How to Connect a Wireless Printer to Two Laptops
Using a laptop frees you from having to sit at your desk every time you need to send an email or check on flight prices to Maui. Using a wireless printer, which frees you from having to plug in a USB or Ethernet cable every time you need to print, is just the logical next step. If you have two wireless laptops, the easiest way to share them is through a wireless router.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 laptops with wireless capability
- Wireless router
- USB or Ethernet cable
Instructions
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1
Turn on your computer's wireless adapter and make sure the wireless router and printer are both on.
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2
Insert the installation CD that came with your printer. If installing an HP printer, click on "Install Wireless/Network Device." If using a Brother printer, click on "Install Printer Driver," then "Wireless Network Users." Follow the prompts for "(Recommended)" settings. (Note: Several other manufacturers make wireless printers. HP and Brother have been selected for illustrative purposes since they are among the most popular consumer brands.)
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3
Select your printer and network from the list that appears. If installing an HP printer, connect a USB cable to your computer and printer when the setup program prompts you. If using a Brother printer, connect an Ethernet cable to your computer and wireless router when prompted.
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4
Enter your network key when prompted if your network has one. When installation is complete, disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable and print a test document.
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5
Remove the installation CD from the first computer and repeat Steps 1 through 4 with the second computer. Select the same network settings you used for the first computer. Both computers can now print to the same printer.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a wireless router, you can still share a printer using an ad hoc network. To do this, connect your computer to the printer's default network (on HP printers this is "hpsetup"). Consult your printer's user manual to determine whether your printer has this capability.
Don't connect the USB cable to your computer unless the installation program prompts you to do so. Connecting early may cause the printer to install incorrectly.
