How to Connect a Laptop to a Desktop Printer on XP

Laptop computers are used by many individuals for business and pleasure. However, the laptop must be connected to a printer if it is to print. This can be done using the printer on a desktop PC that is running the Windows XP operating system. You can connect a laptop to a desktop printer on XP using the printer-sharing feature of the operating system.

Instructions

Share the Printer

1. Click on the "Start" menu from the desktop PC running Windows XP.

2. Select the option for the "Control Panel."

3. Double-click on the "Printers and Faxes" icon.

4. Click on the printer and then select the "Share this printer" option on the left.

5. Select the "Sharing" tab when the "Properties" window appears.

6. Select the option to enable sharing and then enter a name for the printer.

Setup a Laptop Running XP

1. Click on the "Start" menu on your laptop and then select the "Control Panel" option.

2. Double-click on the "Printers and Faxes" icon.

3. Click the "Add a printer" option on the left.

4. Click the "Printer Connection" option and select the printer from the list.

Setup a Laptop Running Vista or Windows 7

1. Click the "Start" button and then type in "\\" (without the quotes) followed by the name of the computer in the search box.

2. Press the "Enter" key to begin the search.

3. Double-click the printer you want to use from the list. Windows will install the drivers needed for the printer.

4. Check your "Printers" folder in the Control Panel to make sure that the printer has been added successfully.

Tips & Warnings

• The printer-sharing feature of the Windows XP operating system will work with both Windows Vista and Windows 7.

• The printer-sharing feature will only work if you have a wireless router setup for connecting to the Internet through a wireless connection.

References

• How Do I Get My Laptop to Work With My Printer When it is Connected to My Desktop?
• Share Your Printer Over a Home Network Using Windows X
• Share a printer