Monday, January 04, 2010

Driverless Network Printer on Windows 7

Sheesh, I spent like half an hour trying to add a network printer on my new Windows 7 machine. When I tried to add an HP Laserjet 1200 PCL5 printer, it said a driver couldn't be found, even though I saw Windows 7 had the driver when I tried to add it locally. This is how I ended up adding the printer (instructions were found at: http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/2726-printer-network-no-driver.html). You'll need some computer know-how, but it's not too tough. Essentially, you create a local printer, then change its settings to your network printer:

0. Go to "Devices and Printers" from the start menu.
1. Add Printer (click)
2. Choose local printer
3. Choose use existing port
4. If your network printer type is not listed, click windows update (requires internet).
5. Wait...
6. Check to see if your printer is now listed. If not, this guide won't work.
7. Choose newly listed printer.
8. Printer will then install.

And to now use your network printer...

1. Right click printer icon. Left click printer properties.
2. Click port tab.
3. Add new port. Local port
4. Type in address of shared printer ie \\Name or ip address of computer with attached shared printer\Shared printer name
5. Click general tab. Print test page. See if your test page printed.