Sharing a printer

JE78

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2004
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My aunt calls me up yesterday and says she wanted to have both her computers print off the same printer. I told her I could set it up for her so I just wanted to make sure of something. I have an extra Netgear Hub. I was going to use that but then I realized the main computer is hooked up to the internet via cable. So her NIC card is in use. The 2nd computer which is 7 years old doesn't have internet access and won't need it.

So i won't beable to use the extra Hub correct? Would a router be the way to go?
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
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Does the second computer at least her a NIC in it? Also does the printer have a NIC?

If yes to both, just plop in a router, hook everything up to and away you go.

If one or the other doesn't, then sharing won't work as easily. Could get a NIC for computer 2. Could get a wireless port for the printer. Lots of options.

If NEITHER has a NIC.. get one for the PC #2 and get a router. Then plug the printer into PC1 and share it. Then set it up on PC 2 through file/printer sharing.

Few options that depend on what you have and don't.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,491
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If the old computer has USB you can get two 802.11b USB cards. (they go on sales for less then $20).

Plug the two USBs configure them in AD-Hoc connetion and set the sharing.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

If you add ICS to the mix she can even share the Internet.

:sun:

Other options to connet directly two computers: How I connect two computers to exchange files and print?

:thumbsup:
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
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I guess if they are near each other you could also get a parallel autopmatic switch box thing that lets you plug the printer into both computers via the Parallel connection.
 

JE78

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2004
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they aren't near each other. One is upstairs the other is downstairs but the house was built with networking in mind. I'm not sure if the 2nd computer has a NIC card or not, I don't think so since it was before cable internet. I also don't think the printer is USB either. Looks like I'll just get a router and set it up that way.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
If it's a parallel only printer and PC2 doesn't have a NIC, then you'll have 2 options.

1) Plug printer directly into PC1. Put both PCs on the network with a router. PC1 can share the printer over the network and PC2 can print through PC1. Downfalll is PC1 has to be on in order for PC2 to print.

or

2) Plug both computers into the router (Need a NIC on PC2). Plug the printer into the Router (need a print server attachment for the printer). BOth computer can connect via the network. Pros is that neither computer has to be on for the other to print.
 

BriGy86

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2004
4,537
1
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i have 2 computers connected to the net through a router, one has the printer hooked to it through the USB port, im trying to use printer sharing and im going through the wizards yet nothing happens

what am i doing wrong?
 

fireontheway

Golden Member
Jul 8, 2003
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Originally posted by: BriGy86
i have 2 computers connected to the net through a router, one has the printer hooked to it through the USB port, im trying to use printer sharing and im going through the wizards yet nothing happens

what am i doing wrong?


Do you see the other system on your workgroup?
 

BriGy86

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2004
4,537
1
91
no, nothing ever shows up, both computers are labeled in the same work group, and thanks for responding
 

BriGy86

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2004
4,537
1
91
and when ever i try to share the printer i get an error saying "printer settings could not be saved. operation could not be completed"

im logged in as admin too
 

fireontheway

Golden Member
Jul 8, 2003
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Originally posted by: BriGy86
no, nothing ever shows up, both computers are labeled in the same work group, and thanks for responding


If nothing shows up right click on My Computer/Computer Name Tab/On the bottom right you will see a Change button,click that and enter the name of the desired workgroup.

Do it for both systems.
 

BriGy86

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2004
4,537
1
91
i found it out, the computer that is connected to the printer has norton firewall installed, even if you disable the fire wall it wont work, you have to go in and put the one comptuer in the trusted list (the comptuers IP)

thanks for the help