Can I have printer plugged into 2 different comps at once?

[DaRuSsIaMaN]

Will there be any problems if I have it plugged into 2 computers at the same time? I have my desktop PC (winxp pro) connected to my mfc printer via the old-school LPT port. Meanwhile, the printer also has a USB port. So if I also plug in my mom's laptop (winxp home) into the printer via usb, and start printing, could there be any issues?

Or is it entirely safe?

Thanks!

 

[Ghostman 1]

Yea, you can do that, You just can't use it at the same time,or it will crash.

 

[donkey42]

or you could connect both comps together to make a mini network & setup 1 comp as a mini print server (the print server will spool print jobs for the other box) or connect both boxes to a switch and connect the printer directly to the switch and select the IP of the printer to print to

 

[luke992006]

^personally i would do that instead.

 

[hdwtom]

Many printers will disable the parallel port when the USB port is connected so your mileage may vary a bit depending on your model of printer.

 

[HardwareHunter]

sorry to dig this up. I recently found myself doing this. I used a printer switch. You can use it one a time and not the same time.