How do I connect a wired printer to a wired/wireless network?

saxonrosecliff

We currently have an old desktop PC running XP and a new laptop running Windows 7. I've just set up a wireless connection via router (netgear WGR614) for the laptop and the desktop is connected via cable to the router. We also have an old non-wireless enabled printer (HP PSC1410) which is connected via USB to the desktop. How to I connect the laptop to the printer? (Been puzzling over this for sometime now!). Do I need to make the printer wireless and if so is this possible and how do I do it?

Taffybiker

A similar setup to my own. On the PC the printer is connected to, enable file and printer sharing. You can run the network wizard for this.
On the laptop, "add a printer" and point it to the new network printer.
Note network printing will only work if the PC the printer is connected to is switched on.

fuzzball172

You can buy wireless print servers if you want the printer wireless, without having the desktop turned on.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Edimax-PS-1206UWG-10-100Mbps-Wired-IEEE-80211g-b-wireless-and-1xUSB-20-Print-Server

AHAR

Here's a cheaper wireless print server if your local Argos has one in stock.
NB "Current selling price valid until 22/01/2010"
Printing through your desktop is free though of course.

saxonrosecliff

Thanks for the replies. I tried doing what Taffybiker said but the laptop still could not find the printer. I think I'll go for the print server from Argos - one left in our local store which is reserved for me! Thanks again.

beardiedog

I can't get it to work either.

MsRed1

Try add a local printer.

beardiedog

I have it wired up as a local printer to my desktop but I can't seem to find it on my laptop on the network.

pcombo

have you got the printer set to share.

beardiedog

pcombo wrote: »

have you got the printer set to share.

Yes, I've done that.

MsRed1

My set up is the same as yours.On your laptop/devices and printers/add a printer-can you find your printer manually from the list of printers? Have you enabled printer sharing in the Network Sharing Centre?