Sharing a Printer
"I have two computers but only one printer. I understand there is a way to share the printer so both can print to it. Can you tell me how to do that?"
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Shared Printers - Switches
Yes, sharing a printer if you have multiple computers is a good idea. And you don't have to be a computer guru to make it happen. If your computers are not already networked, the simplest solution is a switch.
First determine if your printer is connected with a USB cable or a parallel port cable (see diagram). Then purchase either a USB switch or a parallel port switching device. They're not expensive, shop around and you'll find them for under $20 (USD). The USB models are typically automatic switches, but you can get an automatic parallel switch as well, for a bit more money.
To share the printer, just plug the cables from both computers into the switch, then connect the switch to the printer. (You may need additional printer cables too.) Make sure the software that came with your printer is installed on both computers, and it should work great. If you have a manual switch, you'll have to remember to flip it to the computer that wants to print.
A switch doesn't care if you're running Windows, Mac or Linux. If your computer can print to the desired printer without a switch, it should work just fine through the switch.
Shared Printers - Networks
If you already have your computers networked, sharing a printer is easy. (If you're interested in setting up a home network, see my illustrated Home Networking tutorial.)
Here are the instructions for sharing a printer on a Windows XP network. Start at the computer that already has the printer installed. Go into the Printers section of the Control Panel, right-click the icon for the printer that needs to be shared, and choose Sharing from the resulting menu. By assigning a name to the shared printer, you allow other computers on the network to easily identify it.
As with a switch, you must install the printer software on both computers. It's a little easier with a network, because you can install the software right over the network. Go to the other computer that needs access to the printer, then in the Printers section of the Control Panel, select "Add a Printer". The Add Printer Wizard will step you through the process of installing the printer software on the second computer.
Your Firewall May Cause Problems
If you have a software-based firewall, it may interfere with printer sharing. I recommend you read Do I Need a Firewall? for some advice on whether or not you should use firewall software. (Hint: Most users DO NOT need it.) If you must have a software firewall, and it seems to be preventing printer and/or file sharing, you'll have to poke around in the options to find the setting to allow sharing.
Got questions or comments about printer sharing? Post them below...
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Check out other articles in this category:Posted by Bob Rankin on March 14, 2006 04:15 AM
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Most recent comments on "Sharing a Printer"
(See all 12 comments for this article.)|
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I just bought a router and print server combo. It's one of the best investments I've made in a long time. Forgetting to turn on and login to the computer that printer was physically connected to always caused a hassle in my house. Especially with me using Linux which no one else knows how to use. |
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May I use a manual switch to switch between two printers on my one computer? Can the printers still be shared on the network. I have plugged everything in to the manual switch but it doesn't work. The printers: HP Deskjet 697C and HP Laserjet 1320 both work when I connect directly to my computer. I have been switching the cable back and forth when I need to print the occasional color document. When I do switch to the Deskjet though it doesn't work until I plug in the Deskjet and restart my computer, which is a major pain. I am using the same cable for both printers. EDITOR'S NOTE: It seems to be a (silly) limitation of that printer. Does it work without a restart in the opposite configuration? |
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· Would like to use a switch to share a parallel (IEEE-1284) printer with two computers. One computer has a parallel port and USB ports and runs WinMe; second computer has only USB ports and runs WinXPsp2. · Was thinking I could install a parallel-to-USB adapter cable to "convert" the printer to USB, then use a USB switch to connect to the computers. · Will this cause problems with the WinMe computer, to which the printer was originally connected through its parallel (LPT1) port? Will I have to "re-port" the printer on the WinMe computer and, if so, how? EDITOR'S NOTE: A computer with no parallel port? I'd sooner add a parallel port card. But if you go with the Parallel to USB, you may have to re-install the printer software. |
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I have Brother MFC4800 multifunctional printer that comes with both USB and Pararelle ports. I have two PCs now (one old and one new) close to the printer. The old pc is currently connected to the printer's parallel port. Please advise if the new can also be connected to the USB port of the same printer?? Thanks! EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like it should work... unless you print from both at once! |
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Hello Bob, thank you very much for the information on sharing a printer for multiple computers. So easy to follow and saved me a lot of money. Following your instructions helped me in setting up all four computers at home. |
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Hi Bob !.. I have a printer attached to my desktop (runs XP).The laptop (runs Vista) that i have uses the router for internet. I want to be able to print documents from laptop.I have tried enabling my desktop printer to "shared mode" and i attempted to find the printer on my laptop...No luck...Not sure what am i missing..I even installed the driver in my laptop..Still no help I have looked through many webpages and some talk too technical for me to trouble shoot the problem.. Can you help? EDITOR'S NOTE: Are both computers using the same Workgroup name? |
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Hi bob, i have a epson R300 photo printer .. which the photo colour ink is not cheap ... is there a way to set it so only network user's can print in black and white ?? only ? as i do not see this in the share settings tab ? EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't think so... you could try whacking people with a stick AFTER they print in color. |
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Bob: your guide was great, and I now have my 2nd PC running Vista Home able to print over wireless Network on printer attached to my main PC running Vista Business. BUT, this only works when I am logged onto the 2nd PC running vista home: other users can't see the Networked printer. I would appreciate your advice please on how I can make this fantastic printer sharing work for all the family? We'll buy you a snickers, we promise! EDITOR'S NOTE: That would depend on the configuration of the other users. What platform are they using? Do they have the correct workgroup name? Can they connect to other resources on the local network? |
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Hallow Bob: My institute has two vista computers one being attached to a printer and one xp computer. All have been connected to the internet. Please assist me with a procedure which will be used to share the printer to all of these computers |
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Hi Bob, I have two computer, both running on XP SP2 and printer HP LaserJet P1505. I bought manual USB printer switch. When I connect everything as I should it doesn't work. It shows me error, that the new hardware wasn't recognized. I even bought expensive good quality USB cables (2m), but no change. I ran out of ideas! Can you help me please? Any suggestions?? Many thanks Upsiaus EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll need to install the printer software on both computers, with the switch in the correct position to access the printer. |
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