Printer Installation & Configuration
In past years printer installation has been quite complicated. Thanks to modern installation wizards, most printers can now be set up relatively easily. Since nowadays installation is largely automated, installation CDs or software are not required. The following text reveals how to install and configure a printer.
Checklist:
- Connect the printer to a power point
- Connect the printer to a computer/laptop (via USB, Ethernet, WLAN)
- Control panel > devices and printers > find printer
- If no suitable driver is found, an up to date printer driver must be downloaded from the manufacturer's website
- Individual settings can be selected under printer settings (control panel)
Printer Installation: How to prepare the hardware
Regardless which type of printer - inkjet, laser or multifunction device: Before a printer can be configuerd in an operating system, it must be properly connected to a corresponding end device. Firstly power supply to the printer must be established. With regard to data transmission, a distinction must be made between a connection via a USB cable or a wireless connection. Priners which don't provide for a WLAN connection are connected via a USB cable. Most printers have a USB type B socket, a special cable is required here, which should be included with the printer. Make sure that the plugs are correctly placed in the right sockets. Furthermore, the cable should be laid neatly so that it does not turn into a trip hazard or is accidentally rolled over by an office chair. WLAN printers must be connected to a router. It is important that the printer is located within range of the WLAN transmitter. For a secure connection, a WLAN key must be entered, which in most cases can be found on the back of the router.
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How to install Printer Software
As soon as a printer is connected to a computer or laptop, the operating system should recognize it as new hardware device and issue a corresponding message. Modern software such as Windows 10 automatically selects and downloades suitable drivers using the installation wizard. In this case, users only have to follow the instructions of the wizard and the printer can be installed within a few minutes. Older printer models and operating systems may not find a suitable driver, but this is by no means a reason to panic. A newly purchased printer usually comes with an installation disc with an up to date printer driver which can be installed manually. If the printer is a second hand device with missing drivers, a quick search on the Internet can help. Most printer manufacturers offer free driver downloads on their websites. If money is requested for the driver, it is most likely a dubious offer. For this reason, drivers should only be downloaded from a manufacturer's website or from renowned portals such as computer magazines.
Printer Configuration: Settings and verification
When you have successfully installed your printer, configuration is the next step. Normally printer software wich allows for various settings, is installed with the driver. Alternatively, adjustments to the printer settings can be made via system control. Essential settings, for example, are print quality, paper type and paper format. You can also choose whether the printer should print using all colors or in grayscale. Before printing a test page, you should check whether the printer cartridges are properly placed in the printer. The fill level of each individual cartridge can also be monitored for most printer models by using the printer software. The next step is to print a test page. Ideally, the test page should exactly match the specification shown on the computer screen. Depending on the printer model, it may be necessary to make some entries or adjustments during the test print. The installation wizard or the printer manual should provide further instructions.
Printer Installation Problems and their Causes
It can have various causes when you experience problems while setting up your printer. If the printer is not showing up in your control panel under "devices and printers", there is a high probability that the connection is faulty. When older printer models are used with new computers, it can happen that there is no longer a suitable driver available for the printer. In this case, the compatibility mode of Windows may help. If print quality is low, there is usually a problem with the printer cartridges. Cartridges of inkjet printers tend to dry out if they are not used for a longer period of time which can clog up the print head. Although cleaning the print head can solve the problem, in most cases only exchanging the cartridges will help. In addition, small things can fall into the paper feed and block mechanisms. Modern printers draw the user's attention to problems of this kind by displaying an error message.
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