Print Sharing without powering up computer which has printer attached?

I've just set up my first network. I have file sharing and print sharing setup.
Problem is i can only print from laptop when computer(desktop) is turned on. In other words just having printer powered up on network will not allow me to print. I would think that I could change something so that my desktop would not have to be powered up. Operating system is Win XP SP2.

Thanks

 

From you laptop, do sharing the printer directly instead of sharing printer from your desktop.

 

Hi,
does yr Printer have NIC , untill you have a NIC in yr Printer you could not use it to share you have to have install and share it from any of the PC.

Regards

 

You could connect a "print server" device and connect the printer to the network that way, rather than to another workstation.

Under your current configuration, the system is working properly. The workstation must be on for it to provide print server service to the other LAN clients.

With a small and inexpensive device connected to your LAN cablining and to the printer you would be able to have the printer work without the workstation having to be on.

Devices such as these: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=206

.

 

I had all the same kinds of printing problems until I purchased an HP5850 Printer which plugs directly into my Router.

As ghemant mentioned it has its' own NIC

You also do have to install the software on each machine.

My problem now is that I sometimes forget and powerdown the Printer. ( I hear about it too )

BillyBob

 

Thanks to all who replied to my post. Sometimes you just have to stop and think things out. After seeing replies to my post it makes sense that since I am using my desktop as a source for print sharing it needs to be powered up.

The reply from Jason, I find interesting but I don't quite understand what he is saying? How would I allow sharing directly from laptop.

Please elaborate.

Thanks

 

I meant this: