Ubuntu
samba package

Linux print driver now available for new printer, how to access it as Windows share?

Asked by silverrope

I install all my printers on a Windows machine and share them to my other machines via WLAN. For my Lucid Lynx laptop, I search for the printer via Samba and install the drivers from the driver database that comes with ubuntu. So far no problems in accessing my HP and Brother printers via Samba.

Recently, I bought a fairly newish printer, a Canon Pixma ip2700, so the driver is not available in the database. So I downloaded the Linux ip2700 driver from the Canon website, installed the deb file on my laptop, and I can now print but only if the Canon is connected directly to the laptop (not convenient).

Is it possible to connect the Canon like my HP and Brother onto the Windows machine and use it as a Samba printer using the driver I just installed? When I choose the Canon with the SMB Browser, it searches for a driver but doesn't find it. I just end up with the "Choose driver" list.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

You need to share the printer (use a sharename with no spaces or special characters for an easier life)

You can then setup your firewall in Windows (Windows firewall may need configuring if you haven't installed one) to allow the local data.

You can then use the printer app in the system -> admin folder to add a samba printer.

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silverrope (srope01) said : 		#2

The printer is made as a Windows share "ColourCanon" on my Windows machine. My Windows laptops can access it as a network printer. So I know sharing works.

For my Ubuntu laptop, I know that Samba works because I have managed to install two other printers (HP and Brother) as the drivers are in the database. I now have tried to add the Canon as a Samba printer. I click on "Add printer" and selected "Windows printer via Samba". I browse and find my "ColourCanon" printer. The problem comes in the next step when it searches for the driver. It does not find the Linux print driver that I just installed. I have to select a printer driver from the database and the Canon Pixma ip2700 is not listed (although others are there ip2000, ip3000, etc.).

The print driver I just installed will work if the printer is connected to the laptop. How do I get it to work with a printer connected as a Windows share?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

If you connect it locally, you may be able to get the driver file/s named if you bring up the properties of the printer.
If it doesn't say, you could search the system for PPD files to see if one relates to th printer, or re-download the debs and extract them to see what they contain, then use that as a reference to setup the printer.

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