Setup Network Printing in Windows Vista
Printers are very important to almost anyone who uses a computer. Often they are even a necessity. So obviously every home or office has atleast one printer. That is where the trouble begins. Many small offices and homes do only have one printer, yet they have multiple computers. Unless that printer is connected directly to the network it can be difficult to print from all computers. Thankfully, there is a solution.
To begin, make sure each computer is connected to the same network. If you use special workgroups, make sure they are in the same one as well.
Make sure each computer has file and print sharing enabled. To do this in Vista go to Control Panel>>Network and Internet>>Network and Sharing Center. To do this in XP go to Control Panel>>Network Connections. Then right click on the connection and select properties. Make sure the “Enable File and Print sharing” box is checked.
Once each computer has File and Print sharing enabled it is time to add the printer to each computer. To add a printer go into the control panel. Select printers, then “add a printer.”
When the prompt comes up select “Add a Network Printer.”
Windows will automatically search your network for an available printer. If for some reason it cannot be found, you can manually search using the computer name or IP.Select the network printer you want to add and click Next.
Once the printer is successfully added you are ready to print. As long as the host computer is turned on, any computer on the network will be able to print. If you cannot find the printer on any of your computers it is likely an error with the host computer. If all but one of your computers can find the printer it is likely a problem with that computer specifically. Trial and error is the best way to find out.
Now you are set to print from all your network computers without even upgrading printers. Of course, anytime your network or host computer goes down you will be unable to print from any computer. If all this setup is just not for you there are also other options. Networkable printers are becoming more and more popular, as are WiFi enabled printers. Definitely give them a look if you would rather just upgrade!
