4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

[Lala]

Help!

I want to be able to print from any of the 4 computers (1 PC & 3 laptops) to a single printer. They are all on a wireless network.

3 of the computers are XP so I tried to follow the "help" menu instructions on setting up a shared printer but it is not working.

Has anyone done this successfully?

If so, beg yu please share an idiot-proof guide [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] fi setting dis up correctly.

Thank you [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[SwiTek]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Hmmm, normally if yu install a printer on one of the computers, and set up "File and printer sharing" on that one, you should be able to connect to it from the other computers by "add new printer", and then browse for the printer.

[j-kid]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

There are several ways to accomplish this.

Before I break it down, were you pplanning on permanently leaving on any one of the computer, to act like a server?

This is an important question.

[Lala]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

SwiTek ... tried that and did not work. I searched for a network printer and could not find it. I have no idea what is going on

J-kid ... re: server .. if that is what needs to happen then no probs with this. Mi jus need fi mek sure seh firewall, antivirus and spyware software up to date an checks run often.

[SwiTek]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Yes, the puter to which the printer is connected needs to be on

[grandma2]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

hugup mi favorite peeps come group hug

((((Lala,J-kid,SwiTek))) how unno doin miss unno bad bad

bway Lala smell nice eeen J-kid an SwiTek [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70365-flirt.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] dam she nice so till

....ok continue [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Lala]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Originally posted by grandma2:
[qb] hugup mi favorite peeps come group hug

((((Lala,J-kid,SwiTek))) how unno doin miss unno bad bad

bway Lala smell nice eeen J-kid an SwiTek [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70365-flirt.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] dam she nice so till

....ok continue [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [/qb]

Oh my goodness ((((G2)))) ((((G2)))) ((((G2)))) yu aggo live long. Yu did come up trang before mi di adda day - my just pray God fi bless yu and yours. How are you dowing dahling? I've missed you

[Lala]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Originally posted by SwiTek:
[qb] Yes, the puter to which the printer is connected needs to be on [/qb]

Switek ..it switch on and awaiting furder instructions [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Bigtime]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Easy...
Install a wireless printer server..
Thisis will take a wired port from your router and none of the work stations need to be on. I just installed a 3com one for a client. It worked well, but you lose some print functionality you had on a all in oneprinter.
Hope this helps

[Lump1966]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

linksys makes a nice wireless print server too.

very easy to hook-up

[j-kid]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

The cheapest way is to use your desktop as the host server. This ofcourse means leaving your desktop computer on all the time or remembering to boot it up first before trying to print remotely.

First make sure that the correct printer drivers have been installed on the host computer (the desktop).

You need to make sure client for Microsoft windows is installed and file and printer sharing is enabled. Should be in the properties window after right clicking on the network adapter in question in network Connections/Lan or High- Speed Internet/Local Area Connections or its equivalent.


1) Make sure that NetBEUI protocol is not visible in box, if it is, then you will have to uninstall it. You should only have QOS, TCP/IP, and File & printer sharing checked on all your computers.

2) You need to go back and remove the check marks may have been put in the IPX/SPX box during the print setup.

3) Go to the TCP/IP tab. Make sure "Obtain an IP Address from a DHCP server" is checked.

To see your gateway address you go to:
START > Connect to > Show all connections > Local Area Connection > Right mouse click > Properties >Status > Support. You may need this information at some point during your configuration for remote acceaa.


To share the printer, open the Printers and Faxes folder on the wireless desktop computer that is connected to your printer.
To open the Printers and Faxes folder
Click Start and then click Control Panel
Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Printers and Faxes.
In the Printers and Faxes folder, click the printer's icon and, in the tasks pane, click
Share This Printer.
Open the printer's Properties dialog box, and clicked on the Sharing tab
Clicked Share Name, and then clicked OK

Now that you have a network connected printer, you are ready to connect to it and print from other computers on the network.
To connect to the remote printer
Opened Control Panel, and clicked Printers and Other Hardware
Clicked Add a Printer. The Printer wizard should pop up.

