How can I print from my laptop to the printer connected to my desktop PC?

Question

i bougth a toshiba with vista and i have a desktop with xp and the desktop has a printer lexmark how can i print from my laptop to print at the desktop please with details and will get best answers thanks

Answer 1

Well, first of all.... is your laptop networked with the desktop?
If yes then....

On the desktop you'll have to go to the printer and right click on it, click on sharing and then check off to share this printer.

On your laptop click on start, printers and faxes then add a printer.

An "Add Printer Wizard" box should pop up. Click on next then just follow the instructions. I just did this recently myself and it was pretty easy.

Oh and a tip...make sure the desktop is on when you want to print something.

Answer 2

There are many ways to accomplish this. If you don't have your computers on a network, simply connect the printer from your desktop to the laptop. The first time you do this, the printer will be installed and then you can use it as your normally would on the desktop.

If you do have your computers on a network you can setup Microsoft File and Printer Sharing (cheap and easy). On the Desktop go to Start->SEttings-->printers
Right click on the Printer you want to share...click SHARING
Click shared as
type a name for the printer
click OK

On the laptop, add a new printer (Start-->Settings-->Printers)
Add New printer
type
\\DESKTOPCOMPUTERNAME\printersharename
You can now print to this printer provided your desktop computer is on

If you want to print regardless of whether your desktop printer is on or off you need to buy a print server from bestbuy, staples, etc.

Answer 3

1. Plug your Printer - Desktop cord (usually USB)

2. Plug it to your laptop.

3. Install any softwares that came with your printer. (they are inside of your printer's installation CD)

4. Start your printer!