Set up a Wireless/Wired Network for Printer Sharing?

Question

I have a desktop with a printer installed. The desktop connects to the internet through a LinkSys WRTP54G firewall/router. The linksys connects to a dsl modem that connects to my DSL(PPPoE)connected. The desktop is connected to the router via Cat5 ethernet cable(but does have a wifi card).

And I just bought a new laptop which is connects to the internet via WIFI.
I want to share the printer on my wired PC to the wireless laptop. Both running XP pro.

When I go through "network setup wizzard" I select "this computer connects to the internet directly through a network hub. Other computers connect to the internet throuhg a hub" ...is that correct?

When I select to "share folders and printer" XP gives me a message saying since i connect difrec tly through a hub people on the internet will be able to view my shared files and use my printer, security risk...etc.

Am i doing this correctly? Should i set it up some other way?

Thanks

I'm a little confused. Maybe I'm not using a hub. The printer is connected directly to the desktop via USB, the desktop is then connected to thr router via CAT5.

The laptop is connected directly to the router through the WIFI connection, so its connecting to the internet through the wireless router....does that help?

Answer 1

The router is the hub. Both computers are connected to it (there is no conceptual difference between the wireless and wired connections). If you select "Share this Printer", you will be able to see the printer from the laptop.

I have a similar setup on my home network and it works fine.

Answer 2

For file sharing you need to set up a Workgroup on the computers that are using the same router. The information is available in the Help under ther Start button. Once the workgroup is setup you will have to go into the individual computer to select the files you want to share. You can also select the printers to share. On the computer without the printer, do a network search for the other unit and it's printer. You may need to load the drivers for that printer . This is assuming the printer is attached to a computer and is functional on it's host. Also, power MUST be on for the host computer. Another way is to install a wireless print server for the printer. It will then not require a host computer that is always powered up. The most important thing about file and printer sharing is security. Make sure you have encrytion active on the the wireless side. Without it you are allowing anyone to use your router and view any shared files.

Answer 3

Great Question by the way and I'll be happy to help you with it if you need until the problems are solved. First of all, you can eleminate that error message by making sure that all of your USB equipment is plugged into the hub and then into the computer which in turn goes into the router and finially to the internet, making the router the last piece of equipment before going online. This is a must because the router then provides you with security, ghosting your real internet addy so that you cant be seen by hackers while on the internet. Have the router, wired or wireless hooked up to your main computer in the house. Then make sure the printer is installed into the main computer as well. Then by simply utilizing your laptops built in wired or wireless ethernet card, it will be able to shake hands with the router when all of the applications are setup properly. On the main machine, be sure to name the "Workgroup" something like: MSHOME and do the same on the laptop. This will enable them to communicate together and the laptop will also be able to share the files and printer. During the "network setup wizard" tell the main machine that it connects directly to the internet and then run the Network Wizard on the laptop and tell it that it hooks up to your main machine (or host) and then to the internet. Be sure also to go into the control panel, printers and faxes and locate your particular printer. Right Click one time on your printer and then click on "sharing" and follow thru at the prompts to set it up properly. You must restart the computers over and over so that the new changes can take effect. If I can help further, just let me know and I'll be happy to help you with it. Larry Radio Shack 01-9590

Answer 4

Do the following on BOTH computers: On the network setup wizard you did select the right one "this computer connects to the internet directly through a network hub. Other computers connect to the internet throuhg a hub". Give yourself a unique workgroup name (same on both computers). Yes, it is normal that you get the warning from windows. Continue past this point. Open your windows firewall, make sure that it is on and allowing exceptions, and click on the exceptions tab. You should have file and printer sharing checked. Make sure nothing else is checked, as a lot of applications try to add themselves here. In the folder options control panel, click on view tab, and look for "Automatically search for network folders and printers" (first item). Check this option. Also look for "Use simple file sharing" (last one) and take OFF the check mark.

Restart both computers for microsoft sake. Make sure you can get to the internet on your laptop. If not - figure out whats wrong b4 going further.

On your desktop, open your printers folder. Right click on the printer you want to share and select "Sharing...". Click the button to share.

Now, on your laptop, you SHOULD be able to open your printers folder, and see your desktop printer with (auto) in front of the name. Just rightclick and set as default.

Done.