printer server question

[vois2]

Hi, thank you for reading. I have in the past set up networked machines -- that is, a network around a *wired* router for several desktops.

Now, I'm wondering if I can do the following for a family member.
The question is whether a network as described below can share a printer..

(1) Dell Desktop PC, connected to DSL through a wireless router. A printer is also hooked up to this PC.

(2) In a different room, a Dell laptop receives the internet from that wireless router's broadcast.

Parts (1) and (2) are accomplished and all is good.

(3) Can a network be made for (1) and (2) via the usual Win XP network wizard?
(4) Can the printer at the desktop be used by the laptop over this network?
(5) Can this be done without purchasing a 'printer server' hardware?

Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[unmerited]

I usually set up networking manually but the network wizard should be able to do that without any problems. Once you have the network set up with file and printer sharing (on both computers), share out the printer on the Dell desktop and then connect to it using the add printer wizard from the laptop.
The desktop will of course have to be on whenever you want to access the printer from the laptop.

unmerited

 

[cleverhandle]

Yeah, should be fine. I would second unmerited's suggestion of doing this manually, though that network should be simple enough that even the Network Wizard can get it right. The only thing I would add is that you'll want to make sure that any users who are going to be sharing have exactly the same username and password on each machine.

 

[JackMDS]

However if you tried one time with the wizard and did not work do nto keep using the wizard, it would get worse.

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what is allowed to be shared.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

:sun: