Try turning off the firewall. If that works, you know where to change settings.

I think it is a configuration issue because the default mode of the TL-WR702 is an Access Point not a router. I think you need to change it to router mode and then let the laptop and wireless printer connect to it successfully. Instruction is here http://www.tp-link.com/en/article/?faqid=396

Thanks to you both.........I've temporarily turned off the firewall and also the encryption (not an issue in this location) but to no avail.......I'll change to router mode when on location tomorrow and see if it does the trick. The point which intrigued me the most was whether or not the lack of an immediately available internet connection was issue which for some reason affected things. If it was then there is no quick fix. If it isn't an issue and affects nothing on such a simple 'home wireless network' then at least there's hope! I'll post back on the thread tomorrow......Many thanks again!

Another tip: the laptop should connect to the 702 and not to Internet also

Do you mean it the laptop should be configured in such a way it doesn't try to connect with the internet whilst connected to the 702?

An alternative (a better one IMHO, unless you need the extra range that the router might provide, is to set up an ad-hoc network between the laptop and the printer. The IP address of one becomes the gateway of the other and vice versa, and you're in business. If you do need the router in between, try turning off DHCP in the router and set up an ad-hoc connection.

I have successfully used an ADSL router as a switch (I connected the incoming internet to the LAN port and all the other devices to the WiFi). Worked fine for me.

That sounds logical @anytimer. I do need the range of the router though. How do I achieve in detail the processes you mention with regards to using the router as a switch, if you don't mind listing them for the uninitiated! I'm a journalist, not an astronaut! :-)

Try these settings as static IPs for the laptop:

IP: 192.168.0.10
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.11

and printer:
IP: 192.168.0.11
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.10

If either device needs it, use the gateway IP for the DNS also.

You can check your printer manual for the instructions on how to set static IP address. For the laptop, go to the properties of the wireless adapter, then double click the IPv4 item in the list of protocols. Change the option button to 'use these settings' and type in the values I have suggested.

If this approach doesn't work, change the settings back to 'automatic' (i.e. DHCP) and you'll be back where you started.

Thanks......I'll give it a whirl and see what gives! I'll post the result on here this weekend. 'Eureka' will mean it worked whilst 'Oh S**t' will mean I'm still having difficulties" Appreciate your time and assistance, thanks again!