How do I hookup my printer from desktop to laptop?

I installed my desktop printer on my laptop...but it says it's having trouble communicating with the printer?

• I plugged the cord to the printer from the desktop to my laptop. It found the new hardware and I loaded the printer installation cd on. It did that successfully and my computer is identifying the printer, BUT a message keeps coming up saying that it's having problems communicating with the printer. i tried restarting the computer, turning the printer off and on, and unplugging and plugging in the printer power cord. I'm so lost, and the Dell assistance people are not much of a help at all.

• Answer:

  1. Always helps to know what type of printer we are dealing with and which OS you are using (especially if they are different on each pc). 2. Did you use the "Add New Hardware Wizard" or did you cancel out of that and use the "setup" off the driver CD? Some printers have a problem when you install them using the Add New Hardware wizard. Suggestion: Remove the drivers--delete them from the Control Panel under Printers and Faxes (including if they are listed in Add/Remove Programs. Unplug the printer and reboot. Put in the CD that came with the printer and run the setup file. Plug the printer in when the install tells you too. Once the drivers are installed, reboot and then try to print the test page. 3. What type of cord are you using? I'm guessing a USB cable, but I just want to confirm this. If this does not work. Post additional details and we can go to the next step. **Update:** OK, you did use the Add/New Hardware wizard then. My suggestion is to do what I suggested above. Remove the drivers, un-plug the printer and reboot. Put in CD (it should auto-run), plug in the printer when directed to. If the "Add New Hardware Wizard comes up", cancel or close it out and continue with the installation. Once it is installed. Reboot. Click on globe | Control Panel | Printers. Right Mouse click on the printer (should only be listed once under printers) and click on Properties. Then click on the "Test Page" button and see if it prints.