Today we are going to share a printer on your network by turning a Windows 7 system into a print server. For the basis of this tutorial I will assume that all the systems on your network are running Windows 7, that your network is called NETWORK1 and the Windows 7 print server is called WPS1.
On WPS1
The first thing to do is connect the system to the network and change the workgroup name to NETWORK1. To do this go to:
Start – Right click on Computer – Properties
You will then get the following screen.
Click on change settings in the bottom right hand corner and change the Workgroup to NETWORK1. You will have to restart your system for the changes to take effect.
Once restarted it is then time to share the printer. Go to:
Start – Devices and Printers and locate your printer.
Once located right click and go to Printer Properties. This will bring up the properties box for your printer. Locate the Sharing tab and click on Change Sharing Options.
Now make sure the Share this printer box is ticked and add a name for the printer in the Share name box. Once completed click on apply. Your printer is now shared.
Only thing left to do now is to check that everyone on your network has the correct credentials to access this printer so click on the Security tab. Once opened check that the Everyone group has the Allow permission to print. Again once completed click on Apply.
Your print server is now fully functional.
Client PC’s
Go to Start – Devices and Printers and click on Add a printer.
When presented with the box shown above click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer. Windows 7 will now attempt to locate the networked printer.
When the networked printer is located click on next. Windows 7 will now install the printer with the correct driver. And that is it.
Word of warning here. For your printer to be shared across the network your print server must be switched on. If not the client computers will be unable to find it. You can share your printer a different way by purchasing a dedicated print server (a little box which connects to your router) if you don’t want to have a computer on all the time.
About the Author
Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.
For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.
