2 computers 1 printer

69mako

New Member
I did a quick search for this because i know I can't be the first person with this issue. I'm building a new computer for my mother-in-law. It will be located upstairs in the 2nd bedroom. The old computer along with the printer are located on the main floor foyer. The new computer will run XP and the old computer runs ME. I need to get each computer connected to the printer. It's an HP all-in-one. What are my options?

Thanks,
Mako
 
If you have a hub/switch, your best option is to plug it into the XP machine, install it and enable sharing (you will have the option then to install more drivers so that other OS such as ME can also connect to it. Then on the ME machine you connect to a network printer. The network printer will be located at //nameofXPcomputer/sharenameofprinter.

Hope this helps.
 
If she has a wireless router you can set up a file sharing and printer sharing on a network. And there you go! its real easy to set up on vista (just a couple clicks) i cant remember if its the same way on XP or not, its been a while since i messed with it on XP. Just look for something that say "networking and sharing" under control panel on the computer the printer is connected to. If she has wireless.
 
Im set up this way for my wireless laptop using xp. have both computers using same workgroup also. I would also take down the firewall until ya get it going.
then authorize the firewall for printsharing.
 
If your computers are networked you just need to go to your "Printers and Faxes" and you should see the printers. If not make sure you go to the PC the printer is connected to and check to see if the option is selected to network you printer. I have been doing it like this for awhile and it works well. Only annoying part is the PC connected to the printer needs to be on. If the printer is not showing up in "Printers and Faxes" give it a few minutes and right click and refresh then they should pop up.

I have my laptop in my kitchen and print from my either one of my computers up stairs. If you have the extra money you should spring for a Print Server.
 
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