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# Sharing Printers on Serial Ports in Windows for Workgroups

Article ID: 105419

Article Last Modified on 10/10/2003

APPLIES TO

- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This article was previously published under Q105419

## SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups does not support sharing communications (COM) ports. However, it is possible to share a printer connected to a COM port.
When you share a printer, Windows for Workgroups does not share the printer port. The printer queue is shared. In other words, Windows for Workgroups is sharing the software supporting the port, not the device connected to the port.

## MORE INFORMATION

The mechanism for sharing a printer on a COM port is the same as it is for a printer on a parallel port:

1. Install the appropriate printer driver and connect it to the desired COM port.
2. Open Print Manager.
3. Select the printer on the COM port that you want to share.
4. From the Printer menu, choose Share Printer As.
5. Select Re-share At Startup if desired.

The printer queue is now shared and can be accessed across the network by other machines.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.1 3.11 sharing communications port

Keywords: KB105419