Sharing a printer on a wireless network?

BenchmadeBoy

BenchmadeBoy

Joined
Sep 4, 2005
Messages
1,982
Hi. Here is my set-up

Compaq desktop connected to a Hp multifunction printer
D-link wireless router that provides internet for the desktop and for my wireless laptop
Compaq laptop with wireless card.

So, how do I set it up so I can print from the laptop, using the printer in the basement attached to the desktop? I had it set up once and now I can't make it work.Online stuff is no help at all. Help!!
 
As long as the desktop is hard wired to the printer and network and is ON it should be no problem.
 
It has been a long time since I set my printer up to do what you want to do but I think I had to set the desktop machine to share the printer and then add the printer to my laptop looking into the network for the printer to add it. Hope that helps.
 
Set up the printer to share to the network on your desktop and search for it on the network or find the IP address to set it up on your laptop. You will need the drivers for the printer on the laptop.

You can also get a print server to use to plug the printer directly into the router.

If you have a printer that is network ready with a NIC card installed, all you have to do is connect it to the router.
 
I use a Linksys wireless print server. Easy and doesn't require another computer.
 
Install Apples Bonjour for Windows on all your devices. You should be printer sharing in all of five minutes.
 
I would just make the printer a network printer rather than hook it up to the desktop. That way any computer on your network can use it without having to leave your desktop on all the time. Is it wireless capable or is it wired to the desktop because it isn't wireless capable? If it isn't wireless capable just plug it into the router - you won't be able to move it around but the whole network can still share it.
 
Hey thanks for all the responses. I haven't gotten around to doing anything lately. How do I make it a network printer? If I have a Vista machine (I may be getting a new laptop) does that make a difference??
 
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