Printer Sharing - Please Help!

[Texgal]

I have two computers that I am trying to connect to one printer.  The printer only has one port.  The first computer is a Dell Dimension DIM 9100 with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002.  The second computer is a Dell Dimension 8200 with Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002.  The printer is a Dell Photo AIO Printer 942.  I have tried to use a Belkin USB Peripheral Switch but never got it working completely.  It would work with the 8200  but the 9100 would have problems recognizing the printer.  Do you have any recommendations?  I have also tried to set up a network with the network set-up wizard, but can't get the old computer to connect with the printer.

[merlin_2]

How is the network connected......the net map.....which is the sever....

[Texgal]

Not sure I understand what you're asking me.  I have the printer connected to the new computer and both computers share an internet connection through a router.

[merlin_2]

does the other pc work on the net>the old one........did you try....clicking  the my network places icon......it has option to share folders/files/printers.

[dl65]

Texgal....Ok , but do you have the pc's setup to share files and a common printer ? Are you able to access files on the other pc?
This may help you ....... http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

dl65  

[Texgal]

I clicked on the network places icon and it looks like I could access files, but I can't.  I really just wanted to use the stinking USB switch.

[dl65]

Texgal.... Have you tried this ?

To share a printer, on the computer which is directly connected to the printer:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers And Other Hardware -> Printers And Faxes. (Note: These steps will be a little different if you’re sharing a printer on a PC running a version of Windows other than XP. For example, under Windows Me, you click Start -> Settings -> Printers.)
Click the printer you wish to share.
Click Share This Printer in the Task Pane.
In the printer’s Properties dialog, click the Sharing tab.
Click Share Name and OK.


Make a printer accessible to others on the network by sharing it.

Once a printer has been shared you can access it from other computers on the network. To do so:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers And Other Hardware.  
Click Add A Printer.
In the Add New Printer wizard, when asked whether the printer is a local or network printer, select the latter.
In the next screen, select the option to Browse For A Printer and click Next.
Select the appropriate printer from the list and continue with the wizard.

dl65  

[merlin_2]

load the drivers for it and then plug the beast in........

[Fed]

I remember you.  

When you installed the printer software on both machines did you have the printer 'switched over' to each respective machine as you installed them?