Is there a way to share a printer without the host...

[cesarcarlos]

...computer being on? I run Windows XP on a PC and a laptop. I have a printer connected to the PC. I also have a wireless router. I successfully shared the printer and have been able to print from the laptop. However, for this to happen the PC MUST be on, which sort of beats the purpose. Is there a way to share the printer in such a way that I don't have to turn on the PC every time I want to print from the laptop?

[trekkie706]

look in network connections, setting up network.you may have to get connection from router to printer

[Niklaus Pfirsig]

I am guessing that the printer is connected to the desktop. Some routers have a printer port on the router. If yours has one use it. You will need to load a different printer configuration depending on the router. You can also buy a wireless print server that connects directly to the printer and allows access through the network or wireless.
The cheapest and simplest way is to use a printer A/B switch and plug the laptop into the switch when you need to print.

[KermitDFrog]

There is a way. You can buy a special standalone print server device or "box" that will accomplish this. The device allows you to connect your printer to it while the print server device itself is connected to your network.

One good example of such a device is an HP JetDirect print server. I am not familiar with the latest model but the one that we use in the office allows us to set up the device as a TCP/IP host that each computer in our LAN can connect to.

With this device, you will no longer have to turn on a PC all the time just to share a printer.


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