Here is a transcript from a recent chat that I initiated with a professional computer technician from a VERY popular computer company. I have edited this piece to protect the stupid. I am not here to sling mud at this particular computer corporation.

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Chat Transcript Begins Here
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Tech:
Hello sloth,

Tech:
Welcome to *edited* Total Care for *edited* Notebooks . My name is *edited*. How may I help you today?

Sloth:
I am unable to add a printer to this system.

Tech:
I am sorry to hear that.

(long pause)

Sloth:
So… Can you help me?

Tech:
Could you please provide me with complete description of the issue?

Sloth:
Hrmm. I added this computer to the workgroup. It does say that it is in
the workgroup, but I cannot see any other systems in 'My Network Places', and File/Printer sharing is not working. I cannot ping the print server. I have disabled my
firewall, and added IPX/SPX protocol.

Sloth:
I am connected to a workgroup without a domain.

Tech:
Are you able to see this computer in another systems?

Sloth:
Yes. I can see this system from other systems.

Tech:
Please Share C: drive in this Notebook and check if you are able to see
the C: drive in another systems or not.

Sloth:
Yes. I can see this system’s shared files from other systems.

Tech:
You are able to see this computer in another systems, right?>

Sloth:
Yes.

Tech:
Please open this computer on another systems and let me know if you are
able to see the Shared drive in another systems or not.

Sloth: Yes! I AM! I am able to see this computer in other systems!

Tech:
Please open "My networking places" and click on the "Entire Network" in
the left side of that Window.

Sloth:
As I have said, this window is completely blank.

Tech:
May I know on which system did you plug the printer into?

Sloth:
What? What are you asking me? It’s just a random system on the network. I plugged it into the print server!

Sloth:
It’s the white one over there!

Tech:
There are 3 Simple Steps to get the Printer to work over a
Hard-Wired/Wireless network.

Tech:
I will provide the steps here.

Sloth:
Oh no.

Tech:
May I proceed now?

Sloth:
Okay, but I should tell you that this isn't going to be as simple as
sharing out the printer and connecting to it. There is something wrong.

Tech:
Please follow the three steps provided.

(Sends me steps on how to share out the printer and connect to it.)

Sloth:
Sir, I cannot even ping the print server.

Sloth:
It's not that I don't know how to setup a printer, sir.

Tech:
I suggest you to reinstall the Printer driver on the Server.

Sloth:
Printer drivers would not prohibit me from pinging the server.

Tech:
Yes, you are right.

Tech:
I have some steps that would be helpful to you to solve the problem with the *computer*.

Tech:
May I proceed now?

Sloth:
Yes. Go ahead.

Tech:
Here are the steps:

(sends me 3 pages about how to set up a printer and share it out)

(There is a long pause while I stare at my screen in disbelief.

Tech:
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Sloth:
. . . . .

tech:
The solution provided should work. However, if the problem persists,
please get back to us with the results, and we will continue
troubleshooting to resolve this issue.

Tech:
Have a Great Time!

Sloth:
Sir! I can't PING the PRINT SERVER!

Tech:
Okay.

Sloth:
Reinstalling drivers will not help if it's not delivering packets!

Tech:
sloth, I suggest you to open the above given link and select the
correct option for connecting to the Printers support professionals.

Sloth:
There is nothing wrong with the printer!

Sloth:
Okay. Here is my brand new problem, that has NOTHING to do with Printers.
I STILL CAN’T PING THE PRINT SERVER!!.

Tech:
Please give me couple of minutes.

Tech:
I am searching on this issue.

Sloth:
Oh my god.

Tech:
Please check the IP address for your notebook?

Tech:
Click Start------> Run


Sloth:
The IP address for this local machine is 10.0.0.139

Sloth:
The server's IP address is 10.0.0.130

Tech:
Thanks for the information

Tech:
Let me know have you installed with Norton Internet Security?

Sloth:
Yes! Good question! Yes I have. I have disabled it though.

Tech:
I suggest that you reinstall the drivers for the printer, and restart your computer.

Sloth:
Thank you very much. You’ve been a great help! Really! It’s totally working now. Thank you.

Tech:
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Sloth:
Nah! That was great. You’ve been wonderful. Thank you.

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Chat Transcript Ends Here


Wow!

-sloth