Install a Printer in Vista

1. Read the instructions that came with the printer. Some printers require that you install software before connecting them, but others can be connected right away.

2. Turn on your computer and then follow the option that fits your needs:

• If your printer is a Plug and Play device, connect it; Windows Vista installs what it needs automatically.

• Insert the disk/c that came with the device and follow the onscreen instructions.

• Choose Start➪Control Panel➪Printer (under the Hardware and Sound category); in the window that appears, click Add A Printer. If this is the option that you’re following, proceed to the next step in this list.

3. If you choose the third option in Step 2, in the Add Printer Wizard, click the Add a Local Printer option.

4. In the resulting wizard window , click the down arrow on the Use an existing port field and select a port, or just use the recommended port setting that Windows selects for you. Click Next.

5. In the next wizard window (Install the Printer Driver dialog box; see Figure 10-3), choose a manufacturer and then choose a printer. You then have two options:

• If you have the manufacturer’s disc, insert it in the appropriate CD drive now and click the Have Disk button. Click Next.

• If you don’t have the manufacturer’s disc, click the Windows Update button to see a list of printer drivers that you can download from Microsoft’s Web site. Click Next.

6. In the resulting Type a Printer Name dialog box, enter a printer name. If you don’t want this to be your default printer, clear the Make This My Default Printer option. Click Next.

7. In the resulting dialog box, click Finish to complete the Add Printer Wizard.

If your computer is on a network, you get an additional dialog box in the wizard right after you name the printer. Select the Do Not Share This Printer option to stop others from using the printer, or you can select the Share Name option and enter a printer name to share the printer on your network. This means that others can see and select this printer to print to.