Windows 7: Sharing a USB attached printer to the workgroup

Cori0412 · 16 Aug 2010

Hi! I have a Brother DCP 7040 attached via USB to a Windows 7 machine. I have one other machine in my workgroup but it can not see the shared printer? Any ideas?

Joan Archer · 16 Aug 2010

I don't really know the answer but have you had a look through the tutorials here, there is a wealth of information. You didn't tell us what OS the other computer is using but have a look at this to start off with, it may give you some help.

Please post back if you need more help as I know there will be an expert ready to help you.

SHARING PCs AND PRINTERS ON WIN 7 AND WIN 98 NETWORK[2]=Networking Internet

Cori0412 · 16 Aug 2010

Thanks both pcs are running Windows 7

StuberB · 16 Aug 2010

have you ever been able to see the printer? is this a new printer you are setting up?

StuberB · 16 Aug 2010

if you haven't had this setup before then you need to install the printer driver on all computers you want to shared this printer with...also make sure the printer itself is shared

wildeskraut · 16 Aug 2010

What happens when you open "Run" (Windows key & R) and enter the hostname of the computer with the usb printer connected from the printer which should access the remote printer like that: \\hostname_of_pc_with_usb_printer

Petey7 · 16 Aug 2010

Since both are Windows 7 computer, have you tried using a homegroup instead?

Homegroup - Create

chev65 · 16 Aug 2010

This might help you set your printer up.
Install a printer on a home network

USB printers are inherently problematic in my opinion. It's best to use a network printer instead.

Windows 7: Sharing a USB attached printer to the workgroup

Sharing a USB attached printer to the workgroup problems?