Connecting MacBook to network printer on vista

This article steps you through connecting your Mac or MacBook to a network printer.  The printer is connected via usb to a windows Vista PC.  The article also details how to connect the Mac to the PC . 

On the Windows PC carry out the following :-

1. Open Control Panel/Network and Sharing Center.  Then set Printer sharing “ON” and Password Protect Sharing “OFF”
2. Open Control Panel/Programs and Features/Turn windows Features on or off.  Select Print Services/LPD print services “ON”
3. Go to Windows Explorer and share a Directory.  This is done by right mouse clicking on it and selecting “Share”.  Then choose people to share it with (everyone read only)

On the MacBook carry out the following :-

1. Plug the printer directly in to the MacBook usb then download and install the drivers.  Make sure you are able to print with it directly connected.
2. Connect printer back into Vista PC.
3. Printer must be setup at a network printer on MacBook so that we can print over lan or wifi to PC usb connected printer.  PC must be on to do this.
4. First we will give the MacBook the ability to connect to folders on the PC via the network. Open “Finder” on the Mac and select “GO” from the top menu. Type in PC details smb://networkname.  Then press “Connect”.  Type in the password and select the volume.  You should now be connected to the shred PC directory (it will appear in the Finders shared L.H panel)
5. To set up the Printer go to System Preferences/Print and Fax then select “+” to add the printer.
6. Press the “Ctrl” key on the MacBook and select “More Printers”.  From the drop down box select “Customize Toolbar” and drag “Advanced” on to your toolbar
7. Select this “Advanced” button and fill in :  Type = Windows, Url = smb://networkname.

Thats it should be done.  Once all working you may want to review what folders you have shared and your permission settings.