How to find the share name and path to a network printer

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Sometimes you need to find the name and network location of a shared printer so you can copy a file to it or connect a locally installed printer driver to it.

Network printer names are a combination of the name of the server (computer) they're attached to and the "share" name of the printer (the name an administrator gave the printer when it was created and shared). The name looks like this:

\\server-name\printer-name

For example, we have an HP LaserJet 4V named LJ4V shared from a server called Boss. The printer's network name is:

\\boss\lj4v

Here's how you can learn the network names of the printers on your network:

Try PowerPoint or another app

Sometimes the network printer name appears in the Print dialog when you print from an application. If so, it's very easy to find:

• Choose File, Print
• Select the printer by name
• Look below the printer selection box. The network name may be to the right of "Where:" or "Location:"

If nothing appears there, click Find Printers and see if you can browse to the printer you want.

Use System Info

• Start PowerPoint
• From the main menu bar, choose Help, About Microsoft PowerPoint
• Click System Information; the System Information window appears
• Click the + next to Components
• Click the Printing folder
• You'll find the network name of the printer under "Port Name"

Note: you can also start System Info using Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information

Use the NET command

Sometimes the simplest, fastest way is to use good ol' DOS:

• Open a command prompt window (choose Start, Run; type CMD then click OK)
• In the command prompt window, type NET VIEW
• That gives you a list of computers on your network. Note the name of the one that your printer's connected to.
• Next, type NET VIEW \\server-name (substitute the name of the computer you chose above for "server-name")
• That gives you a list of the resources shared by that computer; your printer's name should be on the list

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