So further googling turns out Mint does not install Samba, but whilst going through the updates there is an update for Samba, now why download an update if the software is not installed?
Mint doesn't install Samba. That's news. Mint didn't have any difficulty finding Samba shares.
Hum. Maybe I should plug that hard drive in again and check that out.
((BTW: I did something you mentioned before. I set up a workstation for the sole purpose of scanning / cloning hard drives, testing various installations, distro's etc. While I have flat screens everywhere, in this case, I'm using an old style monitor. I have a lot of obsolete hardware in the shed.))
On the MFP and since you like inkjets, have you checked out the Epson Ecotank? While they don't support them, Epson does provide ET-2650 Linux drivers. This model doesn't do "two-sided" printing which might be a priority for you or the wife.
(Also, Canon has something they call a Mega Tank but it's a few more bucks,, um "pounds".)
With your wife needing to print materials for classes and the job, something like the above might work for you. If she prints a lot, it might save on consumables costs.
It seems most printers has a combination wireless interface / print server built in these days. I have no idea how wireless (through the router access) and the provided drivers, would play with cups.
Of course, if needed, you could share out the printer from a Windows VM.
For those purposes, legacy windows software, hardware drivers, etc., I'm waiting for ReactOSto come out of beta. Here's to hoping it's soon.
But,,, (gasp!) it's a Russian OS! They might try to hack my vote!!