Resolved Wireless Sharing of a Printer Windows XP

Afternoon all.

I am a bit of a novice at networking. Here is a bit of background for you.

I am currently setting up my office at home. I am now on wireless internet using my wireless modem.

I have 2 computers running XP in my office, and I would like them to be able to 'see' a common printer (quite old - HP 930C).

Ideally I would like to be able to connect my printer wireless-ly to both computers but am unsure how to do it.

My questions are these;

1) Would blue tooth be a good option? I have searched for blue tooth dongles and they seem quite cheap, however I am struggling to find a USB type B dongle to stick in the back of my printer. I am also told blue tooth is a little unreliable and restrictive (distance wise)

2) Can I utilise my wireless cards in my computers. Is there a gizmo I can stick into the back of my printer that can allow my computers to look at the printer and vice versa (or do those cards just receive...)

3)Am I able to use my wireless modem to do this?

If I am completely on the wrong track (which does seem likely) please point me in the right direction. I would prefer not to spend loads of money on this.

I have read the sticky at the top, but the links from this seem to talk about the actual setting up the network. I don't think I'm at that stage yet. I don't believe I have all the required hardware.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Regards

Gray.

 

yes and no
Bluetooth is related to wi fi
Its slower and only goes 30 feet or so
Stick with wi fi or ethernet cable
Basically you need to have something attached to the printer that is running
A print server
It can be a computer . The printer would be attached to the computer . Software for the printer installed. The computer has to be on
Stand alone print servers can be purchased
Some new printers have a print server built in
The other computers that are remote will have the printer software installed. the software is installed as a network printer
The communication is done via the router via your wireless connection
You have to set up printer sharing
The easiest way to do it is with a program called Network Magic
Network Magic will simply set up your shared printing - either to the computer attached to the printer that is turned on , or via the print server

 

Visionof;

Thanks for you help, I shall try Network Magic now.

TonyT;

Thanks for the link. The trouble is, I believe this relies on me setting up a network. I have used the Share Printer Wizard but that routes me back to setting up a network. I ran the wireless network wizard with no luck.

I am a complete novice at networking, the limited playing about I have done in the past has been far from successful.

The main thing i am worried about is damaging my wireless internet connection on my computers.

I shall let you know how Network Magic goes.

Thanks

Gray

 

Hi,

I used Network Magic, and it worked a treat. Did exactly what I needed and more.

Thanks to all.

Regards

Gray