Question

Windows XP printer sharing- is there a limit?

Asked by: GerryTheisen

Hello,

On a Windows XP machine, I have created local printers through standard TCP/IP ports.  I am essentially making a print server.

I know that XP has a limit of 10 on file sharing.  However, is there a limit to how many people can be connected to any given printer at one time.  In other words, when I share a printer, can only 10 or fewer people have that network printer installed at any given time?

Thanks for your help.

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Asked On
2007-10-17 at 10:03:56ID22899587
Tags

xp

,

limit

,

printer

,

sharing

,

windows

Topics

Printers

,

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
3
Points
125
Comments
8

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Answers

 

by: David-HowardPosted on 2007-10-17 at 10:12:06ID: 20095150

Good question and one I haven't had to deal with as of yet. I found a link that states 10 is the limit but that also provides a work around.
http://lists.more.net/archives/technic/2007-April/019696.html
I hope this helps.
David

 

by: fmonroyPosted on 2007-10-17 at 10:20:44ID: 20095222

taken from M$ doc:
"Note For Windows XP Professional, the maximum number of other computers that are permitted to simultaneously connect over the network is ten. This limit includes all transports and resource sharing protocols combined. For Windows XP Home Edition, the maximum number of other computers that are permitted to simultaneously connect over the network is five. This limit is the number of simultaneous sessions from other computers the system is permitted to host. This limit does not apply to the use of administrative tools that attach from a remote computer."

so yes, this limit is 10

 

by: b0lsc0ttPosted on 2007-10-17 at 10:35:52ID: 20095358

GerryTheisen,

In case the quote above (fmonroy you might want to post a URL for that) isn't clear enough the 10 connection limit for XP Pro isn't file sharing it is simultaneous network connections.  In practice 1 computer could actually use more than one of those connections so you might hit the limit with only 7 computers "connected" and using the XP machine (drive or any resource).

What did you mean by "created local printers through standard TCP/IP ports"?  How is the printer (or printers) connected to the XP machine?  If the printers already have a network card then what do you hope to gain by having the XP machine "manage" them?  How many potential users will this be?

Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

b0lsc0tt

 

by: fmonroyPosted on 2007-10-17 at 10:37:41ID: 20095378

 

by: b0lsc0ttPosted on 2007-10-17 at 10:45:20ID: 20095450

fmonroy - I almost didn't even say anything because that paragraph is all over the place and, it seems, public.  Best to be safe though and I figured you had it handy in case the Asker wanted to see it.  Good comment and thanks for the link.  :)

bol

 

by: GerryTheisenPosted on 2007-10-17 at 11:33:53ID: 20095822

Thanks for replying so quickly.  All of my file and print sharing experience is with Server editions, so I get mixed up when dealing with workgroups and XP file sharing.

My understanding was that each share could accept 10 connections, but 10 total for the computer with the exception of admin tools makes sense.  You both cleared up a lot of confusion for me.

In addition, the LPR work around is a good idea.  However, that is a bit of a stretch for the solution I am looking for.

Thanks again.

 

by: fmonroyPosted on 2007-10-17 at 11:36:04ID: 20095838

Thanks for the grade

 

by: b0lsc0ttPosted on 2007-10-17 at 11:41:27ID: 20095876

Your welcome!  Thanks for the fun question, the grade and the points.  I'm glad I could help.

bol

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