Printer on a network

[randomer]

I am using a router for a wi-fi network. I have three computers and want to be able to print from all of them when I am in range of the router. I only have the printer installed onto one of the computers and I have been trying to get a document to print via the router instead of the wire. The router says that the printer peripheral is ready and the computer is on the correct port. However, whenever I try to print, the printer's software claims to be collecting the printer status but never manages to. The document fails to print and now I am stuck and don't know what to do.

My printer is the Canon PIXMA iP5000 and my router is by Safecom.

If anybody could help me with this problem then I would be very happy. Thanks.

[j2buttonsw]

To get a printer to work on a network you need a printer server. The easiest way is to have a computer plugged directly into the network and the printer then share the printer so other computers on the network can see it and print to it. Obviuosly, the computer attached to the printer must be on for the other computers on the network to print to it. A better was is to buy a printer server which goes on your network and links directly to the printer. It will usually have a static IP address (so it never changes) and the printer port created on the client computers is mapped to it. I don't think the router will act as a printer server. Have a look at this http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3774&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=printer+server&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0

[dodgyshirt]

I have 3 PCs and a laptop networked wirelessly at home with printers attached to 2 of the PCs.

I always set the network up with a name using the XP installation disk on each computer using the additional tasks item.

Then, having made sure that each printer is set to be shared under properties, for each client computer, go to Printers and Faxes on the Start menu and follow the instructions to add a network printer or printers.If you are running the same OS on all the PCs, there is no need to install drivers on the client PCs.

This method has always worked perfectly for me whether using a wired or wireless system.