windows cannot connect to the printer windows 7

Try this.....I have seen it work on machines upgraded or coming into a previous 32bit environment. Try this on the machine sharing the printer.

1) Share Permissions
1. On explorer, go to C:\windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS
2. Right click, Properties
3. Sharing tab
4. Advanced Sharing
5. Check "Share this folder"
6. Permissions
7. Grant everyone Full Control

2) NTFS Permissions
1. On explorer, go to C:\windows\system32\spool\printers
2. Right click, Properties
3. Security tab
4. Edit
5. Add
6. Advanced
7. Find Now 8. Choose "NETWORK"
9. OK
10. Grant Network full control.

You may also need this last step.

1. Go to "Printers"
2. click "Add Printer"
3. "Add a Local Printer"
4. "Create a New Port"
5. use the "Local Port" option
6. at "Enter a Port Name" enter: "\\Computername\Printername"