Hi. Thank you for your question and reaching out. I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.
Here are a few steps you can try to fix the "Windows cannot connect to the printer" error when trying to install the printer on client systems:
- Check the printer connection: Make sure that the printer is connected to the network and that it is turned on. Also, check that the printer is configured correctly and that the IP address or hostname is correct.
- Check the network: Ensure that the client systems and the print server are connected to the same network and that there are no connectivity issues.
- Install the latest printer drivers: Make sure that the latest printer drivers are installed on the client systems. You can download the latest drivers from the printer manufacturer's website and install them on the client systems.
- Check the Print and Document Services role: Make sure that the Print and Document Services role is installed on the server and the client systems.
- Check the Firewall: Make sure the firewall is configured to allow network printing and the ports are open.
- Check the Print Spooler: Restarting the Print Spooler service on the client systems may resolve the issue.
- Try to connect to the printer by IP Address: Try to connect to the printer by IP address instead of the hostname
- Try to install the printer as a local printer: Try to install the printer as a local printer, then connect to it as a network printer.
It's also important to check that the printer is shared on the server and the share name is correct and accessible from the client systems.
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