Troubleshoot Vista network printer issues ?

There is a common issue under Windows Vista where the user is unable to print to a properly installed network printer. When the problem occurs, documents get stuck in the printer queue, or you may get an error: "Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation could not be completed". It is also possible for a Vista computer not to see some XP/2k network printers at all.

These issues can often be resolved by installing as a local printer instead of a network one (provided it has Vista drivers). You can use either the remote networked machine name or IP address to add the printer, as follows:

1. Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Printers
2. Right-click and choose Add a local printer -> Create a new port -> type: Local Port
3. In the "Enter a port name" dialog, type either:

\\NETWORKMACHINENAME\printsharename
or
\\IPADDRESS\printsharename

That should resolve the network printer issues.

Note: For printers directly connected to a network you can simply add their IP address in the Add Printer Wizard.