/Windows - Network Printer

[baptizedinChrist]

I just bought my first MacBook. I have a computer running Windows Vista sharing a Canon printer. I'm trying to connect that printer to my Mac through my home network, but it's just not wanting to work. I'm probably doing something wrong so I hope to get some help.

I ran into various obstacles. First, I can see my Windows computer on my MacBook. I can also access some of the shared drives that I have on it. However, when I go to access the printer share in the printer preferences section, I get prompted to enter my user name and password to access that resource. Problem is, I never made that a requirement. I don't remember putting such a restriction on the printer share. Is it Windows asking me for this authentication? Or, is it OSX? Playing along, I typed in both my user name & password for OSX and for Vista. But, I was denied. User name & password is invalid. I've tried creating a new IP port for the printer share and pointing my MacBook towards it...but, nope. Nothing. Just an error in printing.

I'm tempted to go by a separate printer just for my Mac...but, if this is a problem that can be easily solved...I'd like to know (so I can save some money).

If anyone needs anymore information: just let me know.

Mind you, I am a n00b at this Mac stuff. Oh, and for the record, yes...I absolutely LOVE it! :yeah

Thanks for the help.

[Kung]

http://www.cnet.com.au/desktops/pcs/0,239029439,240056544,00.htm

And particularly this thread:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6174109.html

[Bodude]

Can you install BonJour on the Vista machine? Will make the network printer thing easy.

[Bodude]

I also found this post on the discussion boards over at Apple. Maybe it will help:

Hello Dave,

From my own testing I have found there to be a problem with connecting to a shared Vista printer via SMB. A posting on MacFixit showed a workaround that has been succesful to Vista Home and Ultimate.

What you need to do is use LPR printing.

On Vista, open Control Panel and open 'Programs and Features'. Click on 'Turn Windows Features on or off' in the left pane. Expand 'Print Services', enable 'LPD Print Service' and click OK.

While still on Vista, check the IP address as you won't be able to browse to the shared printer on Vista.

On the Mac, open Printer Setup Utility, click Add and select IP Printer. Hold down the Option key and click More Printers. Select Advanced from the menu and then select 'LPD/LPR Host or Printer'. In the 'Device URI' field, enter the following syntax;

lpd://ip address of Vista/share name of printer

for example: lpd://192.168.0.10/Epson

Then in the Print Using menu, select the same Epson driver that you were using when you were connecting to the XP share. Then click 'Add' to complete the install.

If this doesn't work then there are some things to check.
1. The Mac and Vista must be on the same subnet.
2. The share name souldn't have spaces or symbols. Keep it short and simple.