Question : WinXP network printing error: Access Denied, unable to connect.

I am working on a small wireless network with a win2k print server. Only the XP Home machines receive this error when trying to print to the hp 1200 series printer: "Access denied, unable to connect." I have checked the share tab for the printer and even allowed full access to the everyone group. I've tried re-installing/re-mapping the printer as many different ways as I can think. I don't think it's a network problem because I can browse and ping everywhere.  XP prof. prints just fine

CG

Answer : WinXP network printing error: Access Denied, unable to connect.

Since XP Home does not support domain authentication you have 2 options to retain your authentication setting after a machine power cycles.

1. Make your computer memorize the username and password for the print server.
    Go to the Control Panel--> User Accounts-->> Advanced
    Click on Manage Passwords
    Click Add
    For server enter \\Servername
    For username enter \\(Domain or Workgroup)\(Username)   This is an account with rights on the print server.
    For password enter the password of the above username.
    Click Ok
    Click Close
    Click Ok
This will tell you computer what account and username to use everytime is accesses that server.

2. Write a small batch script and make it a login script.
    Open a new test document
    inside enter the following:

          net use LPT2: /delete
          net use LPT1: \\printserver\myprinter userpassword /USER:domain\username
   
    Close the document and save as printer.bat
    Copy to the %systemroot%

Open a command prompt, click Start > Run.
In the run dialog box, type gpedit.msc .
Click Enter, the Group Policy Editor window displays.
Under User Configuration, expand Windows Settings and select Scripts (Logon/Logoff).
Double-click the Login icon on the right.
Click Add to a new login script.
Browse for the batch file created in the section above
Click OK
Click OK.
Close the Group Policy Editor.
Restart the workstation and the policy applies itself.
When you log into the network again, the drives should map.
Note: If the network is not available, the printer does not map.

I personally like this method better as you can add any drives or other resources into the batch file.