Instead of adding a local printer though, click, A Network Printer or a Printer attached to another Computer, then NEXT. You can manually FIND and select the printer, or have Win_XP automatically CONNECT to this printer. Chose which method you want and (I prefer to manually BROWSE ENTIRE directory and click, find now). Click Next once more, and then browsed the network for a while looking for the correct printers.


Right click on the desired printer, left click on sharing, change to "share this printer". If the other computers still can not see it, you may have to lower security some on the built in firewall... Win_XP, SP2 enables it by default.


You can also buy one of the wireless Routers, that also have a built in printer server, and kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. This will also provide you with firewall protection since you have now turned on printer (and file) sharing. With this option you don’t need to leave any computer on to use the printer function.


The last option is a "stand-alone printer server. Again this does not require you to boot up first or leave your host computer on. The server does most of the work that the desktop computer did. Here is an example of a server:

http://images.tigerdirect.com/SKUimages/medium/d700-2212-main-6.jpg

http://images.tigerdirect.com/SKUimages/medium/t156-2094-main-6.jpg

http://images.tigerdirect.com/itemdetails/D/D700/D700-2180P/D700-2180P-netdiagram.jpg

http://images.tigerdirect.com/itemdetails/D/D700/D700-2180P/D700-2180P-diagram.jpg

You can buy either a parallel port or a USB print server. The USB print servers tend to encounter compatibility problems from time to time. If your printer lacks a parallel port, make sure that the USB print server you buy supports your printer. There should be a list of supported printers on the server manufacturer's Web site.

[mlcottle]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Originally posted by J-kid:
[qb] There are several ways to accomplish this.

Before I break it down, were you pplanning on permanently leaving on any one of the computer, to act like a server?

This is an important question. [/qb]

J-Kid,

I have just signed on to Jamaicans.Com and I am impressed by the website. I have been working with PC's since the age of 11/12 years old. I am now 36. I worked in the corporate industry in the NE of the US for 11+ years before deciding to start my own business in my little town of Browns Mills, NJ. It is very successful for me.

I recently visited Jamaica (Negril) in August and LOVED it. I am returning with ALL of my family and friends (13 of us!) this time. My cabbie last time was great. His name was Benji. He drives for Cabins Negril. I called him recently about a PC I promised him last visit.

I have the PC, and plan on bringing it with me. I need to know how to handle customs down there. He says he will pay customs. How can I get around it (it's my work pc, and i need it in my hotel room!?). Please let me know. I am not making any money off of this. I just want to get some free can rides and enjoy my stay and supply him and his family with a PC.

Computer "Jamaica" Mike


BTW, you sound very knowledageable. I would like to perhaps meet you when I am in Jamaica, if that is where you are. I have been doing this 25 years and am near considering moving there and opening a PC business.....(yeah...someday)

[dahjah]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

I don't think customs will believe you're bringing your work pc to your hotel and dat you need it.
Now if it was a laptop they would believe that.

[j-kid]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

I think if you had a laptop you could make the PC for work claim, however, as Dahjah said I don't think the Gov. will buy it if it is a desk-top PC.

The only way I think you may get around the custom issue is if he is a member of a church, and you went through that church as a donated PC. Then he could get it from them. I am not sure of the exact details, but others on here can answer that question if you poas the question in the "General Forum" or "Jamaicaholics Forum".

I lived in NYC for many years, and also actually lived in Patterson, J.N. for a brief period, but now live in the Midwest of the USA.

And yes, I know ah thing or two about Computers and other things.

I hope you will lend your knowledge and experience here in this forum whenever possible. Don't be bashfull just jump right in. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[kia027]

Re: 4 computers on wireless network using 1 printer. How?

Originally posted by Bigtime:
[qb] Easy...
Install a wireless printer server..
.... It worked well, but you lose some print functionality you had on a all in oneprinter.
Hope this helps [/qb]

What functionality do is lost if an all in one printer is installed via a wireless print server?