# Connecting a PC to a printer via Apple AirPort **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 19, 2007, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505 "2007-03-19T01:36:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/1 "2007-03-19T01:36:04Z")
I got out the old printer today, and plugged it into the Apple AirPort Extreme via the USB port. I went to System Preferences and installed it immediately. Roomie connects to the Internet on his PC laptop via the AirPort. He is able to connect to the Internet with no problem. But he was unable to connect to the printer. What does he need to do to connect his PC to the printer via the AirPort? ---
**Author:** ![Antonius\_Block](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/51bf81/32.png) [@Antonius\_Block](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antonius_Block)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/2 "2007-03-19T03:22:41Z")
[Here](http://www.mac-connect.com/printer_sharing_win.php) are the typical steps needed to get a PC (running Windows XP) to recognize the network printer. If he’s using an older OS, it _may_ be necessary to run the printer’s “Setup CD” on the laptop in order to provide the correct drivers (I’ve needed to do this before with Windows 2000). ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/3 "2007-03-19T14:56:27Z")
Apparently when he browses for the printer (Step 3 on the link) the printer does not appear on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/4 "2007-03-19T17:38:35Z")
So the question is: Why doesn’t his laptop ‘see’ the printer? (He’s using WinXP, BTW.) ---
**Author:** ![Antonius\_Block](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/51bf81/32.png) [@Antonius\_Block](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antonius_Block)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/5 "2007-03-19T21:10:20Z")
What are the brand and model number of the printer? At this point, I’d suggest that your roommate [create an XP System Restore point](http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx), then find a copy of the printer’s “Install CD” (or search for and download an equivalent), and run it. At some point in the installation, the wizard will ask for (or look for) the port to which the printer is attached, and with any luck he’ll be able to point it at the network printer. The other thing he could try is to attach the printer directly to the laptop via USB, and go through the regular installation process, so that at least you know that the printer _can_ be supported in XP. Once it’s working as a local printer, move the printer back to the AirPort and go through the steps from the link in post #2 above. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-a-pc-to-a-printer-via-apple-airport/396505/6 "2007-03-19T21:16:02Z")
Apparently he has a problem with his USB port. He can ‘see’ things plugged into it, but can’t send data through it. I told him your suggestion though.