I have two computers that I am trying to connect to one printer.  The printer only has one port.  The first computer is a Dell Dimension DIM 9100 with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002.  The second computer is a Dell Dimension 8200 with Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002.  The printer is a Dell Photo AIO Printer 942.  I have tried to use a Belkin USB Peripheral Switch but never got it working completely.  It would work with the 8200  but the 9100 would have problems recognizing the printer.  Do you have any recommendations?  I have also tried to set up a network with the network set-up wizard, but can't get the old computer to connect with the printer.
How is the network connected......the net map.....which is the sever....Not SURE I understand what you're asking me.  I have the printer connected to the new computer and both computers share an internet connection through a router.does the other pc work on the net>the old one........did you try....clicking  the my network places icon......it has option to share folders/files/printers.Texgal....Ok , but do you have the pc's setup to share files and a common printer ? Are you able to access files on the other pc?
This may help you ....... http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

dl65  I clicked on the network places icon and it looks LIKE I could access files, but I can't.  I really just wanted to use the stinking USB switch.Texgal.... Have you tried this ?

To share a printer, on the computer which is directly connected to the printer:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers And Other Hardware -> Printers And Faxes. (Note: These steps will be a little different if you’re sharing a printer on a PC running a version of Windows other than XP. For example, under Windows Me, you click Start -> Settings -> Printers.)
Click the printer you wish to share.
Click Share This Printer in the Task Pane.
In the printer’s Properties dialog, click the Sharing tab.
Click Share NAME and OK.


Make a printer accessible to others on the network by sharing it.

Once a printer has been shared you can access it from other computers on the network. To do so:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers And Other Hardware.  
Click Add A Printer.
In the Add New Printer wizard, when asked whether the printer is a local or network printer, select the latter.
In the next screen, select the option to Browse For A Printer and click Next.
Select the APPROPRIATE printer from the list and continue with the wizard.

dl65  
load the drivers for it and then plug the beast in........I remember you.  

When you installed the printer software on both machines did you have the printer 'switched over' to each respective machine as you installed them?