USB Port Help: Is there such a thing?
 

I have a brand new printer (USB-connected) that I want to share between two PCs. To do so, I thought I'd have to buy a USD hub. After purchasing, I noticed a hub is basically a device to support multiple peripherals connected into a single PC (and I want the opposite). Is there any way to have two PCs connect to a single USB port on a single printer?

Thanks!

yep

Belkin has one. they also have a 4 in 1.

Note that you may have issues if both computers try to print at the same time. You may be better off networking the two PCs, then having one of them share the printer out (which is what I do).

You could either buy a network printer share device that will allow you to share it over your home network, or you could simply hook it up to one computer and use windows to share it out across the network. That option requires you to have the computer its hooked up to on whenever the other computer wants to print though. Of course, both options assume you have a home network. If thats not the case, then sorry to waste your time ;- )

Well - here's an adjunct to the original. I've now added the printer, shared it, but the problem I'm having is I want to print from a laptop that's set up to be on my company's domain. How can I have it attach to my company's domain and my home network's domain at the same time? Every time I do a search for the printer, the laptop can't find it :(.

Thanks for your help!

did you run the network setup wizard?

You can't that I know of. I would just unplug the printer from your home pc into your laptop to print what you need.

I don't get it... can't you just go to system properties and switch to workgroup? or am I missing something?

apparently it's not that easy. Here's a possible solution, though

http://www.velocityreviews.com/forum...roup-mode.html

If this is just a simple home network where you control the IP addresses, I'd set the IP manually, something 192.168.1.x (where x = 50 or so, something that DHCP on various devices won't work its way up to) and then create a direct IP port rather than doing it \\server\printername.

Select "local printer attached to this computer" (don't auto detect) -> next -> create a new port -> standard tcp/ip port -> and then just input the IP address and finish out with the standard clicking.

SI

It can be done, but most people would be calling me in the AM wondering why they can't connect to their works domain, plus a "normal" user wouldn't have access to join the pc back to their works domain. :)

Connect it via printer cable or use TH's advice.