How to Share Printers on a Network in Windows Millennium (278531)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q278531

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to share a printer by clicking Start, pointing to Settings, and then clicking Printers, the Sharing option is not available for any locally attached printers on computers that are running Windows Millennium Edition (Me).

CAUSE

You did not properly install the File and Printer Sharing component.

RESOLUTION

To share a printer that is connected locally to a Windows Me computer on a network, use one of the following methods.

To Use the Home Networking Wizard to Share the Printer

  1. On the computer with the printer that you want to share, double-click to open the My Network Places on your computer's desktop.
  2. Start the Home Networking Wizard.
  3. Select the option that enables you to edit your Home Networking settings on the computer.
  4. In the Home Networking Wizard, make the appropriate selections for how the computer connects to the network, and other details.
  5. When you are prompted as to whether you want to share a local printer that is attached to the computer, click to select the check box that is next to the printer (or printers) that you want to share.
  6. To complete the Home Networking Wizard, click Finish, and then restart the computer if you are prompted to do so.

To Manually Enable File and Printer Sharing to Share the Printer

  1. Add the appropriate File and Printer Sharing component for the client that is being used on the network (such as Client for Microsoft Networks, or NetWare) by opening the Network icon in Control Panel.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. When the computer restarts, you receive a message which states that a printer was detected, and you are asked if you would like to share it; choose to share the printer. Right-click the printer, and then click Properties; the Sharing option is available.

MORE INFORMATION

The critical step in this process is to restart the computer after you add the File and Printer Sharing component. Windows Me does not prompt you to do this. One benefit of using the Home Networking Wizard to share files, and printers is that it allows you to enable, and configure all the networking settings for the computer in an easy-to-use interface.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/14/2006
Keywords:kbprb kbprint KB278531
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