I have 2 nmachines - 1 laptop w/ Windows XP SP1 and one desktop with Windows XP Media Center. They two can share files, map drives, ping each other, etc., so I don't trhink it is a network issue. The two can also see the printers being shared by the other. I can "Add Printer, browse to the other computer and choose one of the shared printer, it seems to load, and shows in my printer list after installation. I can click the printer icon and open it. But when I try to print to it, I get a message saying "The printer driver is not installed.." I can chose to install it, at which point the whole process repeats itsfel. Any thoughts on what I have fouled up?

(Moderator edit: added Topic Description. jgweed)

What type of printer is it? When you install the drivers for it, does it go through or give you errors? Have you thought about splurging 20 bucks on a cheap print server?

Its an older HP LaserJet 5P. It is attached to the laptop. When I am on the desktop, I can choose "add new printer", browse and find the printer on the laptop, and it says I have succesfully added the printer. It will then show in my printer list. If I open it, it will display the que. If I do anything else, including try to print to it, it gives me the "driver is not installed error. I can choose to install the driver at that point (which I shouldn't have to do, I don't think) and it again tells me it was successfully installed. I can try again to print, and the whole "driver not installed" error happens again. The same issue happens when I am on the laptop and try to add then use the Lexmark 700 attached to the desktop. The laptop sees it, adds it, but then errors when it tries to use it - "driver not installed". I posted here in the networking forum because I was concerned it might be a network setup issue, or a personal firewall issue, etc.

Try downloading and installing the drivers manually from the HP website.