How to Set Up a Print Server

Most families in United States have multiple computers at home that share broadband Internet access through a router. This works well, except only one computer has access to the printer. There is a simple remedy to this problem. Buying and installing a print server on the network allows all the computers to print documents using the same printer. Here is how to set up a print server on your home or small business network.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Print server drive

1. Turn on all the computers you want to have access to the print server. Insert the print server driver into the CD-ROM drive of the main computer. This computer connects to your router using a wire. Follow on-screen instructions and install the driver to your computer. If the driver fails to begin installation automatically, click "My Computer" and double-click the letter corresponding to the CD drive. Remove the driver from your CD drive after installation.

2. 
   Open your router administration interface

   Assign static address. Open your browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or any other browser) and open your router administrative interface by entering "192.168.1.1" into your browser. Click "Enter." If this doesn't work for you, consult your router's documentation for the proper address. Enter your username and password if this had been previously set up to require authentication. Click "Enter" or click "Ok."

3. Click TCP/IP and select Fixed Address. Under IP Address, select an address outside the normal range like 192.168.1.128. Leave Gateway Address and Subnet Mask as they are. Note the address you added. You will need it later. Click Ok or Apply.

4. 
   Set up your print server

   Select "Automatic Configuration--DHCP" from the dropdown menu. Select "Enable" under "DHCP Server." Under "Static DNS 1," enter "192.168.1.128," the same numbers you entered earlier. Close your router's administrative interface.

5. Set up your printer on your computers. On the" Taskbar" click "Start," go to "Control Panel" and click on "Printers and Faxes." Right-click your printer and go to "Properties." Click on "Sharing." Select "Do not Share this Printer." Under "Drivers," click "Install Additional Drivers" if you need to do so. Click "Ok."

6. Go to "Ports" and click the checkbox next to your printer. Click "Configure Ports" and under "Printer Name" or "IP Address," enter your printer's IP address, the same numbers you entered earlier. Under "Protocol," select "Raw." Click "Ok" and close the open window.

7. On your remaining computers, click "Start," "Control Panel" and click "Printers and Faxes." Click "Add New Printer." Follow onscreen instructions and add your new printer. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 above to complete the setup of your printer on all your computers.

Tips & Warnings

• The above steps work in Microsoft Windows XP Pro but it will work in most other versions of Windows. If your operating system isn't Microsoft Windows, the steps may be different. If you are unable to set a fixed TCP/IP Address for your printer and you use a print server by Linksys, download the free bi-admin software, which makes it a breeze to do so. See Resources below for additional information. Other router manufacturers may have similar software available for free download. Check with the manufacturer of your router.

Resources

• Install and use a print server
• Setting Up a Print Server for Your Wireless Home Network
• How to Set Up a Wireless Printer Server
• How to Set Up a Wireless Printer Server