If you have more than one computer in the house, but only one printer, you may want to set that printer up so it can be networked to the other computers in the house. This is very simple to do, and you can be up and printing in the matter of minutes!
First step is to go to the computer that has the printer attached to it. Depending on your operating system there are a couple ways to get to the printers list, but across the board you can get to it from the Control Panel. It will be under Printers and Faxes
Next right click on the printer you want to share and select properties. In Windows 7 you may have to select “printer properties” instead of just properties.
Now you should see something like the included image. Click on Sharing and click the check box to “share the printer”. Click “apply” and close out the window.
If you do not know the name of this computer right click on “My Computer” and go to properties. You should find a place that says Full Computer Name. Write down the computer’s name.
Now go to the computer that does not have a printer attached. Click the start menu and if you have Vista or Windows 7 you can just type this right in the start menu, for XP you’ll have to click on run. Type in //_____ (where ___ is your computer’s name). Hit enter.
The printer that you shared from the other computer should show up. Simply right click on the printer and select “connect”. It will install the printer onto your computer!
It’s as simple as that! As always if you run into problems or have questions, tweet me!
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