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Thread ID: 62790 2005-10-19 10:28:00 One printer - two computers. katharinem (3459) Press F1
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397695 2005-10-19 10:28:00 How do you set up two computers so that they can each use the one same printer?
Thanks.
katharinem (3459)
397696 2005-10-19 10:42:00 First make sure that both PCs were networked then hook up the printer to one. If using XP go to Start/ControlPanel and look for Printers&Faxes icon(classic view), Select your printer and click share this printer... Mr Wetzyl (362)
397697 2005-10-19 10:45:00 Well assuming they are USB printers, you could use (for example) a USB switch (www.ascent.co.nz)

If the printer has a parallel port and a usb port, you could connect the printer using USB cable to one PC and a parallel cable to the other PC.

Otherwise, you will need to set up a network (although with 2 PCs this could just be a network crossover cable) and connect the printer to one PC via a USB cable (or parallel) and then share that on the network, so the other PC can print to it.
gibler (49)
397698 2005-10-19 20:41:00 I use two systems on one printer without any netwroking. Just get an automatitc data switch - about $28 - and plug both machines in to one end of it. Plug the printer in to the other end. No manual intervention at all. Each system uses the printer when it needs it.
One macine is XP Pro using Office 2003 and the other is Windows 98 using 2000.
Scouse (83)
397699 2005-10-19 20:55:00 Same system as Scouse. Two computers both with 98se and a crossover switvch made up by local computer shop for $12.00. Simple as. Comp A and Comp B, then just turn the switch to whichever you want to print from. mark c (247)
397700 2005-10-20 01:15:00 I use two systems on one printer without any netwroking. Just get an automatitc data switch - about $28 - and plug both machines in to one end of it. Plug the printer in to the other end. No manual intervention at all. Each system uses the printer when it needs it.
One macine is XP Pro using Office 2003 and the other is Windows 98 using 2000.



Scouse...........What Brand & where from? Thanks. PJ
Poppa John (284)
397701 2005-10-20 01:27:00 I use 2 PC's here, this pc has the printer (USB).

Using Wireless networking. No wires , or switches needed.

Just enable file/printer sharing and share the printer. Same as if it were a parallel printer.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
397702 2005-10-20 01:30:00 However, data switches work only with parallel (or perhaps serial ); ) port printers . :) Switches are not recommended with modern parallel ports . . . they are nowhere near as (electrically) rugged as the old ports which used TTL chips . Some computer manufacturers refuse (or used to) refuse warranty claims on printer ports which have been "hot plugged") .

You can get USB hubs which will talk to two computers (or used to be able to . . . I picked one up cheaply once from DSE) .

I'd try the MS printer sharing way first . It usually works .
Graham L (2)
397703 2005-10-20 03:36:00 Hi PJ. It has no makers name - just "PC Auto Data Switch. NoteBook Compatible". Measures about 90 mm square and 25 mm thick.
Purchased locally through Affordable Computers, Motueka.
I would point out that unlike Mark C's suggestion of needing to turn a switch, this does the routing automatically with each system printing direct to the printer.
Scouse (83)
397704 2005-10-20 03:39:00 Metla............Any comments on Scouse & Graham ' ideas, PJ Poppa John (284)
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