Is it possible to set up an XP network to queue print jobs locally if the network printer is offline?

Please excuse me if this is a stupid question, I'm not that techy minded.

I have recently set up a small home network consisting of 2 desktop PCs and occasionally 2 laptops. One of the desktops has a printer connected which is accesible via the network.

My problem is that the two desktops are at opposite ends of the house, and they are not always both switched on. When I print from any of the machines without printers, and the printer host is not switched on, I want the print job to be queued locally until such time as it is able to print, rather than produce a "Windows cannot print due to a problem with the current printer setup" error.

Is there a way to configure my system to do this, or are there any low cost applications that will handle it. After a search through Google I've only been able to find software aimed at corporate networks with all the bells and whistles and a price tag to match!

I'm running XP (combination of home and pro on different machines, but soon to be all pro), networked through a router. Printer is an Epson Stylus Photo 850 with Epson Staus Manager 3 installed. I can supply additional info if required,

I'd really appreciate any information on whether this is possible or not. Thanks.

D-Link Fast Ethernet Print Server, Model DP-301P+ - Retail $56.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-127-043&depa=0

This will allow you to unattach the printer from the pc and hook it up to your router.

No, it's not possible to print to a PC's locally installed printer if the PC is switched off. Like Steve says, get a print server for this. You will need an extra port in your switch/hub to accomodate it too.

Ok tha

Ok, thanks for the info, and sorry for delay in responding but I havn't had much time to check my messages recently. That looks like a very workable solution.

Alternativly is there anyway I can store the print job on the PC I'm working on until such time as the PC with installed printer is switched on. At the moment, after switching on the printer host, I use Remote Desktop to access the other PC and click print. This works fine but if there is any way to automate the process it would make life easier when working on several separate projects.

Thanks in anticipation.