Troubleshooting guide

PRINTER SETUP PROCEDURES

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*NOTE: Parallel printer, Centronics, ports and cables have been out of use for many

years. Therefore, present day computers do not have parallel printer ports to connect to

these printers. The alternative, when the computer does not have a parallel printer port

and the printer does, is to purchase a conversion cable that converts the parallel cable to a

USB cable.

Let Windows Automatically Install The Printer Driver

Windows 7 can automatically install drivers for many devices with no intervention from

the user except to plug in the device to a USB port. To use this feature the computer must

be connected to the Internet. Then, plug in the device that you want to install and wait.

Windows will go to its internal device list or, if not there, to the Internet to get the latest

driver and install it. This is a good first option if the printer has never been installed on the

computer. If this fails, then use the method, below.

Manually Install the Printer Driver

If the printer driver needs to be installed on the print server computer do it now, following

the manufacturer’s instructions, and physically connect the printer. The computer will

recognize it. When done, print a test page, to assure it works properly.

The printer installation process will give the printer a generic name based on the printer

model. It is better to give the printer a unique name so it is easy to recognize. If you have

a network that has two HP 1022n printers installed, it will be much easier if they each

have a unique name rather than both being called “HP LaserJet 1022n” or whatever the

default name is. Names should be short and simple, e.g., LIBRARY, SENIOR CENTER

1, SENIOR CENTER 2, HP ROOM 12, or something similar.

Name the printer on the print server computer

Naming a Printer

1) Click on Start -> Devices and Printers

2) Right-click on the printer

3) Click on "Printer Properties"

4) Type the new name into the top line under “General Tab“

5) Click “OK” to finish the name change.

Put a label on the printer showing the name you gave it. (Don’t write the name on the printer

case with a marker pen; it’s almost impossible to get off without damaging the plastic).