Creating a Print Server with an XP machine

[SSAndre]

Does anyone know how to create a Print Server with a Windows XP machine? What I am looking to do is create a simple print server with an old computer running Windows XP, basically just having the computer setup somewhere on the network with a printer attached to it, allowing users to print to this printer. If anyone has any ideas they would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[bcastner]

Other than:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314882

XP makes an acceptable print server.

 

[SSAndre]

That is good information. Is there any article that discusses setting up Windows XP as a print server?

 

[bcastner]

There likely is, but I have not come across one I can suggest.

Bruce Sanderson, MS-MVP, has a terrific site that includes a repository for the Microsoft Printer FAQ. Poke around a bit a Bruce's site:
FAQ direct entry:

http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/FAQGeneral.htm

Bruce Sanderson's Home for printing issues:

http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/

Just a fantastic wealth of information and troubleshooting.

Best Holiday wishes,
Bill

 

[bcastner]

One final thought:

. There are hardware devices for printer servicing, and these may well prove less costly and less difficult to deal with rather than using a client OS such as XP;

. If you have to use XP, be certain to use Control Panel, System, Advanced, Performance - Settings, and set the "Visual Effects" to best performance, then click the "Advanced" tab at the top as set to "background" as the performance option.

 

[SSAndre]

Thanks for all of the information. It is not critical that I use an XP machine as a print server, but we have a corporate XP license and some computers sitting around that are not being used, so that is why I am exploring this option.

Thanks Again

 

[F1lby]

FYI, XP only allows only 10 concurrent connections on a share, so if your print server is going to be busy, you would be better off using Windows NT/2000/XP server.

Or if you're feeling lucky, use Windows 98Se as this doesn't have the issue of limited concurrent connections... But of course no guarantee of stability....

Regards

Phil B

 

[bcastner]

Or Linux with SAMBA.