How to set up a wireless printer between xp and vista?

Is it possible to set up a a vista laptop to be able to print from a printer hooked up to a xp pro desktop?

  • Vista laptop on wireless desktop hooked into wireless router. Not a network printer just a standard laser printer. Ive tried setting up a network but i cant get network setup which is what i think the problem is. any advice on the steps to take would be appreciated.

  • Answer:

    Software is needed to offer print server functions. The first thing to check is if the printer has support for multiple connections. If that is the case, then the printer should have come with the software you need. If not, there are applications that could be installed on the desktop that has the direct laser printer connection. You might also consider buying a print sharing device -- they're not expensive. And then you would plug the print sharing device into your network and all computers would be able to use it as a shared printer.

Ben at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

GTB's answer is correct but does make one assumption. The desktop and laptop have to be in the same workgroup. That parameter is defaulted to the word "workgroup" by default in both XP and Vista so unless you have changed it in the past it will likely not be an issue.

I understand this is your condition: 1. You have a Vista Laptop that is linked to your LAN via a wireless link to a wireless access point or wireless router. This link works properly and you can use Internet successfully. 2. You have an XP Pro desktop pc that is linked to the same LAN via wired link. This link works properly and you can use Internet successfully. 3. The XP Pro desktop has a Laser Printer connected to it either via a USB or Parallel link from printer to XP Pro desktop. 4. You wish to print from Vista Laptop to the Laser Printer on XP Pro machine. Assuming the above is accurate, you certainly can configure things to print from Vista Laptop to the Laser Printer on XP Pro machine. Do this: 1. On XP Pro machine, go to Printers and Faxes, right click on the Laser Printer and enable printer sharing. This must be done first. You may wish to give it a different name that you find suitable and will be prompted for a different name. 2. After completing # 1 above, go to Vista machine, Printers and Faxes, and Add a printer. Use the option that enables you to find other printers on the network. It may take a minute or so for it to find the Laser; it will show the laser as being connected to the XP Pro machine. Select the printer and complete the prompts for install.

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.