How to Convert an Ethernet Printer to Wireless

Using a computer connected to a wireless router, you can quickly and simply share a nonwireless printer with any other wired or wireless device connected to your network. Instead of using the Ethernet capabilities of your printer, you will use the standard USB connection to achieve wireless printing.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Wireless router
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Connect the printer to the computer via the USB cable. The cable should have been provided with the printer when you bought it.

2. Connect the computer to the wireless router. You can do this using a wire or wirelessly--it doesn't matter.

3. Install the printer on the computer using the driver CD that came with the printer.

4. Go to the "Control Panel" and click on "Printers and other Hardware." Click on "Printers and Faxes." Find the printer you just installed and right-click on its icon. Click "Share This Printer" and choose a share name.

5. Test to make sure everything is working by adding the printer on another computer connected to the wireless network. Go to "Control Panel" and choose "Printers and Other Hardware." Click "Add Printer," and click "Printer Connection" to find the printer on the network. It should be under the name of the computer you installed it on.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find your driver CD, use the links under Resources below to find the correct driver for your printer.

References

• Microsoft: Share Your Printer Over a Home Network Using Windows XP
• Computerhope.com: How Can I Share a Printer Between Multiple Computers?

Resources

• Hewlett-Packard: Find HP Printer Drivers
• Lexmark: Find Lexmark Printer Drivers
• Epson: Find Epson Printer Drivers