[Solved] Printer installation, in the host or in the guest?

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Ralluph
Posts: 17
Joined: 22. Mar 2022, 22:47

[Solved] Printer installation, in the host or in the guest?

Post by Ralluph »

Hi Everyone,

Host is Windows 10, 64, professional. Guest is Windows XP, 32, professional.
I don't have any software in the host that requires a printer.
So, should I install my printer software in the guest?

My printer is an HP 5100tn laser printer made for Widows XP and I have the original installation CD.
But when I try to install it in the guest it hangs when I get to the "files copied 100%" dialog box at which point
I have to crash out of the VM.

Years ago, when I ran Windows XP as my operating system, I used the same printer and its software without problems.

HP has a printer driver for my printer that is supposed to work in Windows 10. If I install my printer in the host,
can I make it available to the guest?


Sincerely,

Ralf
Last edited by Ralluph on 23. Apr 2022, 11:21, edited 1 time in total.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Printer installation, in the host or in the guest?

Post by mpack »

Install the printer in the host, that allows it to be accessible from the host and all VMs, not just one VM and that only when it's running.

And in general, VMs are not a good choice if you want to control physical hardware. Let the host do that.

Sharing from the host works exactly the same as if you had a home LAN and wanted all devices on your LAN to have the use of it. I.e. enable network sharing on the host, and ensure that the VM has access to that network. Usually Bridged (preferred) or Host-Only networking is used. Regardless of the solution you choose, each device that wants to use the printer will need its own printer driver: the method of connecting the printer doesn't change that.
Ralluph
Posts: 17
Joined: 22. Mar 2022, 22:47

Re: Printer installation, in the host or in the guest?

Post by Ralluph »

Hi mpack,

You must have been watching me type to post your answer that quickly!

Excellent answer. I never thought of the ability of the printer to be available to other VMs.

Thank you very much.

How do I mark a thread SOLVED?

Sincerely,

Ralf
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: [Solved] Printer installation, in the host or in the guest?

Post by mpack »

We don't typically mark opinion discussions as "solved", but I did it anyway since you asked.
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