Reference number: CH000904

How do I connect Windows to a network printer?

Question:

How do I connect Windows to a network printer?

Answer:

Below are the steps required for connecting to a working printer on a network and print to it.

Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP

1. Open the Windows Control Panel
2. Double-click the "Printers" or "Printers and Faxes" icon.
3. Double-click the "Add a printer" icon.
4. Once in the Printer Wizard click the Next button to get started.
5. Select either "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer" or "Network Printer" and click Next. This option is different in Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
6. Type the name of the printer's network address. This will be the name of the computer and then the name of the printer. For example, if the computer on our network was called "hope" and our printer was called "hp" the network path for our printer would be: "\\hope\hp", if you are adding the printer on a Microsoft Windows XP computer you can click the Browse icon to browse your network and locate the printer. If you're unable to connect to the printer or browse and see the printer make sure you have the network rights and that any installed firewall is temporarily disabled.
7. Once the path has been typed in click Next.
8. If the printer was located over the network Windows should either install the printer or you may be required to install the drivers for that printer on the computer before completing the installation. If you no longer have the software or drivers for your printer you can locate the drivers for your printer through our printers driver section.

Microsoft Windows 95, 98, or ME

1. Open the Windows Control Panel
2. Double-click Printers
3. Double-click the "Add a printer" icon.
4. Click Next to start the Add a printer wizard.
5. Select Network Printer and click Next.
6. Type the network name of the printer. This will be the name of the computer and then the name of the printer. For example, if the computer on our network was called "hope" and our printer was called "hp" the network path for our printer would be: "\\hope\hp", or click the browse icon to browse to the location of the printer. If you're unable to connect to the printer or browse and see the printer make sure you have the network rights and that any installed firewall is temporarily disabled.
7. If the printer was located over the network Windows should either install the printer or you may be required to install the drivers for that printer on the computer before completing the installation. If you no longer have the software or drivers for your printer you can locate the drivers for your printer through our printers driver section.

Additional information:

• Additional information about setting up and sharing a printer on a network can be found on document CH000710.