Connecting a Windows 2000/XP computer to a Network Printer

By Ross Madden
Published on January 1, 2012 9:03 am MT
Updated on January 27, 2021 7:45 am MT
Posted in Knowledge Base, Printing

First, let me first explain that both of these Operating Systems are no longer supported, and should not be plugged in to the Internet.  They are no longer receiving patches and for the good of the data contained on these machines, you should be upgrading.  Please review the following information (https://cnsit.colostate.edu/kb/windows-xp-office-2003-end-of-microsoft-support) and get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

The following directions will instruct you on how to connect a Windows 2000/XP computer to a network printer. A network printer is a printer that connects directly to the Internet via an Ethernet cable; it does not connect directly to another computer. In order to set up and print to a network printer, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

First, please refer to the following page so that you can be sure to get the proper information about the printer you are about to connect to:
https://cnsit.colostate.edu/kb/printer

1. Open Printers and Faxes

2. Under Printer Tasks, click Add a printer to open the Add Printer Wizard, and then click Next.

3. Click Local printer or stand-alone network printer, clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer check box, and then click Next.

4. Click Create a new port, and then click Standard TCP/IP Port.

5. Click Next to run the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard, click Next again.

6. Enter the IP address you got above to the “File Name or IP Address” box, the “Port Name” box will automatically fill in, click Next. Now, click Finish to complete the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard.

7. You will now be taken back to a screen in the Add Printer Wizard where you will specify the model of Printer. First, select the Company name in the left and then the model in the right. If you do not see an exact match, select something that is similar enough – drivers are often universal between similar models. (You may also need to visit the manufacturer’s web site for the printer in order to download and install the correct driver – you may also use the CD that came with the printer at this stage).  Click Next.

8. The next few options are arbitrary. It is recommended that you do not share your printer and it is also recommended that you print a test page to make sure the printer is working properly. Click Next and Finish until the Wizard completes.

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