1 Printer- 2 computers

I have 2 computers running through a Linksys broadband wireless router with the decktop hardwired and the laptop connecting wirelessly. My printer has only 1 USB port and I have it wired to the desktop. How can I print off the laptop without unplugging and plugging the cable. The desktop has Windows ME and the laptop has XP. The desktop remains on all the time.

 

hi cre
create a network on both computer and used the same domain name
then share the printer on the network
should work mine does

 

1. Set the "workgroup" name to be the same in the network settings of both PC's, and set the computer names to be different. Make sure "file and print sharing" is enabled on the ME desktop (check the share printers option at least).

2. Go to the printer folder on the ME machine. Right click on the printer you want to share and select "sharing". Enable sharing and give it a simple share name.

3. On the XP laptop, go to the printer folder. Select "Add a printer". Select Network printer. On the next screen, select the middle option, and type in \\MEMACHINENAME\PRINTERSHARENAME (of course, substitute the names you have assigned for the ME Machine and Printer). Continue through. You'll likely be prompted for drivers, so you will need to have the driver disk handy. Set the printer as the default if it is what you will always (or primarily) print to.


Once you have done this, the ME desktop will be acting as a print server for your network. Thus, the laptop can only print if the ME desktop is running.

 

I have a similar situation, but use XP on both the desktop and the laptop.

I should have a similar (and maybe easier/better without MyEnemy) situation. - Any major difference?

Not a necessity, but it would be nice to use the printer that always has fresh and full ink cartridges instead of plugging into an older, neglected printer.

Dick

 

I use two printers , a hp laser tied to desktop , epson color inkjet tied to wifes laptop .

when I choose print I can send the document to either printer from any of the threee networked computers

 

When sharing a printer that is connected to one computer, that one computer must be on for you to print from the second (or any other computer).

A better solution is to buy a network print server and connect the printer to the print server. This way you don;t have to worry that a particular computer is turned on so that you can print. Better yet is to buy a router that has a built in print server.

My condolences on having Windows MyEnemy on your desktop. I hope you find the resources to dump that sorry excuse for an OS sooner rather than later.

 

depends on the situation

destop with the hp never is shut down ..

laptop with the lexmark . its rare for it not to be up at a time I would want to print .

print servers are another expense and another device to troubleshoot/go wrong

I would think printer sharing would work just fine for most home networks most of the time

 

This assumption may hold true for some home networks, but to say that it would hold true for most is a leap of faith. It does not hold true in my case or for the people I know.