Connecting a 8710 to two computers via cable

[mflip41]

We're trying to connect two different employees' laptops to our new HP 8710 printer, but do it manually, via two different cables.  We don't have any type of network in the office, and we can't do it wirelessly.  I'm connected so far via a A-B USB cable.  But my co-worker is not.  What type of cable does he need to connect, and into which port?  Thanks!

[ReverseTalk]

There is a way to print "wirelessly" without a network and without the cables. It's called Wireless Direct. HP wireless direct provides a direct wireless connection to your HP printer without joining a local network or connecting to the Internet. When you activate HP wireless direct on your printer, you can securely print documents or photos from most Wi-Fi-capable computers and mobile devices

1. Make sure that the print driver is installed on the computer.
2. On the printer control panel, touch the HP wireless direct icon (), or navigate to the Network Setup or Wireless Settings menu and touch Wireless Direct, and then turn on the connection.
3. To require a password (recommended) when connecting to the printer, select On or On with security. Note the security passcode, and then touch OK.
4. On the computer or laptop, click the wireless icon () or (), and then select HP-Print-xx-[your printer model name] from the list of available networks.

      NOTE:

   If the printer name does not display, you might be out of range of the HP wireless direct signal. Move your computer and printer closer together.

5. If prompted, type the security passcode from the printer control panel.
6. Open the photo or document that you want to print, and then click File > Print.
7. Select your printer model from the list of available printers, and then click Print.
8. Reconnect the computer to your normal wireless network after the print job completes.

For more information, see HP Wireless Printers - Printing with HP Wireless Direct.

[silvyg]

Hi,

You wont be able to connect to 2 laptops to the printer using USB. it has only one USB port. the other one you can connect using wireless direct.

[mflip41]

So it's not looking good, eh?  Connecting the laptop to the printer via ethernet cable wont' work???  And on the front of the printer I see another USB port - connecting to that via USB cable won't work either???

Thanks!
MP

[silvyg]

Hi,

The port that is on the front is for flash drives and wont detect if comp is connected. like if you have some pics on the flash drive you can directly connect to the front usb and print then directly.

if you connect a ethernet from printer to comp then the printer will get a IP but it wont be able to print.

Thanks.