Can't connect to printer

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Mac OS X hosts.
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ecelis
Posts: 5
Joined: 30. Oct 2010, 17:16
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: windows xp

Can't connect to printer

Post by ecelis »

I know that this has probably been asked >100 times, but sorry I am new at VB and don't know much about Windows. Actually I try to avoid it but my wife bought this progrem that only runs on Windows and she needs to print. I have downloaded the Windows drivers for the printer (Epson Stylus CX4600, connected via an USB cable, which works well in the Mac environment) and initiated the installation but it cannot find the printer. Can someone help with simple instructions (if possible)?

Update: After clicking OK and trying to print I do get the printer but when trying to print I get a message that the printer is out of paper (its not), I can still print in the Mac environment,,,

Thanks (desperate husband)
Last edited by ecelis on 30. Oct 2010, 17:53, edited 1 time in total.
stefan.becker
Volunteer
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Joined: 7. Jun 2007, 21:53

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by stefan.becker »

Google for sharing printers via network. Topics: IPP, Cups.
ecelis
Posts: 5
Joined: 30. Oct 2010, 17:16
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: windows xp

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by ecelis »

But my printer is directly connected to the computer via USB. I need more detailed help please...
stefan.becker
Volunteer
Posts: 7639
Joined: 7. Jun 2007, 21:53

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by stefan.becker »

You can share the printer via network.

On Mac in CUPS or what ever is the name of the print server you must give the printer free for the network.

In Windows you must install a network printer pointing to the host ip-adress.

For example:

http://members.cox.net/18james/osx_printer_sharing.html
ecelis
Posts: 5
Joined: 30. Oct 2010, 17:16
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: windows xp

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by ecelis »

How do I find the Host IP address?
ChipMcK
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Joined: 20. May 2009, 02:17
Primary OS: Mac OS X other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows, OSX
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Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by ChipMcK »

Another approach
1) Shutdown the VirtualBox machine
2) Under Mac OS X
a) System Preferences, Print & Fax, Check "Share this printer on the network"
b) System Preferences, Sharing, Check "Printer Sharing" and Check the printer
3) VirtualBox machine, Network:
a) if only one adapter selected and it is attached as NAT [this is the default], then add Second adapter attached as Host-only Adapter, Name: vboxnet0
b) if the adapter is attached as Bridged Adapter, then do nothing (you have a reason to be Bridged?)
4) Start up the Vbox machine - let it adjust to added Network Adapter
a) Download and install from Apple "Bonjour Print Services for Windows" http://support.apple.com/kb/DL999
b) start Bonjour Printer Wizard and follow the menus

Best!

Edited: corrected typos and/or finger checks
ecelis
Posts: 5
Joined: 30. Oct 2010, 17:16
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: windows xp

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by ecelis »

I solved the problem (before reading ChipMcK's suggestion in an easy manner: Downloaded Apple's "Bonjour Print Services for Windows" (http://support.apple.com/kb/dl999) and installed it. When I connected the printer via USB, the application immediately detected the printer, asked me if I wanted to download drivers and install the printer, I did that and it works great! No need to use Windows Printer utilities or mess around with VirtualBox settings. I hope this helps someone else...
michael.morton
Posts: 1
Joined: 8. Nov 2010, 10:38
Primary OS: Mac OS X other
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: xp

Re: Can't connect to printer

Post by michael.morton »

Ok, so I downloaded bonjour, per ChipMcK's steps above, and the software found the printer on the host and installed necessary items. The printer shows up as a network printer in the vbox xp printers and shows the printer located on the Mac however, it still will not print. Any ideas?????
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