I have a strange issue with my printer settings.  I'm running Windows 7 Home and using a Brother MFC640CW printer, connected wirelesly.  It's an old printer,but it was working fine with my computer until a few months ago.  The issue is that the computer cannot connect anymore  to the printer by reading the printer's node name.  I have to go in and configure the pritner port using it's IP address.  I tried to make the printer IP address static, but I'm not tech savvy enough with networking and it occasionally changes it address.  Since my wife also uses the printer (with no problems) I really just want my computer to recognize the node.  I've tried reinstalling the drivers, resetting the printer, disabling the firewall.  I'm out of ideas.  I'm familiar enough with computers to know where to find settings, but not knowledgable enough to understand what to change.  Any suggestions? SPAM/Advertising Virus/Spyware/Malware danger Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation Child exploitation or abuse Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Threats include any threat of suicide, violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising. Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites. Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation.

Welcome to Microsoft Community where you can find all the answers related to Windows.

Based on the description provided, it appears that the wireless printer works with the Ip address and not with the node name.

I have a couple of steps which should assist you with this issue.

Method 1:

Try the steps mentioned in this link and check:

This tutorial is designed to help you identify and fix common printer problems in Windows , including print errors, print spooler errors, and other issues that could prevent you from printing. This tutorial doesn't cover printing problems related to specific programs. Printing problems can be caused by cables that aren't connected properly, corrupt drivers, incompatible drivers, printer settings, missing updates, and problems with your printer.

Fix printer problems

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/printer-problems-in-windows-help#fix-printer-problems=windows-7&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab1

Method 2:

Visit this link and refer " Setting up a network printer" and check.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Install-a-printer-on-a-home-network

Keep us posted on the status of the issue. If you face any more issues while working with Windows do post on Microsoft Community.

Ravinath P
Forum Moderator - Multiple Forums SPAM/Advertising Virus/Spyware/Malware danger Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation Child exploitation or abuse Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Threats include any threat of suicide, violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising. Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites. Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation.

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately, those steps did not help.

I can successfully use the printer by changing all the device and port settings (scanner, printer, and printer utilities) to specify the machine by its local IP address.  I can't get anything to work if I specify the machine by its node name.

So it's the failure of the computer to find the printer/scanner by node name that is the issue.  And of course, it only becomes a problem when the printer's IP address changes.  But I still would like to know why I can't just use the node name, as I've done for the past 6 years up until a few months ago.

Maybe there was a windows update that changed something, or I inadvertently changed a setting?

thanks again

SPAM/Advertising Virus/Spyware/Malware danger Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation Child exploitation or abuse Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Threats include any threat of suicide, violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising. Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites. Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation.