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    Basic printer networking question

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by iamapato01, Jun 6, 2006.

  1. iamapato01

    iamapato01 Notebook Consultant

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    Hi everyone. I have a printer, desktop, laptop and wireless internet router. I currently can print from my laptop ONLY if the desktop is turned on, because the printer is connected to the desktop.

    How do I make the printer work from the laptop wirelessly without having to turn on the desktop?
     
    iamapato01, Jun 6, 2006
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  2. heyu

    heyu Notebook Consultant

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    if your router has a print sever on it and the printer is plugged directly into the router, if not it is impossible to print from a device that is plugged into a turned off computer.

    i am assuming you don't have a print sever on the router, because if you did you would not be ask this question(the instructions would say how to set up a network print if it is capable of doing so

    hope that helps
     
    heyu, Jun 6, 2006
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  3. iamapato01

    iamapato01 Notebook Consultant

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    So I have to buy a seperate print server?
     
    iamapato01, Jun 6, 2006
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  4. heyu

    heyu Notebook Consultant

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    no some routers have print severs built into them if yours doesn't then you might wish to buy a new router with a print sever. but before you go and spend a bouch of money check if your printer is Network enabled, if it isn't don't buy another router because it still will not work

    most low end and printer that are 2 years and old will not be print server compatiable.

    a print server wil cost about 120 - 300.

    an alternate to spend that kind of money is a cheap USB thumb drive, to transfer the files to the desktop or just keep on doing it the same way you are doing it know.

    if your printer is not network enabled, then don't bet both a printer and a print server and a printer just get another print and have it on a desk some where and just plug the USB cord into your computer when you want to print.

    if you have any more question post :) i will try to answer but i am going to bed fairly quickly
     
    heyu, Jun 6, 2006
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  5. heyu

    heyu Notebook Consultant

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    i am going so if you still need help send a message

    click heyu
    "send private message"
     
    heyu, Jun 6, 2006
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  6. iamapato01

    iamapato01 Notebook Consultant

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    Well my printer is fairly new (1 year roughly) and my router is brand new (linksys SRX200 MIMO). Is it possible to get a Y shaped USB cable to connect the printer to the desktop and then the laptop when I feel like it?
     
    iamapato01, Jun 7, 2006
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  7. grendata

    grendata Notebook Enthusiast

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    I to was wondering whether a printer could be connected to two computers through some type of Y shaped usb cable. Does anyone know?
     
    grendata, Jun 7, 2006
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