Lizzie said:
I have a desktop PC running XP SP3 with a printer attached and a wired
broadband internet connection. I also now have a notebook running Windows
7 with a wireless internet connection.
Is it possible to somehow make a network so the notebook can use the
printer?
Thanks for any help.
Lizzie:
The following assumes that the PCs on the network are communicating with
each other satisfactorily and that the PC containing the XP operating system
to which the printer is connected is powered on.
On the computer (containing the XP OS) to which the printer is installed...
1. Begin by noting the "Full computer name" of this computer. If you don't
know the computer name, it can be found through Start > Control Panel >
System > Computer Name tab. (Pressing the WinKey + Pause keys will also
display the System Properties window and its Computer Name tab). In this
example we'll assume the Computer Name is LIZZIE.
2. Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > right-click on printer and
click on Sharing.
3. Select the "Share this printer" option under the Sharing tab, and in the
"Share name" text box enter a name for the printer, e.g., "HP3310" (no
quotes) - it's always best to avoid spaces in the name entered. Make a note
of the printer name and click OK.
Where a Windows 7 OS will be accessing the printer (as in your situation)...
1. Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > View devices and printers >
Add a printer > Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
2. If all goes well a confirmation message will appear indicating that
you've successfully added the printer and you'll have an option to print a
test page.
On a computer containing the XP OS that wishes to access the printer...
1. Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Add Printer > "Add Printer
Wizard" will open. Click Next.
2. Select the option "A network printer, or a printer attached to another
computer". Click Next.
3. In the "Specify a Printer" dialog window that opens, select the option
"Connect to a printer on the Internet or on a home or office network:". In
the "URL" text box enter the path to the printer, e.g., \\LIZZIE\HP3310.
Note the two backslashes preceding the Computer Name. Click Next.
4. A confirmation message will appear indicating an apparently successful
connection to the printer. Click "Yes" to continue.
4. Presuming you will be using the printer as the default printer, select
the "Yes" option in the "Default Printer" dialog window that opens and click
Next.
5. The "Completing the Add Printer Wizard" window will open summarizing the
printer settings. Verify the info and click Finish.
Note: In some cases during this "Add Printer Wizard" routine a "Connect to
Printer" confirmation dialog box will open indicating that a printer driver
will be installed on this machine. If it does, simply click "Yes" to
continue.
Anna