How to Share a Printer With Windows XP & Vista
When using a printer you are able to connect and use more than one computer with the device. Even if the computers are running different operating systems, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista you can connect the two machines to the printer and it will function properly without any issue, even though the installation process is slightly different between the two systems.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 Computers
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Printer
- Driver Installation disk
- Internet connection
- USB splitter cable
- USB cable(s)
Instructions
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1
Connect the USB splitter cable into the USB port on the back of the printer. The splitter cable allows you to connect both computers to the printer. The splitter cable looks like a "Y." The bottom connector on the "Y" is what connects to the printer.
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2
Plug a USB cable into one of the free ends of the USB splitter cable and plug it into an available port on a computer. Repeat this process with the second USB cable into a USB port on the second cable. If both computers and the printer are powered on, the computers will indicate they have detected a new piece of hardware.
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3
Insert the driver installation disk into the Windows XP computer. Wait for the driver installation wizard to launch. Accept the license agreement and follow the prompts to complete the driver installation.
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4
Launch the Internet browser on the Windows Vista computer. Navigate to the manufacture website of the printer and select "Support and Downloads." Select your printer model and select Windows Vista as your operating system. The available driver is displayed.
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5
Click the driver and allow it to download. Double-click the downloaded file once it has finished. In a moment the driver installation wizard loads for the Windows Vista operating system. Follow the prompts to complete the driver installation.
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6
Click the "Start" button on one of the computers, and select "Printers and Faxes." A new window opens with the printer listed. Right-click the printer and select "Sharing..." A new window loads.
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7
Select the "Sharing" tab and click "Share this printer," then click "OK."
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