Problem Statement

The common challenge is the need to print documents from a personal computer located upstairs while the printer is connected to an older family computer downstairs. The current method of sending files via email to print is cumbersome and often results in formatting issues due to different software versions.

Prerequisites

• A functioning home network with a router, SSID, and passphrase.
• An Epson Stylus NX125 printer connected via USB to a downstairs computer running Windows 7.
• A personal computer running Windows 10 connected wirelessly to the network.

Solution Overview

The solution involves configuring the downstairs computer to share the printer over the network and setting up the upstairs computer to access this shared printer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Configure Printer Sharing on the Downstairs Computer

1. Connect the Printer: Ensure the Epson Stylus NX125 is connected via USB to the downstairs computer and powered on.
2. Enable Printer Sharing:
   • On the Windows 7 computer, go to the Control Panel and select ‘Devices and Printers.’
   • Right-click the Epson Stylus NX125 and choose ‘Printer properties.’
   • Navigate to the ‘Sharing’ tab.
   • Check the box labeled ‘Share this printer’ and provide a share name.
3. Verify Network Discovery and File Sharing:
   • Go to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’ > ‘Advanced sharing settings.’
   • Ensure that ‘Turn on network discovery’ and ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’ are enabled.

2. Connect to the Shared Printer from the Upstairs Computer

1. Add the Network Printer:
   • On the Windows 10 computer, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Devices’ > ‘Printers & scanners.’
   • Click ‘Add a printer or scanner,’ and wait for Windows to detect the shared printer.
   • Select the Epson Stylus NX125 from the list and click ‘Add device.’
2. Install Printer Drivers:
   • Windows 10 should automatically install the necessary drivers. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

3. Test the Printer Connection

1. Print a Test Page:
   • Open any document on the Windows 10 computer and select the Epson Stylus NX125 from the list of available printers.
   • Print a test page to ensure that the setup is working correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Printer Not Found:
  • Ensure that both computers are on the same network.
  • Verify that the downstairs computer is turned on and not in sleep mode.
  • Re-check the printer sharing settings on the downstairs computer.
• Driver Issues:
  • Download the latest drivers for the Epson Stylus NX125 from the Epson website and install them on the Windows 10 computer.
• Network Issues:
  • Restart the router and both computers.
  • Check the network settings to ensure that both computers are connected properly.

Additional Resources

For more tech tips and troubleshooting guides, follow our YouTube Channel and check out our Tech blog. If you’re in Greensboro, North Carolina, feel free to visit us locally for in-person assistance.

By following these steps, you can streamline your printing process, saving time and avoiding the hassle of transferring files between computers. This setup allows for a more efficient workflow, ensuring that your documents maintain their formatting and are printed without issues.