How to Install a Network Printer
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Installation of a network printer provides multiple users in a network environment with a printing solution that substantially lowers the deployment cost of network clients compared to installing a printing device for every client machine connected. One key ingredient in using a network printer is that it must be physically accessible to all users and made available at all times for it to actually serve its intended purpose. The use of a network printer also eliminates the need for a host machine that will simultaneously be online to cater to the printing requirements of all network clients. This type of printing solution which is deployed similarly to a wireless printer in a wireless networking environment requires that the routes must be able to support the printer connection.
Materials Needed:- Router
- computer
- network printer
- Ethernet cable
- Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
- Internet connection
Step 1
To begin the installation of the network printer under the Microsoft Windows XP Operating System platform, take note of the manufacturer, model, and IP address of the printing device. These bits of information are commonly found on a sticker located either at the back or side panels of the hardware.
Step 2
Once these necessary data are in hand, click on the 'Start' button and select the 'Control Panel' option.
Step 3
In the succeeding window, select the 'Printers and Faxes' category and click on the 'Add Printer' icon.
Step 4
Click 'Next' in the window 'Add Printer Wizard' to begin the installation process.
Step 5
Choose 'Local Printer' from the option list and make sure that the option for the 'Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer' is not marked. Click 'Next' to continue with the rest of the setup process.
Step 6
Click the option 'Create a New Port'. Click the down arrow for the type of port and choose the option 'Standard TCP/IP' port. Click 'Next'.
Step 7
The wizard Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port will be displayed. Click 'Next' to continue with the process.
Step 8
Type the IP address of the network printer as defined by its manufacturer in the Printer Name or IP Address field box.
Step 9
The system will automatically generate a corresponding value for the Port Name once the IP address is correctly typed in. Never attempt to change the Port Name assigned by the system. Click on the 'Next' button to continue.
Step 10
The Operating System will scan the network to locate the installed network printer based on the inputted IP address. Make sure that the device is turned on. Click the 'Finish' button once the printer hardware has been located.
Step 11
In the Add Printer Wizard window, the Operating System will select the manufacturer and model of the printer detected. The user normally does not have to change this value. If the exact printer model is not present or there are more than one model available, choose the one with the PS in its model name.
Step 12
If the network printer does not appear altogether in the detected list of printers and manufacturers, click on the 'Windows Update' button to automatically download the correct software driver.
Step 13
When prompted to confirm to use existing drivers, choose the 'Keep existing driver' option and click on the 'Next' button to resume the setup process.
Step 14
A default printer name will be displayed under the Printer Name box. It is preferred that a more relevant name be used to properly identify its location and purpose. Select the 'Yes' option if you intend to use the device as the default printer. Click on the 'Next' button.