Network printer trouble

[tich]

Mornin`.

Need help with my network printer.
I have three computers on my home network, all running windows xp pro. I can print etc from the computer that is directly connected to printer. I used to be able to print from the other two computers but for some reason it all stopped. If I go to control panel/ printers the printer is listed on both of the computers that I am unable to print from. In an effort to fix the problem I have uninstalled the printer from one of the computers that I cannot print from and then tried reinstall it. Following the on screen instructions I have tried browseing for the printer and putting in the printer address, on both occassions I could only get as far as finding the network but a printer could not be found. When I tried to print from one of the other computers (not the server computer) I get a message saying that a printer is not installed or the printer has lost its connection with the server .
I know this all may seem a bit long winded but I can`t think how to explain any better with out a little help.
Rgards
Tich

 

[tlarkin]

can you add the printer by location?

new printer set up wizard, and then type specific location and use

\\computername\printername

where the computer name is the name of the computer that is physically hooked up and the name you gave the printer when you shared it

 

[frezl]

try -- control panel -> printers -> share for all. next step my network place-> choose computer with printer and connect.

 

[tich]

Now this is really doin` my head in!
I`ve gone to Control Panel-Network Connections-My Network Places-View Workgroup Computers. No other computers on the network are shown. All I get is a box appear with the heading My Network Place. In the box it say`s "MSHome is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contct the administrator of this server to find out if youhave access permission. The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available" What`s that all about?????. I get the same messege on the other two computers that are connected to the `network`.
I have;
Three computers all running xp pro.
All three computers are connected into a buffalo airstation g54 router which is connected to webstar modem.
I can access the internet on all three computers.
I can share files. I have two printers. Both are connected to different computers. I am able to print from any of the three computers to one of the printers (old Lexmark Z12) but can only print to the other printer (Canon MP360) from the computer that it is attached to.
I have followed the Add Printer Wizard on the two computers that are not directly attached the printer (canon mp360) by either browsing for the printer or by adding it by location i.e \\computer name\printer name. Either way the printer is not located or I get another message saying that I have typed the wrong information(I have checked and double checked!) or the printer has lost it`s connection with the server, which it hasn`t because I can print from the computer that it is directly attached to.
Hope this is making sense to someone out there!!!!!
I am considering uninstalling the printer, modem, router, network cards and anything else that I can think of associated with networking and starting from scratch but (a) I don`t know if that would do any good and (b) would doing so cause me even more problems?.
For those wondering why I want two printers available to all three computers is that the old LexmarkZ12 only prints in black (cartridges are SOOOO! expensive compared to the cartridges for the Canon MP360). I use this printer to print letters etc. The Canon MP360 the kids use to print thier homework etc which requires colour. It doesn`t print txt too good hence the use of the LexmarkZ12
So to sum up gentlemen and ladies, I need guidance on what to do. Should I start from scratch, given up and get someone in who knows what their doing at great expense or find a high building and jump off ?

Regards
Tich