Network Printer question.

daniel88c · #1 May 17th, 2006, 05:38 AM

Hi. Don't know if this should be here, hopefully =P. Anyway just wondering how to set up a networked printer where all computers can use it. All the computers are running Windows XP Professional w/ SP2.

1) Do I need to specifically get a Workgroup printer?
2) Do I need any special tools like a router for the printer?

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #2 May 17th, 2006, 11:26 AM

A Print Server is probably what you are looking for.

daniel88c · #3 May 17th, 2006, 11:14 PM

Hi. So I have to get a print server? I can't just have a regular printer and set it up though Windows?

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #4 May 18th, 2006, 11:56 AM

If you have a regular printer then it would be connected to one PC and that PC would have to be on for the others to access it.

If you use a Print Server then the Printer will have it's own IP/Node on the Network.

daniel88c · #5 May 18th, 2006, 06:08 PM

Hi. Oh I understand. Then can you tell me how to do the first one. It doesn't matter if one PC have to be the entire time.

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #6 May 18th, 2006, 06:28 PM

Run the Printer Wizard and choose Network Printer

daniel88c · #7 May 18th, 2006, 08:28 PM

Hi. Do I do this for all the computers or for only the main one? This is my first time doing this so if you could please just tell me all the steps =).

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #8 May 19th, 2006, 02:00 PM

You need to install the Printer on all the PCs.

For the one it is connected to then that would be a Local Printer.
For the others it would be a Network Printer.

daniel88c · #9 May 19th, 2006, 02:26 PM

Hi. So on the Local Printer I just set up a name for the printer and the other computers when I click Network Printer I search for that name. The other question I have is does it mean I have to use the printer installation CD on all the computers? Or only the main computer needs it?

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #10 May 19th, 2006, 03:20 PM

You need to install the Printer drivers/software on all the PCs

**z1p** · #11 May 19th, 2006, 05:03 PM

And don't forget to share the printer from the machine that it is installed on...
Then go to the other PCs and 'Add a new Printer'

daniel88c · #12 May 19th, 2006, 09:34 PM

Hi. So firstly I install the CD for all the computers. Then I go to the main computer and share it (control panel > Printers and Faxes > right click on printer and then click share). Then I go to the other PC's and just add printer? Won't the installation CD already install the 'printer' on the PC's?

Thanks,
Daniel

**degsy** · #13 May 20th, 2006, 04:15 PM

Have you ever installed a printer before?
Try it. It should answer your questions.

daniel88c · #14 May 20th, 2006, 07:12 PM

Hi. I've installed a printer but only on one computer not on a network.

Thanks,
Daniel

**z1p** · #15 May 22nd, 2006, 08:00 PM

Installing a network printer is at least as easy as installing a local printer. Just make sure that the printer is shared from the computer that it is attached to, then on the other PCs just select 'Add Printer' and select 'network printer' instaed of local printer at the start of the wizard.