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[os2guy]

Hello everyone,

Yesterday, I purchased one D-Link DIR-645 (Amplifi N+300). I am having a number of problems, but I would like to start by asking two basic questions:

1. The use of the Shareport utility. Is that the only way I'll get Windows 7 to "see" and use the USB printer connected to the router?

2. If so, at what point am I supposed to install the drivers for the printer? Before the installation of the Shareport utility? And if so, must it be connected directly to the PC? During the installation of the Shareport utility (will it ask me for the driver)? Or after?

My problems might simply be related to the sequence of events...

Thanks,

OS2guy

[FurryNutz]

You can connect the printer to a online dedicated PC and share it out that way as well.

Yes, if you want to use the USB port on the router, Shareport has to be installed after printer drivers are installed on each PC that you want to print with.

[os2guy]

Hi FurryNutz,

Thanks for your reply.

You can connect the printer to a online dedicated PC and share it out that way as well.

I know next to nothing about networking, but I was hoping it was possible to tell Windows of the location of the printer using an IP address... But I guess not.

On my first install, I was getting a message that Windows was installing drivers. And then, a few seconds later, another message saying that the drivers could NOT be installed. I was getting that on every single boot... Kind of annoying!

I deleted the printer and the Shareport software - Rebooted - and then reinstalled Shareport. It did show me both previous messages one time, but after numerous reboot, all seems to be fine.

If I were to make a comment, I'd say that instructions about the printer's driver (when and how to install) are not all that clear, but it's working now.

Thanks,

os2guy

[FurryNutz]

What Mfr and model # is this printer?

It's recommended that you first install the printer drivers on each PC so the drivers are there. At least the drivers are up to date. I believe even it the drivers are not there, SP will attempt to have Windows install MS Windows version of the driver or a similar generic driver based on the model information Windows gets from the printer.

I would first do a quick install of the printer on your PC using the latest drivers from it's Mfr web site. Install the printer normally or as per Mfr instructions. Then disconnect the printer and connect it to the router. Power ON the router and printer. While the router is powering ON, have Shareport open and ready. Once the router comes to ready it should find the printer thats connected.

I have just tested out my HP LaserJet p2014n on USB using Windows 7 x64 and Mac OSX 10.8.3 and both latest official releases of Shareport and the printer connects and works when connected to the 645.

[os2guy]

Hi FurryNutz,

It's working fine now.

Printer is an All-in-One HP DeskJet F4180. I'm not sure what is the sequence of events I used, but it was probably different from what you suggest. I wonder if at one point Windows 7 was "seeing" 2 distinct printer: One connect directly to the PC and another one on the router... Which might be why I was getting error messages about the drivers installation not working.

Again, all is fine now. Thanks again!

Should we close this thread?

[FurryNutz]

Glad you got it working.

I was testing my hp LaserJet p2014n yesterday and SP had used a currently installed instance of the printer. I did later on remove that instance and let SP reinstall it and didn't see any issues.

Enjoy.