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Access local printer on network

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How do I allow others to use my printer for printing that is connected to my computer through the network? I'm using Win98.

thanks and regards,

10 replies

by mike jones

Install File and Printer sharing from network settings and then right click the printer and select sharing and follow the instructions.

I assume that you are already connected to the network ok.

by ann777

They will also need to install the drivers on their machine and point the install to your ip address or machine name.

Also your computer must be powered on while you are not at your desk in order for them to be able to use the printer while youare doing other tasks.

by mdelyea

Is your printer a network printer? What I mean is, is it physically connected to your computer (is it within arms reach, if you're not sure)? Maybe its connected via a JetDirect card, or has one built in. If it is physically connected to your computer by a parallel cable or USB cable, and you are on a peer to peer network, then you have to enable file and print sharing, right click the printer and enable sharing, then browse to the printer on the other computers. If its connected by JetDirect or built in network card then your system admin will have to set it up for you.

by stuart_at_oz

Is this a work PC?

Our work PC's have file and printer sharing disabled (deliberately), so if yours is a similar situation you may not be able to. Many workplaces actively discourage people from doing this and will remove it when they see it.
Assuming the printer is physically connected to your computer and not a network attached printer, you should be able to do it by following below:

If you are able to share files and printers, then you need to enable printer sharing through the control panel, network icon - there should be a file and printer sharing button.

You will then need to reboot, and then you should be able to share printers by going to the START menu, SETTINGS/PRINTERS and right mouse clicking on the desired printer and selecting SHARING. It will then prompt you for a share name for the printer, with a default name. You can rename it or leave it as you wish.

When the other people want to instal the printer, they will need to go through the printer installation wizard as normal, but they will have to tell it that it is a NETWORK printer. They will also need to know the name of YOUR computer, and the name of the printer share. THey can either browse for the computer/printer or if you know the name they can enter it directly in the provided text field (if I shared my printer it would be: \\p09333\HP4000 )

*** CAUTION ***
If you share your printer, everytime someone prints to your printer, they are printing through YOUR computer. This willslow the response time of your computer while it printing their job, depending on how good your computer is. If you hate your computer slowing down, then will probably hate this too.

Stu

by stuart_at_oz

Oops! Forgon to add, they will also need the drivers for the printer too (unless the printer is a REALLY old one that has the drivers in Win98 already)

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