Printer sharing
Before you start, make sure you have enabled printer sharing on all the computers that will be using it. Then, just follow the appropriate directions below.
Note: to use a shared printer, the computer to which it is physically attached must be turned on and booted up.
Windows XP
Open the printer list (Start » Printers and Faxes). Right-click on the printer you would like to share and select Sharing…. Choose Share this printer, provide a share name, and click OK. The printer will be shared instantly at:
\\\\[computer name]\\[share name]
To use it on other Windows XP PCs, either browse for it on the network (using My Network Places) and double-click on it, or type in its address at the Run prompt (Start » Run). The printer will be installed automatically; just click OK if you are prompted about installing drivers. You may then use the printer from any program.
Windows 9x
Open the printer list (Start » Settings » Printers). Right-click on the printer you would like to share and select Sharing…. Choose Shared as, provide a share name, and click OK. The printer will be shared instantly at:
\\\\[computer name]\\[share name]
To use it on other Windows 9x PCs, browse for it on the network (double-click Network Neighborhood on your desktop, then double-click the computer with the shared printer). Right-click on the printer and select Install. The printer will be installed automatically; just click OK if you are prompted about installing drivers. You may then use the printer from any program.