If you attach a printer to a computer that is a member of a domain, you can share and publish that printer in Active Directory for others to access. In order for a printer to be published in Active Directory, it must first be shared. By publishing the printer, it becomes searchable based on its attributes such as features and location. Keep in mind though, that a shared printer does not need to be published in order to make it accessible to other users. They can easily connect to it using the net use command.

In Windows XP, you can share and publish a printer using the steps listed below:

1. Click Start and click Printers and Faxes

2. Right click the appropriate printer and click Properties.
3. Click the Sharing tab.
4. Click Share this printer and type in a descriptive share name.
5. Select the List In the Directory check box.
6. Click OK.