How To Install a Network Printer on Windows 98
Level of difficulty: Easy
Memphis was the codename assigned to the Microsoft Windows 98 Operating System platform. It is the graphics-based successor of the Microsoft Windows 95 environment which also featured 16- and 32-bit computing support derived from the MS-DOS standards. The release of this Operating System also led to the introduction of the WDM (Windows Driver Model) as well as better and wider support for networked computing environments for home-based machines. The ease of use associated with the Microsoft Windows 98 platform was highlighted by its support for PnP (Plug and Play) technology. This allowed for simplified installation of attached devices like scanners and printers. Hardware installations were in most cases associated with a setup wizard. A setup wizard serves as walkthrough guide providing even the most novice computer user with the ability not only to install but also share any device connected to a client within a networked environment.
Materials Needed:- Computer connected to a network
- Printer
- Network Interface Card
- CD or DVD drive
- Printer driver
Step 1
To install and setup a network printer using the Microsoft Windows 98 Operating System platform, the user must first make sure that he has the necessary rights and privileges assigned to him by the network administrator.
Step 2
Assuming that the proper rights have been acquired, click on the Start button select Settings and choose the Printers option.
Step 3
This should bring up the Printers Control Panel window. Select the Add Printer option on the screen.
Step 4
The Add Printer Wizard should be displayed at this point. Click the Next button which will display a new window prompting the user whether the printer to be installed will be a Local or a Network Printer.
Step 5
Select the Network Printer option. At this point make sure that the printer to be installed in connected and powered on, otherwise, it will not be detected by the setup wizard. Click on the Next button to resume with the installation.
Step 6
The user will now be asked to locate the printer to be installed from within the network environment. Click the Browse button to allow the program to scan all available printers in the network.
Step 7
All network printers available will be displayed to the user. Usually, these printers are labeled depending on their model, location, or usage. An alternative is if you know the location of the printer within the network, then you can go directly to its location. Select the printer accordingly.
Step 8
Clicking the OK button will install the network printer in the appropriate computer system. The corresponding printer driver will be downloaded. If however the drivers are not present in the system, the setup will prompt for the device driver CD to be inserted into the optical media drive. Follow the prompts to complete the printer driver setup.
Step 9
Once all the necessary drivers have been installed into the machine, the wizard will display a screen asking the user whether this printer will be used as the default by the machine. Choose either the Yes or No option depending on your preference. Click on the Next button.
Step 10
A confirmation message will be displayed informing the user of the successful installation of the network printer. Reboot the machine and attempt to do a test print using the defined network printer.