An idiots guide to networking a printer?

[Spid]

Hello folks.

Just wondered if anyone can give me some advice on networking my printer?

Both run windows xp, and connect to the net through my router. The pc is wired and has the printer installed on it. The other is the sprogs new laptop, it's got a wireless connection.

If at all possible I'd like to have to have my pc on for the laptop to be able to print. Otherwise she's likely to use all the paper in the world while I'm not looking.

[Notlobdog]

OK, I'll be the idiot with the guide.
Go to control panel ( start button)on your "base" machine and look for the network setup icon. Run through that, giving your network a name etc, and ensure you turn on file and printer sharing.
Do the same on the laptop, making sure you use the same name for the network
Reboot
Hopefully both machines can now "see" each other (check network places-work group computers.)
On the laptop goto printers and faxes ( start menu) and add a printer. Tick the network printer button and browse for a printer-it should find the printer on your base machine- install it and hopefully if the base machine is on and so is the printer then it should work. It does for me. :E

[Mike889]

The way I read the post, it seems that the printer is not connected directly to the network. It's attached to the 'base' machine. If that's the case, you'll need to Share the printer from your 'base' mahine.

To do that, you need to go to the Printers and Faxes control panel, find the printer, right-click and go to sharing. There may be other settings that need to be changed. Windows should walk you thru it.

If your printer is connected directly to the router instead of the computer, please disregard the above.