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How to Share Printer in Windows XP

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To share printer in Windows XP is similar to when sharing a folder. You have two ways to share you printer.

1.) You can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on and off. This works only if your computer is not joined to a domain.

To start the Network Setup Wizard:

Click Start
Click Control Panel
The Control Panel window opens, now double-click Network Setup Wizard.
Follow the instructions in the Network Setup Wizard and it will allow you to configure a new computer name, configure the workgroup name and it will enable file and printer sharing for you. The Windows Firewall will also be configured to allow file and printer sharing on your network for you.

2.) The second way to share printer in Windows XP is by following this step by step:

1.) First let's make sure that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is installed on your network adapters.

Go to Start
Click Control Panel
Double-click Network Connections
Right-click Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection and click Properties

The Local Area Connection Properties window opens.

Make sure there is a check mark next to File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
If you don't see File and Printer Sharing then you need to install it. Click Install, select Client and click Add

2.) Next, let's make sure that Windows Firewall allows File and Printer Sharing on your computer.

Go to Start
Click Control Panel
Double-click Windows Firewall
Select the Exceptions tab and select the File and Printer Sharing check box to enable it. Click OK.

Now let's share your printer!

3.) Click Start and then Printers and Faxes

4.) The Printer and Faxes window opens.

Right-click the printer you want to share and click Sharing

5.) Select the Sharing tab and click Share this printer.

Next to Share name: type in the name of the print share that you want your printer to show when another computer sees the printer on the network. This name will not change the original name of the printer.

I named my print share "HPOffice".

6.) If you click Additional Drivers you will be able to install extra print drivers for other operating systems that are running on your network.

For example: if you have other computers in your home that run Windows XP 64-bit or Windows 2000, then you will have to download the drivers for these operating systems and install them in the Additional Drivers Window

7.) In the Additional Drivers window, choose the other operating systems of your other computers on your network which will connect to this printer.

When you click OK, you will be prompted to install the drivers.

When one of these computers connect to the share of your printer, then the computer will be provided with the correct driver.