printer.

[marg.]

hi is it possible to run my printer (which is connected to my desktop,) from my laptop which is connected to desktop via a wireless router.could anyone advise please. marg.

[entwisi]

Yes, on the desktop go to the Printer properties and click the sharing tab. There should be an option to share it in there.

On the laptop, click add a printer and select Network printer. It should then search the network and find the one connected to your desktop. Job done!

Shout if you need help

[Neil]

Is it when you select simple sharing mode that WIndows XP adds network printers on its own Ian?

[entwisi]

What do you mean Neil? Sharing mode allows other to see that printer. unfortunately Windows doesn't differentiate bewteen internel networks and external ones(i.e. The Internet). Therefore you should make sure your firewall is correctly set(Goto www.grc.com and do teh Shields Up test)

Technically a network printer is one with a direct connection to the network. what we are dealing with are 'shared printers'

[Neil]

In windows explorer click tools,folder options, view and there is a tick box for 'use simple file sharing'
If you shar a printer on a windows xp network sometimes other PC's on the network add the printer automatically. It's name always begins with the word 'auto'

[entwisi]

Thats probably uPnP doing its awful stuff. Gid only knows why Microsoft invented such a horrible thing.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by entwisi

Gid only knows why Microsoft invented such a horrible thing.

Does Gid work for Microsoft?