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Sharing printer from Mac -> Windows

S

suklee

Diamond Member
I thought this would be easy to set up: I've got an HP LaserJet 1020 connected to my iMac and want to share it to 3 other Windows PCs (one W8 and two XP).

None of the PCs can see the Mac printer when adding the printer, and trying to add them directly using "\\imac\laserjet", it will ask for login credentials. I've already set Mac printer sharing to "Everyone Can Print". Computers are in the same workgroup. What am I missing?
 
Windows Homegroup is not included with XP, but is included with Windows 7/8/8.1. Homegroup is designed for ease of sharing printers. The easiest printer sharing would be either: a network printer with built-in ethernet port or WiFi, or else a USB print sharing box. It's a piece of hardware about the size of a deck of cards.
So: without buying any additional hardware: at least the W8 machine should be able to use the iMac's printer.
 
Thanks guys. I did try logging in, didn't work. The W8 machine couldn't find the printer on the Mac either. I ended up plugging the printer into a Windows machine and just shared it that way, my Mac can print to it no problem... so my problem is "solved" for now 😵
 
Check if your network router has usb printer sharing.

Otherwise, (barring an upgrade to a network printer) I'd look into a USB print server like vailr mentioned. You can probably pick one up for $20 or so.
 
I've never used printer sharing on a Mac before, but would the Windows Bonjour client be useful here? Apple being Apple, I would expect that they include advertising the printer via Bonjour (ZeroConf).
 
ViRGE said:
I've never used printer sharing on a Mac before, but would the Windows Bonjour client be useful here? Apple being Apple, I would expect that they include advertising the printer via Bonjour (ZeroConf).
Click to expand...

I would assume you'd need a connector between the Spooler service and the Bonjour client (or a Bonjour client and spooler service port/connector all-in-one) to pull that off.

@ vailr

Unless MacOS explicitly states that it has Windows Homegroup support, I doubt that XP's lack of the "make it easier" layer has any relevance.

@ OP

Does the Mac show the printer (and other shares) if you do \\imac from the other computers?

- edit - if your workaround is good enough then OK, I only noticed your latest post after I posted.
 
suklee said:
Thanks guys. I did try logging in, didn't work. The W8 machine couldn't find the printer on the Mac either. I ended up plugging the printer into a Windows machine and just shared it that way, my Mac can print to it no problem... so my problem is "solved" for now 😵
Click to expand...
I guess the genius bar was no help? How does OS X share amongst multiple OS X computers on the same network?

Personally I use a wifi printer and all computers see it on the network.
 
BarkingGhostar said:
I guess the genius bar was no help? How does OS X share amongst multiple OS X computers on the same network?
Click to expand...
It's built into the OS, I believe with Bonjour, but in my experience it's not 100% reliable. In my case it's moot anyway though since I let my Macs sleep, which of course the printers become unavailable when the Macs are sleeping.

Personally I use a wifi printer and all computers see it on the network.
Click to expand...
I bought a network printer too. However, it was a problem since my iOS devices couldn't see it. Then I bought a AirPrint compatible network printer.

Mine are Epson inkjets and the ink costs too much, and the inkjets frequently clog. I wish I could find a CHEAP and GOOD AirPrint compatible network laser printer with cheap toner cartridges, but haven't found one yet. Any recommendations? I currently have a laser hooked up to my iMac but it's not networked.
 
@Eug: Samsung and Brother probably have the best pricing on networked B&W laser printers, for which cheaper 3rd-party toner cartridges are available on Amazon. Can often be found on sale in the $50 to $100 price range. Can't comment on AirPrint compatability, however.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16828112545
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=57528&vpn=HL2270DW&manufacture=Brother&promoid=1013
USB only:
www.staples.com/Brother-Refurbished-EHL-2240-Mono-Laser-Printer/product_385102
 
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Note, I'm in Canada, but I believe those first two aren't AirPrint compatible. (The third one I can't see because I didn't provide a zip code.)

I suspect Apple charges a fee to incorporate AirPrint, hence its presence on a limited set of higher priced models.
 
Printing from a wireless iDevice should at least be possible via the iMac's own WiFi or BlueTooth function, no?
In other words: if you can print directly from the iMac's keyboard, you should also be able to print from a nearby iDevice.
Or else: maybe there's some iDevice and/or Mac app that would enable that function.
So: the printer itself wouldn't necessarily have to have wireless capability, simply a wired ethernet router connection would work. As long as the local ethernet connected iMac, printer and router were all powered up.
Also see:
NETGEAR GENIE APP MAKES ANY PRINTER AIRPRINT-COMPATIBLE
http://www.netgear.com/about/press-releases/2012/05072012.aspx
 
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You can enable AirPrint sharing via a Mac. However the apps that do this aren't 100% reliable, and again, it requires the Mac to be on 24/7.

It's much easier to just have the printer be AirPrint enabled and networked.
 
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