Windows XP: Using a Printer

Lesson 15: Using a Printer

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Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

View installed printers or fax printers
Add a printer
Troubleshoot common printing problems

The Printers and Faxes folder

Windows XP stores any information about any printer or fax machines connected to your computer in a Printers and Faxes folder, making it easy to install, manage, and use printers and fax machines.

To view the Printers and Faxes folder:

Open the Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, choose Printers and Other Hardware.
The Printers and Other Hardware folder opens.
Under Pick A Task, choose View installed printer or fax printers or Add a printer.
The Printers and Faxes folder opens.
In the left pane, you'll see several helpful links.
In the right pane, you see a list of any printers or faxes that are installed on your machine.

Adding a printer

Adding a printer is simple using the Add Printer Wizard available in the Printers and Faxes folder.

Before trying to add a printer:

Make sure your printer is compatible with Windows XP. If you're buying a new printer, make sure to do your research before you make a purchase.
Get out your printer's manual or CD-ROM and read it.
Set up your printer, and attach it to your computer using a printer's cable and the correct port on your computer.

Note: Many of the latest plug-and-play printers connect through a USB port. If your printer falls into this category, you may not need the Add a Printer Wizard. If you must use the wizard and your printer isn't listed in the Windows XP list (which usually displays when you try to add a new printer), you may have to contact the printer manufacturer for a driver. When you get the driver, follow the Add a Printer instructions on your computer.

Having trouble printing?

Perhaps you've written a great report and want to share it with your boss. The problem is, you're having trouble printing it.

Try these troubleshooting techniques:

Take care of the basics. Make sure the printer is plugged in, turned on, and has paper in it.
Make sure the printer cable is properly connected to the printer and to the computer.
Check to see if there is a paper jam. Most printers have a flashing light to indicate a jam. Also, if the paper size selected differs from the one in the paper tray, you will not be able to print. To choose a paper size, select FilePage Setup. Click the Paper Size tab.
Check to see that the printer toner, cartridge, and ribbon are fresh and adequate. If not, printed documents may appear streaky, blotchy, or even blank.
Make sure the printer is switched to Online mode. There is usually a button on your printer's control panel. If it is switched to Offline mode, it will not print.
Make sure the computer knows what printer you are using. Check this by clicking StartControl PanelPrinters and Other HardwareView installed printers or fax printers. If an icon for your printer doesn't appear, try restarting your computer. If you printer still doesn't appear, you may need to add it. Click Add a Printer, then follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.

More printer troubleshooting tips

Because so many issues can affect your printer, you should also consider these problem-solving tips:

If you work in an office environment where several people share a printer, there may be a network problem. Contact your network support person.
If you can find the manual for your printer, read it to see if you can find a solution to the problem.
If your printer still doesn't work, go to the Help and Support Center. Under Pick a Help Topic, click Printing and Faxing, or enter the term "printer" into the Search box.
Open the Printing Troubleshooter. Answer the questions and follow the instructions so the computer can help you figure out what's wrong.