Connecting to a Windows printer

**PhilH** · June 7th, 2002, 05:51 AM

Can any one tell me how I can get Mac OS X 10.1.5 to use a printer that's connected to my Windows XP box?

I can file share just fine, but what about the printer?

**BSDimwit** · June 7th, 2002, 02:06 PM

Search the forums for your answer... its in there, I found it myself. Basically it involves setting up your windows box as a lpd printer server, then redirecting postscript output from your mac through a ghostscript filter on your pc, which in turn passes its output to your normal printer. Anyway, its been discussed, and I really wish someone would post a HOW TO in the how to section for all to see. I don't have write access in that forum so I can't.

**gibbs** · June 7th, 2002, 02:13 PM

I've got an alternate, perhaps easier answer for you.

Download "Dave" by thursby software. Make sure both of your PC's are on the same "workgroup" name. Enable netbios on your windows PC [for the *internal* network only, make sure you dont expose netbios to the internet]. Also make sure "file and printer sharing" is enabled in windows networking setup.

Then [still on your windows PC] go to your windows Printer folder , right click on the printer you want to share, tell it to share the printer via the sharing tab, give it a name, and then go back to your mac.

Once DAVE is installed on the mac, go to print setup on your mac [print center inside utilities], and a new choice for connection is enabled - "DAVE POSTSCRIPT PRINTING"

All you have to do is select that, then a browser will pop up for your workgroup, just browse right into the name of your shared printer, select it, and you are set!

[Doh- those instructions are long winded, but I promise you, it is very easy and straightforward, provided that your network is setup correctly, and your mac and pc can already talk to eachother somewhat.]

If you have any problems, the dave manual has all the tutorials you need.

Good luck and hope that helps!

**kanecorp** · June 7th, 2002, 03:06 PM

dave doesn't support printing in OSX yet

**evildan** · June 7th, 2002, 03:20 PM

Anyway, its been discussed, and I really wish someone would post a HOW TO in the how to section for all to see. I don't have write access in that forum so I can't.

BSDimwit,

If you want to write one up, I'll post it for you. I think it would be a great addition to that forum.

Let me know, becuase I also have a PC printer I've been wanting to get working through my mac.

**gibbs** · June 7th, 2002, 08:02 PM

Uhm, Kane, I dont mean to sound rude, but where exactly are you getting your information?

I have printed out about 30 odd pages of stuff today using DAVE, sending to my HP laserjet 1200 on my XP machine in the other room. The method I described works for me and for others, and requires no special tweaking or setup, apart from making sure your network is setup properly.

I am using OS X 10.1.4 and 10.1.5 as my mac machine.

[edit- perhaps you are using an old version? I am using 3.1.1]

**Gwailo** · June 7th, 2002, 08:28 PM

I had my Mac's Epson Colour 777i shared with DAVE 3.1 to my XP machine.

When I printed something from XP it would print, and then print an infinate amount of copies. The only way I found to stop it was to sudo rm "Dave Spool Folder" heh. Not even restarting (anything: printer, iMac, XP) fixed it!

**kanecorp** · June 7th, 2002, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by gibbs
Uhm, Kane, I dont mean to sound rude, but where exactly are you getting your information?

I have printed out about 30 odd pages of stuff today using DAVE, sending to my HP laserjet 1200 on my XP machine in the other room. The method I described works for me and for others, and requires no special tweaking or setup, apart from making sure your network is setup properly.

I am using OS X 10.1.4 and 10.1.5 as my mac machine.

[edit- perhaps you are using an old version? I am using 3.1.1]

oh sorry..last time i checked about a month ago..their site said it didnt support it yet..but it would in their next version..i guess it came out..