Can I have printer plugged into 2 different comps at once?

Discussion in 'Printers, Scanners and Digital Cameras' started by DaRuSsIaMaN, Jun 4, 2009.

  1. DaRuSsIaMaN

    DaRuSsIaMaN Geek Comrade

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    Will there be any problems if I have it plugged into 2 computers at the same time? I have my desktop PC (winxp pro) connected to my mfc printer via the old-school LPT port. Meanwhile, the printer also has a USB port. So if I also plug in my mom's laptop (winxp home) into the printer via usb, and start printing, could there be any issues?

    Or is it entirely safe?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Ghostman 1

    Ghostman 1 Mega Geek

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    Yea, you can do that, You just can't use it at the same time,or it will crash.
     
  3. donkey42

    donkey42 plank

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    or you could connect both comps together to make a mini network & setup 1 comp as a mini print server (the print server will spool print jobs for the other box) or connect both boxes to a switch and connect the printer directly to the switch and select the IP of the printer to print to
     
    tking0036 likes this.
  4. luke992006

    luke992006 Geek Trainee

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    ^personally i would do that instead.
     
  5. hdwtom

    hdwtom Geek Trainee

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    Many printers will disable the parallel port when the USB port is connected so your mileage may vary a bit depending on your model of printer.
     
  6. HardwareHunter

    HardwareHunter Geek Trainee

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    sorry to dig this up. I recently found myself doing this. I used a printer switch. You can use it one a time and not the same time.
     

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