Can I network print from Mac OS 8.0 to PC printer, specifically Dell running windows XP? Also can I upgrade OS without losing everything on the hard drive?

As for upgrading, yes, you will not loose anything on the drive except the operating system components that get replaced, but depending on how high you upgrade you may need updates or upgrades to your software. As for the printing, we need more details, what pronter make and model, is it TCP/IP and does it have a static IP for the printer, are you staying on MacOS 8, going to 9 or X? As much detail as you can provide, but it should be possible.

Its a Dell Printer Personal All-In-One Printer A940 which is USB connected to a Dell PC so no it does not have its own IP address. Both are connected to the network through a router. As for the upgrade, probably from Os 8.0 to OS 9

OK, on the Mac there is a thing called USB Printer Sharing in MacOS 9.1 and higher (Maybe it was 8.6, not sure off the top of my head) Look and see if Windows has a simular feature, if it does then you "SHOULD" be able to share it, although I doubt there are any MacOS drivers for the Dell for a Mac, so you would have to use some generic or commercial print drivers. There is a piece of software/hardware combination product that allows Mac's to use a PC only printer, http://keyspan.com/products/homepage-All.spml Not sure if this will work with a Dell or not, USB is USB though so there has to be a way. Your biggest issue is if there is a MacOS driver. Dell most likely does not actually make the printer, so it maybe an Epson in a Dell branded box, find out what exact model is under the hood and then look at that manufaturers site, if they have a MacOS driver you are in there. Also at that point, just hook the printer to the Mac and use USB Print Sharing from the Mac and you should be able to print via the network.