Introduction
In today's business environment, having a reliable and robust print infrastructure is crucial for maintaining productivity and ensuring business continuity. One common setup includes an HP or Xerox Multi-Function Device (MFD) connected to a computer via a USB cable. However, if your system crashes or you need to replace your computer, you might lose the USB port that was associated with the MFD, causing disruption to your workflow.
Prerequisites
- A working Windows 10 system with at least one available USB port
- An HP or Xerox MFD connected to the system via a USB cable
Creating New Virtual USB Ports
To create a new virtual USB port in Windows 10, you can use a third-party tool called "VirtualHere" (https://www.virtualhere.com/). This software allows you to share a USB device over the network, making it accessible from another computer.
Installing VirtualHere
Follow these steps to install VirtualHere:
- Download and install VirtualHere on the computer with the MFD connected to it (https://www.virtualhere.com/download.php)
- Install the VirtualHere server on the computer that needs access to the MFD (https://www.virtualhere.com/server.php)
Configuring VirtualHere
After installing VirtualHere, follow these steps to configure it:
- Open the VirtualHere server application on the computer that needs access to the MFD
- Connect to the computer with the MFD using its IP address or hostname
- Select the USB device you want to share and click "Start Sharing"
Connecting to the Shared USB Device
Now that the USB device is being shared over the network, you can connect to it from another computer:
- Install the VirtualHere client on the computer that needs to access the MFD (https://www.virtualhere.com/client.php)
- Connect to the VirtualHere server using its IP address or hostname and the credentials you used when installing the server
- Select the shared USB device and click "Connect"
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while creating new virtual USB ports, consider the following:
- Ensure both computers are connected to the same network
- Check the VirtualHere server and client logs for error messages
- Make sure the USB device is properly connected to the source computer
By creating new virtual USB ports using VirtualHere, you can maintain business continuity even if you lose a physical USB port. This process involves installing and configuring VirtualHere on both the source and target computers, and then sharing the USB device over the network. If you encounter any issues, consult the VirtualHere documentation or contact their support team for assistance.