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Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

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I have two workstations that need access to a hp deskjet & an hp scanner; workstation one is connected to the “root” on the hub (and the printer is shared), the printer and scanner are connected to the hub as well. I cannot get workstation two to find the shared printer, and it cannot detect the scanner. Any suggestions?

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Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

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p.s. Both machines are running Win2K Pro

Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

In reply to Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

USB is a new form of a serial interface.

Just as you cannot share serial port devices by simply connecting 2 PCs to the device, you cannot share USB devices by just connecting a second PC to a USB hub.

USB hubs do NOT function the same way as network hubs. Your USB hub only allows you to connect more devices to the host PC. If a powered hub, it provides a boost to the 5 volt power line for the connected devices.

Options:

USB data transfer cable: I have not tried this, and I suspect that it might not work, but you could try connecting the second PC to the hub using a USB data transfer cable.

USB switch box: This would be your best option. Similar to a printer or serial device switch, a USB switch would allow 2 PCs to share USB devices.
Connect the switch to each PC, and then to the hub.

Black Box does offer a manual USB switch.
http://tinyurl.com/f80m

Chas

Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

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Sharing of USB devices via 4-port USB hu

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