Installing a Local Printer

In most cases, Windows 7 will detect and set up a printer that's directly attached to your computer with no help at all. In some cases, it won't do this, and you might have to help. This section will help you in this case. The procedures vary, depending on how the printer is connected to your computer:

• Parallel printer port
• USB
• Network, wireless, or Bluetooth
• Infrared
• Serial port

Here's the basic game plan, which works with most printers. First, you must be logged on using a Computer Administrator account. Just follow these steps:

1. Read the printer's installation instructions specific to Windows 7 or, if there are none, look for Windows Vista, XP, or 2000 instructions. You may be instructed to install software before connecting the printer to your computer for the first time. This is especially important if your printer connects via USB.
2. If the printer uses a cable, connect the printer to the appropriate port on your computer according to the printer manufacturer's instructions.
3. Locate the type of connection that your printer uses in the following list as directed:
   • Parallel port-Connect the printer to your computer's parallel port. Windows should detect and install the printer. If it doesn't, open the Devices and Printers window and select Add a Printer to start the wizard. Click Add a Local Printer. Select Use an Existing Port, and highlight the LPT port number that you used for the printer-this is usually LPT1. If Windows doesn't automatically detect your printer type, follow the steps in the next section, "If the Printer Isn't Found."
   • USB-Install any driver programs provided by your manufacturer, and then connect the printer's USB cable to your computer. Windows will detect it and automatically start the Add A Device wizard. Because USB is hot pluggable, you don't need to shut down or restart your computer. Simply follow the instructions onscreen to finish installing the printer.
   • Network, wireless, or Bluetooth-If your printer can be directly attached to your network, connect it, and then click Add a Printer in the Devices and Printers window. Select Add a Network, Wireless, or Bluetooth Printer. If Windows finds the printer, select it and click Next. Otherwise, click The Printer That I Want Isn't Listed, and click Next. Enter any required information as prompted.
     If you are using a wireless network or Bluetooth, be sure that your computer's wireless or Bluetooth adapter is turned on and enabled. On some laptops these are switched off by default to conserve power.
   • Infrared-Be sure your printer is turned on and within range of your computer's infrared eye. Also, make sure that your computer's infrared (IrDA) interface is turned on and enabled in software. Windows should detect the printer automatically and create an icon for it.
   • Serial port-Some antique laser and daisywheel printers use a serial data connection. (If you're still using one of these, I like you already.) The next section describes how to set up a serial printer.

If Windows can't automatically detect the make and model of your printer, it will ask you to assist in selecting the appropriate type. If you can't find your printer's make and model in the list of choices, see step 5 in the next section.